Summary
The attractions in Liverpool and the metropolitan county of Merseyside may not immediately captivate the onlooker; however, a deeper exploration reveals an array of charms that will undoubtedly enchant you.
This includes the historic warehouses at Albert Dock, which once housed exotic merchandise from the British Empire, as well as the elegant town of Southport, which purportedly inspired Napoleon III to create the boulevards in Paris.
Prestigious golf courses such as Royal Birkdale, quaint model villages like Port Sunlight, and stunning coastal views offer experiences that invigorate the senses.
The Beatles trail is another highlight, leading you to the childhood residences and frequented venues of legendary figures John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison.
Let’s delve into the notable destinations to explore in Merseyside:
1. Liverpool
The city center has undergone significant revitalization over the past decade, evidenced by Liverpool One, an upscale district filled with shops, accommodations, and dining establishments.
Nearby on Matthew Street lies the iconic Cavern Club, where the Beatles cultivated their early reputation with over 300 performances—surpassing any other UK venue. The remarkable St. George’s Hall showcases stunning architecture, while the monumental Liverpool Cathedral, constructed in the early 1900s, and the Walker Art Gallery, which rivals any art museum outside of London—featuring works from Degas, Rembrandt, Hockney, and Freud, are must-visit sites. Additionally, no visit would be complete without mentioning Anfield Stadium, home to England’s most successful football team.
2. Liverpool Waterfront
The River Mersey is essential to Liverpool’s identity, with numerous attractions located along the UNESCO-listed waterfront.
Begin your experience by taking the renowned ferry across the Mersey from Pier Head to Woodside in Birkenhead, affording picturesque views of Liverpool’s distinctive skyline.
Numerous museums are situated here, including The Beatles Story, Tate Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and the International Slavery Museum, all located in historic warehouses at Albert Dock, while the Museum of Liverpool presents a more contemporary experience.
Moreover, be sure to observe the iconic Liver Building, which stands alongside the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building as a symbol of the city.
3. Southport
Few English seaside resorts exhibit the vitality found in Southport, characterized by the quintessential amenities of a Victorian holiday destination.
The area boasts an amusement arcade, pleasure park, and the expansive Ainsdale beach, complemented by local shopping options.
Southport is home to the second-longest pleasure pier in the British Isles, stretching over a kilometer, complete with a modern glass pavilion at its end.
The picturesque Lord Street, the main shopping avenue, enchants visitors with its canopied shops and the opulent Wayfarers Arcade.
Notably, Napoleon III spent his final years of exile here in the 1840s before returning to lead France’s Second Empire.
4. Crosby
The beach at Crosby is best appreciated from the grassy foreshore, as swimming is prohibited due to fluctuating tides.
Nonetheless, spend some time here to view Anthony Gormley’s art installation, Another Place, which features 100 life-sized cast iron figures, each weighing 650 kg, spread out across the beach.
The figures create a dramatic scene particularly at sunset, making it an ideal photo opportunity. Also noteworthy is the presence of Georgian and Victorian architecture throughout the town, along with an interesting local fact: Captain Edward Smith of the Titanic once resided on Marine Terrace.
5. Birkenhead
You may find more to explore in Birkenhead than just catching a glimpse of Liverpool’s skyline from the ferry.
The Lady Lever Art Gallery is among the region’s finest museums, showcasing an extensive collection of Victorian art, particularly from the Pre-Raphaelites, as well as an assortment of Wedgwood china, vases, and sculptures from Ancient Greece and Rome.
Additionally, the 12th-century Birkenhead Priory is the oldest structure still standing in Merseyside, and at the Wirral Transport Museum, vintage buses and trams gathered from across the region are on display. Visitors can also ride the heritage tramway originating from this former tram depot.
6. Port Sunlight
A prime example of 19th-century urban planning, Port Sunlight is a model village constructed on formerly vacant marshy land to the south of the Mersey.
The 800 houses within this estate were designed for employees of a factory owned by the Lever Brothers, with the name “Sunlight” referring to the soap brand manufactured there.
Approximately 30 architects collaborated on this ambitious project, and Port Sunlight reflects a humane approach to worker welfare prevalent at the turn of the century, incorporating lush green spaces, places of worship, and recreational facilities.
Visitors can learn about William Hesketh Lever, the visionary behind the village, at the local museum, where they can also view some of the innovative concepts that were never actualized.
7. Formby
In a metropolitan region like Merseyside, finding areas of unspoiled nature can be challenging.
Yet, Formby offers expansive sandy beaches bordered by sand dunes resembling miniature mountain ranges, all located just minutes away from downtown Liverpool. This proximity attracts joggers, cyclists, and dog-walkers seeking fresh sea air and expansive landscapes.
It is no surprise that Formby is favored by Liverpool’s affluent professionals, with many footballers from Liverpool and Everton residing nearby.
Golf enthusiasts have several coastal links courses to choose from, including Royal Birkdale, Hillside, West Lancashire, and Formby Golf Club.
