UK city breaks are something that have been on my mind a lot lately, as I’ve been planning in some destinations to explore with the kids this Summer. Despite having lived all of my life here in the UK, there is still so much of it that I haven’t seen – I’m turning 43 this year and I’ve yet to set foot in either Scotland or Ireland, something I desperately want to rectify!
But this got me thinking about other often overlooked UK city break destinations and it seems to me that my beloved hometown of Liverpool is one of them. I moved 250 miles South to Devon around 15 years ago, and whenever I mention Liverpool to my Devonian friends – none of them have ever visited! I think it’s such a shame to miss out on a visit as Liverpool truly does have so much to offer.
I recently stumbled across this article from Skiddle highlighting the 50 Best Things To Do In Liverpool and it inspired me to shout about the wonderful things in my home city that you’re missing out on by not paying a visit – there really is something for everyone!
Here are my top 5 reasons why you should make Liverpool your next city break destination.
The Nightlife
The nightlife in Liverpool really is second to none, with not just a handful of bars and clubs to offer but whole streets offering a huge variety of vibes to suit different folks. My own personal favourite back in my heyday was Matthew Street – home to the famous Cavern Club where The Beatles got their start, the Rubber Soul bar was always my destination of choice for boss cocktails and a bar that you were allowed to dance on! Many a night saw me falling off that bar in quite a state and bouncing right back up to carry on dancing…I’m not sure I’d make it out alive now I’m in my 40s!
As well as Matthew Street, there’s Concert Square for more upmarket and trendy vibes and the Gay Quarter where my old favourite club the G Bar is still going to this day.
A night out in Liverpool is always one to remember!
The Food
I know that we all tend to have a nostalgic attachment to home cooking and so maybe I’m biased, but I swear that nowhere in the UK can do food as well as Liverpool. There are so many unique and unusual restaurants to try (Sapporo Teppanyaki Japanese restaurant is my personal favourite!) as well as trendy street markets and viral food spots, with the Baltic Market being one you absolutely don’t want to miss for pop-up shops and trendy eats.
The Architecture
Oh, Liverpool’s architecture is a sight to behold! From its historic docks to its stunning skyline, every corner tells a story of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant culture. Walking through Liverpool, you’ll find yourself immersed in a delightful mix of architectural styles, from majestic Georgian terraces to iconic landmarks like the Liver Building, with its distinctive Liver Birds perched proudly atop. Each building seems to whisper tales of Liverpool’s past, from its bustling maritime history to its legendary music scene. Infact the architecture here is so special that Liverpool is often used in movies – a recent Batman movie was filmed there!
Trust me, exploring Liverpool’s architecture is like taking a journey through time, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
The Educational Experiences
As a home educating parent, I’m always on the lookout for destinations rich in history and educational opportunities and in Liverpool we are spoiled rotten for those!
Whether you’re a history buff, a science enthusiast, or an art lover, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Start your day with a visit to the award-winning World Museum, where you can journey through the cosmos in the planetarium or marvel at ancient artifacts in the Egyptian gallery. Then, take a stroll down to the iconic Albert Dock, home to the impressive Merseyside Maritime Museum and the thought-provoking International Slavery Museum, offering insightful exhibitions on Liverpool’s role in the transatlantic slave trade… all done in a sensitive way that really takes ownership and sheds light on the wrongs that were done.
For budding scientists, a trip to the Liverpool Science Park is a must, where interactive exhibits and hands-on experiments bring science to life in the most thrilling way. And let’s not forget about the educational fun to be had at the Walker Art Gallery, showcasing masterpieces from renowned artists throughout history. With so many enriching experiences awaiting, Liverpool truly is a treasure trove for educational adventures!
The People
It’s an old cliché that the people of Liverpool are the salt of the Earth and we are famed for our sense of humour – and I have to say, having lived elsewhere in the UK, it is 100% true.
It always takes me a little by surprise when I return home and realise just how friendly the people are – everyone just has time for other people, whether its shop assistants who go the extra mile to pass the time of day with you and exchange pleasantries with a familiarity that makes you feel immediately at home or whether it’s sharing a joke with a passerby on a walk by the Mersey – the people of Liverpool are what set it apart from anywhere else, and they are what make the city the place that will always be home to me.
So what do you say, will you be adding my home city to your city break list?! If you do, be sure to check out the most instagrammable spots in Liverpool – because photos or it didn’t happen!