Liverpool is the musical jewel in the crown of English popular music, being the home of the biggest pop band ever, The Beatles. For most people, a visit to the Beatles Museum, the home of John Lennon or a visit to the Cavern Club is a must. But for those who aren’t fans of the Fab Four, there are still plenty of options to keep you entertained. Here are some ideas of what to do In Liverpool if you hate the Beatles!
Liverpool is perfect for those with money to burn! Bold Street is one of the best shopping streets in the world, with boutiques selling everything from clothes and art to world foods and records. The Metquarter is home to designer shops like Hugo Boss, MAC and Armani Exchange and in the Cavern Quarter you’ll find a Vivienne Westwood store among other top names. As well as all the usual shops you would expect, Liverpool also has its own outdoor shopping mall – Liverpool One. It is a huge shopping complex, with more than 160 shops covering several streets in the city centre. There are areas for designer brands, high street favourites, cutting edge style and a huge John Lewis store where you can also pick up what you order online. The shopping centre is open till 8pm during the week, 7pm on Saturdays and 5pm on Sundays, and there is a wide selection of restaurants and cafés where you can fill up before or after you shop! For more information, check out their website www.liverpool-one.com.
During the football (soccer) season from the middle August to the end of May, you can catch a game with one of Liverpool’s two premiership football teams – Liverpool and Everton. Everton are based at their stadium Goodison Park, and Liverpool at Anfield, and both teams are well worth watching if you get chance to buy tickets. The derby game between the two teams is the hottest ticket in Merseyside, and tickets can be hard to come by for normal matches too! Across the Mersey River, Tranmere Rovers are based in Birkenhead and are a more affordable option – without the famous names of the Premiership sides.
The Echo Arena is Liverpool’s music arena, hosting top musical acts from Rihanna to Rod Stewart and showcasing the best in British Comedy too with performances from the likes of Billy Connelly, John Bishop, Michael McIntyre and Peter Kay. You can also find shows like the Strictly Come Dancing Tour and Disney’s Frozen on Ice, so something for everyone! Check their website for further details on upcoming events.
For something less in your face, there the is the Liverpool Philharmonic which hosts world class artists with performances ranging from classical, contemporary, rock, pop, folk, roots and jazz to comedy, film and spoken word.
There are also several theatres in Liverpool, including the Liverpool Empire, the Everyman and the Playhouse. The website liverpooltheatres.com offers listings of what is on at each venue.
Liverpool’s museums are excellent, and most are free. The Tate Modern houses modern and contemporary art collections, while the Walker Art Gallery is home to more classical artists like Rubens and Rembrandt. A visit to the Museum of Liverpool will show you the history of the city, its founding, development, importance in the shipping industry and much more. Try the Merseyside Maritime Museum to learn more about the city’s seafaring history, or the International Museum of Slavery for a reminder of Liverpool’s darker past. There really is something for everyone, including in nearby Southport the British Lawnmower museum – it doesn’t get more British than that!
Liverpool has not just one, but two cathedrals – the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King (Catholic). The older, Anglican cathedral is a behemoth, the largest cathedral in Britain, a huge red building which dominates the skyline. It’s tower is open every day and offers spectacular views across the city. The newer, ‘funkier’ Catholic cathedral is affectionately nicknamed the Wigwam due to its distinctive design. Opened in 1967 it features modern works of art and beautiful coloured windows. Both are worth a visit, and are located at either end Hope Street.
The Three Graces are three iconic buildings on Liverpool’s waterfront – the Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building – which represent Liverpool’s international prestige, and have become one of the world’s most recognisable horizons. Unfortunately, these are all office buildings, and entry is not usually allowed for tourists, so you’ll have to appreciate them from the outside only. From here, stroll along the pier head to the Museum of Liverpool, and to Albert Dock.
Another iconic landmark in the city is the Radio City Tower, also known as St John’s Beacon, home to one of Liverpool’s top radio stations. You can take the lift up to the viewing deck for a 360 degree view of Liverpool, Merseyside, the Wirrals and even as far as Wales, Blackpool and the Lake District on clear days. Check their website for up to date entry costs and opening times.
The Ferry ‘cross the Mersey is the most famous ferry in the UK, perhaps the World. Gerry and the Pacemakers (another famous Liverpool pop group) sang about the Mersey Ferry in 1964, and every time I visit Liverpool I can’t help but break into song. The view from the water offers fantastic photo opportunities of the famous Liverpool waterfront and the Three Graces. Buy your tickets online at for a discount, or buy them on the day at the ferry terminal on the riverside.
Chester Zoo, the UK’s number one charity zoo and home to 20,000 rare, exotic and endangered animals, and was my favourite place to visit as a child. Knowsley Safari Park too offers the usual elephants and lions, and the chance to get a closer look at the rambunctious primates who often rip pieces of visitors’ cars! If you go during the week, huge discounts are available with entry at just £10 per car, or for those without their own wheels, call up on the day of your visit to secure a place on the Baboon Bus.
Even if you can’t stand the sight or sound of the Beatles, there is plenty more to enjoy in Liverpool!
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First of all, do people who hate the Beatles even exist?! I would’ve wanted to do all of these things and then the Beatles things! I love the way you organized this. I’ll definitely have to make time for their museums when I’m in Liverpool. Cheers!
Soccer is big in Liverpool – I would surely go watch a live match, that’s one of the highlights of my time in UK – watching a match while it was snowing 🙂 Liverpool is on my list so will try the ferry ride too when I revisit UK!
There seems to be a lot of things to do! A soccer game would probably so much fun. I also love going to museums in each city.
haha love how you say if you hate the beatles. I don’t hate em but I wouldn’t put that as a reason to visit. The other reasons are pretty good except for soccer. That I hate. A great list otherwise!
Haha I love the Beatles but am always open to other suggestions too. I don’t like football but would love to see a football game just because it’s such a popular sport.
Haha I love your headline! I actually sometimes hate the Beatles (but don’t tell anyone I said that!) I’m glad that they have a Museum of Slavery to recognize the wrongs committed by British slavers but man, that’s gotta be super somber!
Thanks for highlighting other great Liverpool attractions – I would definitely be up for a show, sports isn’t really my thing either lol but the cultural activities are right up my alley!
Ha! This is cute. I am not a fan of the Beatles (Hate is a strong word), and these are much more interesting alternatives that Beatle-mania themed activities! Football match and museum sound like much better options for me!