STAYCATION SERIES: Liverpool
Since the pandemic, rather than taking our travels abroad, many of us have been appreciating what the UK has to offer. So we’ve put together a STAY-cation series to help you find the best places in the UK to get away for some kind of break this year.
Location: Liverpool
Type of Staycation: City break
Best places to stay:
City Centre
There is plenty of choice for hotels and apartments to rent in the city centre if you want to be right where all the action takes place! I’d recommend Seel Street Hotel by EPIC if you like to be right in the midst of it.
Albert Dock
Located pretty central, Albert Dock has plenty of apartments and one or two more expensive hotels if your budget can stretch to them. The views are incredible!
Aigburth/Lark Lane
If you want to stay out of the city, Aigburth/Lark Lane area is very close to Sefton Park and a nice area with restaurants and pubs. Only about 20 min by bus, 10/15 min by car, and 10 min by train.
Things to do:
There are so many things you can do in Liverpool! But let’s start with food and drinks.
Liverpool is home to many independent restaurants and bars. And the list of places is endless. From Indian and Italian to Vietnamese and many others, the list is endless. Visit Independent Liverpool for a list of places. My favourites have to be Crust and Mowgli.
Places to visit:
The Royal Docks
The Docks are a must-see place to visit. Starting from Kings Dock, to the Pier Head, there’s so much history! My favourite building (the Liver Building) is part of what is called “The Three Graces”. They consist of the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building and are all part of Liverpool’s UNESCO World Heritage site. My favourite view has to be from the Kings Dock. I just love the mix of new and old architecture.
The docks are also home to the Maritime and Slavery Museum. As you might know, Liverpool was very involved in the Slave trade. The museum is free and it’s a great way of learning more about the history of slavery (double-check their website before hand to check when they open).
Liverpool One
If you want to get some shopping done, L1 is the place. Here’s where you can find all the high street shops we all love. There are quite a few shops, so if you like shopping, you’re in for a treat.
The Bombed Out Church
St Luke’s, or the Bombed Out Church, as everybody calls it, was heavily bombed during the Blitz, but the main structure survived! It’s now a memorial to those that have died in the war. A bar has just opened in the garden so there’s a great excuse to visit.
Georgian Quarter
The Georgian Quarter sits at the top of the city. Here you can find loads of pretty buildings that are great for a photoshoot. If you want somewhere to eat, there’s plenty of fancy places on Hope Street such as The London Carriage Works and one of the city’s favourites, The Florist!
The Cathedrals
Liverpool is also home to two Cathedrals: The Liverpool Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral, located at the opposite ends of Hope Street and both couldn’t be any more different in terms of design. The Tower Experience at the Liverpool Cathedral has the best 360 views of the entire city!
Baltic Triangle
When I moved to Liverpool, the baltic area was a bit of a dump. It was run down, and there were only a few garages over there. Fast forward 8 years, and it’s now one of the “coolest” places in town! Just a 15-min walk from the city centre, here you can find music venues, food market, office spaces, mini-golf and a vintage market. It’s also home to the Baltic Market – a food market where you can get good grub. I’d also highly recommend Birdies on a hot summer’s day, the outdoor seating area makes you feel like you’re on holiday and the cocktails are amazing! Finally, make sure you try the desserts from Midnight Delivery. I promise you won’t regret it.
Lark Lane
Lark Lane is just a 15 min drive from the city centre, and it’s one of the nicest places to drink and eat out of town. A street full of independents, you have plenty of places with good food. My favourites are Nonno’s, Milo Lounge and Love and Rockets. At the end of the road, you have Sefton Park, the biggest park in South Liverpool. It’s great for a walk or even to sit by the boating lake to enjoy some sun rays. If you visit, make sure you stop for a coffee at the Palm House.
3 fun facts about Liverpool:
1. The Royal Liver Building has 2 Liver birds, each one facing opposite directions to protect the city.
2. It’s the home to the longest established Chinese community in Europe and the oldest black community in the UK.
3. It’s the second most filmed city in the UK. Harry Potter, Peaky Blinders and Sherlock Holmes are some of the many filmed here.
