*This is a sponsored post in collaboration with RWinvest
Liverpool is one of my favourite places in the UK. I lived there for three memorable years when I was a student at the university and have been back several times since.
What with 2020 being the year of the UK holiday, I’ve been asked to recommend a few of my top picks for things to do in Liverpool this year.
Thankfully it looks like the city is pretty much open as usual, with plenty going on. So pack a mask and your best walking shoes and away we go.
Starting with, of course…
Take a Beatles walk
There are so many Beatles-related sites in Liverpool, you could probably take several days at this. From Mathew Street in the city centre (site of the original Cavern Club) to the gates of Strawberry Fields and the bustle of Penny Lane, it’s still a real thrill to trace the music back to the site of its origins.
The childhood homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon have been restored by the National Trust, but alas they’re closed at the moment so put them on your list for next time.
Take to the docks
When I lived in Liverpool the big excitement about the Albert Dock was that the TV show This Morning was filmed live from there every day. If you walked past at the right moment you could get your shoulder on TV (or get chased by a security guard). Thrills.
The TV studio is long gone, but the docks are still a fascinating and fun place to visit. Lat time we went we all enjoyed The Beatles Story museum. It’s a very immersive exhibition that puts you right back into 1960s Liverpool. Can be busy, so book tickets in advance if you can.
While you’re there, The Tate Gallery at the Albert Dock is always worth checking out. I like the look of the forthcoming Don McCullin exhibition. This retrospective of the legendary British photographer beams into Tate Liverpool on 16 Sep 2020.
Visit the Baltic Triangle
Every time I visit Liverpool it’s lovely to see how the city grows and blossoms and rebuilds itself as the years pass. One of Liverpool’s most successful regeneration projects in recent years has been the Baltic Triangle area in the city centre.
This bustling hub for innovative and creative businesses hosts independent stores, restaurants and bars. Definitely one for your must-visit list. The Baltic Market offers drinks, cocktails, meals and coffee of all different varieties that are sure to get your tastebuds tingling.
And if you plan on staying in the city a little longer or decide you want to move to or invest in the city, because of how much you enjoyed your stay, there are countless new build and off-plan developments to look at. RWinvest currently has a skyline-altering development named One Baltic Square, which will offer tenants unique facilities including five rooftop gardens overlooking the cathedral and attracting tenants and investors from all around the globe.
Museums, cathedrals and galleries
As well as new developments, there are plenty of cultural and historic buildings to visit too. The Catholic and Anglican cathedrals are both very close to one another and couldn’t be more different architecturally so be sure to check them both out.
Another place we loved visiting was The Museum of Liverpool. It’s very near to the docks and is just spectacular. You’ll get a wider sense of the history of the city from this place (plus some good Beatles merch).
When I was a student in Liverpool, one of my favourite places to visit was the Walker Art Gallery in the city centre. It features beautiful paintings, sculpture and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day. It’s currently hosting a highly regarded exhibition of Linda McCartney’s phtography, running from now until the 1st of November 2020.
and finally…
Toxteth Day of the Dead
Well, where do you start with this one? Here’s a video from last year:
This KLF-related celebration of the people of Toxteth takes place on 23rd November every year. I have no idea what the plans are for this year, but rest assured that they will be satisfyingly weird and wonderful and reflective of the wild creativity that Liverpool has always been known for.
Find out more
Liverpool is in the North West of England and is easily accessible via plane, train, bus or ice cream van. You can find more information about what’s on in Liverpool via the Visit Liverpool site.
Read more about my travels and other adventures here