Introduction
Often, when people think of travelling to the UK, their focus revolves squarely around London. Contrary to popular belief, there are other places in the UK that you can post on Instagram, believe it or not. Although the UK is a comparatively small place to travel, at least compared to countries like the US and Australia, there are so many microcosms of culture, colloquialisms and notable artefacts and heritage sites that may go overlooked.
Some people can live in a city for their whole lives and are unaware of what the city offers from a tourism perspective. We’re not accusing Scousers of that – they’re a proud city and one of the friendliest, and they know their city better than anybody – we thoroughly enjoyed our time there, and here are the top five things to do when you find yourself in Liverpool.
#1 – Take A Walk Down The Albert Dock
Until recently, the Albert Dock in Liverpool was considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bolstered by funds from the EU Development Fund when the city was awarded the Capital Of Culture status back in 2008, the Albert Dock has gone from one of the most rundown areas of north-west England to a destination littered with incredible restaurants, bars, entertainment and casinos.
With its favourable approach to gambling, there is no shortage of casinos across the UK where you can play casino classics like blackjack. Although we imagine you’re looking for more out of your Liverpool trip than to play a game of blackjack, especially when millions of people now play blackjack for real money online instead, it’s just one element of the world-class entertainment on offer on Liverpool’s waterfront.Â
#2 – Goodison Park Tour
Although Manchester recently took this mantle back from Liverpool, there was a time in the 1980s when Liverpool and Everton FC were the titans of English football. The Blues might not be as well-known internationally as Liverpool, nor do they attract as many fans from overseas as their rivals across Stanley Park – but given that Goodison Park is a 5 minute walk away from Anfield – why not see what one of the oldest grounds in England has to offer.
You don’t have long, though. Everton are set to play their last game at Goodison Park in May 2025 before they move to their new stadium.Â
#3 – Anfield – The Home Of LFC
According to Trip Advisor, Anfield is Liverpool’s number one tourist attraction. While many Beatles fans will be upset at such news, it shows how well-marketed and popular Liverpool FC are to their international fans.
Although during our time in Liverpool, we encountered more Evertonians than Liverpool fans, the majority of Liverpool’s fanbase primarily comes from Ireland (which, for the record, has beautiful tourist spots of its own and is not far from Liverpool) as well as Scandinavian countries, the USA, and parts of Asia. They’re the reason the Reds are a global club. Fans travel from all over the world and are more than happy to take the trip to do a stadium tour to see what one of the English soccer giants has to offer.
#4 – John Lennon’s Home
There are plenty of Beatles tours that cover the homes of every Beatle, with the exception of Ringo Starr’s childhood home, which has now been knocked down. However, only McCartney’s and Lennon’s have been preserved as national heritage sites.
While you have to pay a little bit extra to go in and see what the home would’ve been like and the home Lennon would’ve lived in before The Beatles achieved global fame. Despite splitting up over 50 years ago – the AI-generated release of their unfinished song at the end of 2023 became the fastest-selling vinyl of this century – and if you want to know where it all began, we’d recommend checking out John’s and Paul’s houses, which are often covered as part of the same tour.Â
#5 – The Cavern Club
Sticking to The Beatles theme – if you want a real taste of what Liverpool and Merseybeat were all about, take a trip down the long spiral staircase into the bowels of The Cavern. Now, disclaimer here: this isn’t the same club that the Fab Four played at all those years ago, that was knocked down by a short-sighted council, but don’t worry, Paul has played at the new Cavern, so it has had a Beatle on the stage.
Whenever you decide to go to Liverpool, you’ll be treated to live music at The Cavern. Usually, Beatles covers, surprisingly. Many tourists believe this is a trap and a cheap way for the brand to cash in on the immeasurable fortunes that The Beatles have brought to the city.
Final Thoughts
Football and music are the pillars of Liverpool’s tourist offerings, but we’d recommend exploring other elements, too, such as their museums and art galleries.
Also, don’t forget beautiful historic cities like Chester are just a 30-minute drive away. As far as UK tourism is concerned, Liverpool is a hidden gem with attractions that can rival any European city. Oh, and the beer is cheaper in Liverpool than it is in London, too.