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Places
Of Interest in Liverpool |
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Liverpool is undoubtedly
a sightseers dream, with its unique mix of historic buildings,
museums, art galleries, fabulous docklands, and a few
extra treats on the outskirts of town.
In fact there’s so much to see that it would be
very easy to miss one of the city’s main attractions.
So sit back, relax and let us help you out, with our guide
to Liverpool’s best places of interest.
With Liverpool’s connection to the Beatles, it’s
no surprise that there are plenty of places to relive
Beatlemania, including the Beatles Story Exhibition
Experience [map] and the Magical Mystery Tour, which takes you around
the Fab Four’s schools, birthplaces and childhood
homes.
If it’s history you’re interested in, then
why not sample one of the city’s many museums,
including the Merseyside Maritime Museum [map] and the Museum of Liverpool Life [map].
All the museums offer a great insight into how Liverpudlians
lived long before the days of the Beatles, and in the
years that followed their rise to fame.
For those wanting to catch a glimpse of Liverpool’s
splendid architecture, head along to one of the many historic
buildings, which will leave you in no doubt why this city
has been named the European Capital of Culture
2008.
Frequently referred to as Britain's most ‘awe-inspiring’
cathedral, Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral [map] took 83 years to complete. Situated on St James’
Mount and designed by architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott,
it is the biggest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest
in the world.
King Edward VII performed the tradition of the laying
of the foundation stone at the catheral on July 19th,
1904, but the building was not entirely completed until
1987. The cathedral is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm,
and entry is free, although donations are gratefully accepted.
Liverpool’s other cathedral, the Metropolitan
Roman Catholic Cathedral [map], is less than ten minutes walk away from the Anglican one.
With its unique design by Sir Frederick Gibberd,
the cathedral opened in 1967 and its tower holds the world's
largest stained glass window. It is open daily from 8:00am
to 6:00pm.
Another of Liverpool’s most prominent historical
buildings is the majestic Liver Building [map] with its 18ft high Liver Birds perched on top. The building
opened in 1911 as the headquarters of the Royal Liver
Friendly Society, and its clock faces are the biggest
in Britain – 30 inches wider than Big Ben in London.
You can arrange a guided tour of the building by calling
0151 236 2748.
One of the oldest and most beautiful displays of architecture
in Liverpool is the Town Hall [map],
a Grade I listed building with fine staterooms, crystal
chandeliers and priceless paintings. Its breathtaking
interior now provides a unique setting for a wide range
of events and functions, such as weddings, parties and
conferences.
After the Beatles, Liverpool’s second most famous
attribute is probably the stunning Albert Dock [map],
which has recently been restored to its original Victorian
splendour. It is named after Queen Victoria's husband
Prince Albert who opened the dock in 1846, and it now
provides a wonderful setting for a gentle stroll by the
water, a friendly drink or a slap up meal.
Today it is home to the largest group of Grade I listed
buildings in Britain, as well as being home to many of
the city’s top attractions including the Tate
Gallery, Beatles Story, and
the Maritime Museum.
To take a closer look at Liverpool’s wonderful waterways
why not take a ‘Ferry Cross The Mersey’.
A ferry trip across the River Mersey undoubtedly
gives visitors the best view of the Liverpool waterfront,
and its historic buildings. The 50 minute heritage cruise
sails on the hour from the Pier Head on weekdays from
10:00am to 3:00pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am
to 6:00pm.
Just outside the city centre you’ll find plenty
more places of interest including Palm House and the Williamson
Tunnels.
Located in Sefton Park, the Victorian botanical showpiece Palm House [map] has plants from around the world, along with statues of
explorers and naturalists, such as Columbus and Darwin, designed by Leon-Joseph Charalliand.
The Williamson Tunnels [map],
on the other hand, are situated deep underneath the district
of Edge Hill about a mile from the city centre. They were
built between 1805 and 1840 after businessman Joseph Williamson
paid thousands of men to dig the maze of tunnels, although
no-one really knows the reason why. Certain parts of the
tunnels have been open to the public since September 2002,
following a long excavation and renovation project by
local volunteers.
Heading out to further afield you can meet a wonderful
array of animals at Knowsley Safari Park and Chester Zoo.
While for fish and shark lovers there’s the Blue
Planet Aquarium.
It’s hard to believe but just eight miles from the
centre of Liverpool, there are lions, tigers, buffalo,
zebras, elephants and rhinos roaming fairly freely at
Knowseley which you'll see during your five-mile drive
around Knowsley Safari Park [map].
You’re also likely to experience monkeys bounding
over your car as well as camels and ostriches nuzzling
up to your window. There is also a reptile house, sea
lion and parrot show, as well as an amusement park.
Chester Zoo [map] is one of the best zoos in Europe and is only a 40-minute
drive from Liverpool city centre. Here you can meet around
5,000 animals including giraffes, elephants, tigers, coatis,
rhinos, jaguars, snakes, monkeys, orang-utans and penguins.
Not far from the zoo you’ll find the Blue Planet
Aquarium [map] in Ellesmere Port, which has a wide range of tropical
fish, turtles, stingrays and 10 different species of shark.
If you want to comment on our choices or recommend somewhere,
why not use our What
You Recommend form to let us know. |
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