8. West Kirby
The expansive sandflats along the Irish Sea can present challenges for swimming; however, West Kirby features a man-made marine lake replenished by the sea.
This location offers remarkable panoramas, with water enveloping three sides at the western tip of the Wirral Peninsula.
If summer heats up, this is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim, while consistent breezes attract windsurfers and sailors venturing further out to sea.
On terra firma, West Kirby boasts a population of affluent residents, lush parks, the Royal Liverpool Golf Club, and streets lined with restaurants and independent shops including butchers, delicatessens, and florists.
9. New Brighton
Located on the northeastern edge of the Wirral Peninsula, New Brighton is a coastal resort that gained prominence in the 1800s but experienced a decline in the 20th century.
While a massive iron tower, larger than Blackpool’s, once stood here, it was dismantled following the First World War.
What remains, however, is a wealth of charming Victorian architecture, including Fort Perch Rock, a coastal battery built in 1825, and the majestic New Brighton Lighthouse, also constructed in 1825. The timeless sandy beaches along the Irish Sea offer ideal retreats on sunny July and August afternoons, complemented by engaging activities such as crazy golf, children’s play areas, and the popular Floral Pavilion Theatre.
10. Canning
Known as the Georgian Quarter, Canning is a quaint area located just east of the cathedral, historically inhabited by the city’s affluent industrialists during the 18th and 19th centuries.
The district features wide streets lined with stunning flat-fronted residences, some reaching five stories, alongside charming cottages adorned with rose gardens.
Present-day Canning might seem surprising, as these magnificent homes were in disrepair during the 70s and 80s before rejuvenating with Liverpool’s resurgence.
Wandering through the enclosed gardens at Falkner Square may evoke feelings reminiscent of Bath or Cheltenham.
11. St Helens
St Helens is an active town with deep industrial roots, having supported a diverse range of industries during the 18th and 19th centuries, including cotton weaving, coal mining, glassmaking, and copper-smelting, alongside other mineral and limestone extraction operations.
The legacy of this era can be observed at attractions such as the World of Glass, where visitors can explore a historic kiln showcasing vintage local glassware and even engage in glass-blowing activities.
Rugby is particularly popular in the northern region; St Helens boasts one of England’s premier teams, the St Helens RFC, which has claimed the Rugby League Championship title 13 times and competes at Langtree Park Stadium throughout the spring and summer months.
12. Thurstaton
Located just south of West Kirby, Thurstaton is yet another spot on the Wirral Peninsula that embodies the essence of open countryside.
Wirral Country Park offers a harmonious blend of sandy beaches suitable for swimming along with mature woods and heathland, featuring trail systems bordered by 20-meter high boulder clay cliffs.
From the Dee Cliffs, visitors can witness breathtaking sunsets and gaze across the Dee River towards the Clwydian Range in northeast Wales.
Children will enjoy a trip to Church Farm Park, which transforms traditional farmyard experiences into an engaging mini-theme park, complete with tractor rides and enclosures for chickens, goats, alpacas, cows, and sheep.
13. Woolton
For dedicated Beatles enthusiasts, Woolton presents an opportunity to trace significant moments in pop history within this affluent southeastern suburb.
To those unfamiliar, many of the sights may appear unremarkable; however, to aficionados, they stand as indispensable landmarks. The significance of St. Peter’s Church, where Eleanor Rigby rests and where John Lennon and Paul McCartney first met in 1957, cannot be overstated. Additionally, Strawberry Field, which used to be a Salvation Army estate where Lennon attended annual garden parties, holds its own allure.
Lastly, John Lennon’s childhood residence, located at 251 Menlove Avenue (known as Mendips), was acquired by Yoko Ono and transferred to the National Trust; it has since been restored to reflect its 1950s appearance as of 2003.
14. Allerton
If you’ve journeyed this far, it would be remiss not to visit the childhood homes of the remaining two founding members of the Beatles.
Allerton, located south of Woolton, exudes a cozy, middle-class atmosphere. Calderstones Park features gentle greenery with a botanic garden adjacent to Calderstones House, an elegant neoclassical mansion dating back to the Regency Era.
Additionally, in the pursuit of Beatles history, Paul McCartney’s childhood home can be found at 20 Forthlin Road, while slightly closer to the city center in Wavertree lies the house where George Harrison was born in 1943 and lived until 1950, located at 12 Arnold Grove.
15. Prescot
Located just a short distance east of Liverpool, Prescot is a small outer suburb bordered by the grounds of Knowsley Hall.
This 18th-century stately home has been inherited by the Earls of Derby, though a hunting lodge has existed in this location since medieval times.
Today, Knowsley Hall is available for hire for special events, while the sprawling ten-square-kilometer grounds are home to one of Merseyside’s most popular animal attractions.
Knowsley Safari Park originated from the Earl of Derby’s menagerie and now features various animals, including rhinos, elephants, tapirs, and baboons housed in smaller enclosures, as well as numerous species from Siberian tigers to African wild dogs in semi-captive conditions across seven distinct zones at the Safari Drive.
