Home to The Beatles, two prestigious Premier League football teams, the famous docks and an abundance of historical architecture, Liverpool is full of interesting landmarks and the perfect English city break. Located in the borough of Merseyside in the North West of England along the estuary of the River Mersey, Liverpool is a vibrant, maritime city steeped in history and culture.
The origins of this northern city date back to 1190 when it was called ‘Liuerpul’, which in Old English loosely translates to “muddy water”, not exactly enticing. Over the centuries and after numerous different spellings, ‘Liuerpul’ turned into what we know today, Liverpool. Being an important commercial port, Liverpool once saw 40% of global trade passing through its docks, as well as the more harrowing role it played in the abominable transatlantic slave trade.
From its muddy beginnings, Liverpool has now transitioned into a cultural and enticing city with the effervescent waterfront at its heart; and shops, restaurants, museums, and historic buildings waiting to be explored. Liverpool’s landmarks are beautiful and plentiful. Head to the city for a long weekend, watch a game at Anfield, head to the waterfront to view the ‘Three Graces’ or take a ride on one of the Mersey Ferries to explore the city from its famous waterways. Whatever you choose to do, Liverpool will certainly show you a good time. So here are 20 Liverpool landmarks to check off your travel list.
Contents
- Liverpool Landmarks
- Top Tours
- 20 Famous Landmarks In Liverpool
- 1- The Beatles Statue
- 2- Port of Liverpool Building
- 3- Liver Building
- 4- Cunard Building
- 5- Titanic Memorial
- 6- Royal Albert Dock
- 7- Anfield Stadium
- 8- The Cavern Club
- 9- Allerton Oak Tree
- 10- Liverpool Town Hall
- 11- Strawberry Field
- 12- Goodison Park
- 13- St. George’s Hall
- 14- Museum of Liverpool
- 15- Liverpool Cathedral
- 16- St John’s Beacon
- 17- The Wheel of Liverpool
- 18- Johnnie Walker Statue
- 19- Isla Gladstone Conservatory
- 20- Speke Hall
- 21- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Liverpool Landmarks
Top Tours
- Liverpool: Sightseeing River Cruise – see the sights on the Mersey River
- Liverpool: River Cruise and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – save money with this combo ticket.
20 Famous Landmarks In Liverpool
1- The Beatles Statue
The Beatles Statue takes pride of place along the waterfront across from the Royal Liver Building.
The famous Beatles band members – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr – are sculpted in bronze, casually wandering down the street.
These larger-than-life statues were erected in 2015 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of their last Liverpool gig.
You can find this homage to the legendary band at Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool Pier Head, L3 1BY.
Recommended tours:
- Liverpool: The Beatles Story Ticket
- Liverpool Beatles Museum Ticket
- Liverpool: City and Beatles Tour with Hop-On Hop-Off Ticket
2- Port of Liverpool Building
Liverpool is not short of impressive landmarks, and the Port of Liverpool Building stands out among the city’s beautiful buildings.
Liverpool’s waterfront is home to ‘The Three Graces’, which sit side by side: the Port of Liverpool Building, the Liver Building and the Cunard Building.
It is believed that these buildings were named after the Greek ‘Three Graces’, the goddesses of charm, beauty and creativity.
This Grade II listed landmark building was the former head office of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company from its completion in 1907 up until 1994.
You can go inside the Port of Liverpool Building and wander around the grand ground floor, viewing its white marble walls, the domed ceiling and the impressive staircase.
You’ll find the first of the ‘Three Graces’ at Pier Head on Brunswick Street.
3- Liver Building
You may be familiar with this building from the two giant copper birds perched on top of the two domed roofs.
The Liver Bird has been Liverpool’s symbol for more than 800 years, and these two, now green, birds are affectionately called Bertie and Bella.
The Liver Building is one of Liverpool’s most recognizable landmarks and was the first “skyscraper” in Europe.
Construction on the Liver Building began in 1908 and became the home of the Royal Liver Assurance group.
In 2019, the Liver Building opened its doors to the public for the first time, and now you can enjoy 360° views of Liverpool from the 15th floor.
You’ll find the Liver Building next door but one to the Port of Liverpool Building.
4- Cunard Building
In the centre of the ‘Three Graces’, the Cunard Building stands stoutly between the tall Liver Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
Also, a Grade II listed building, constructed in 1914, the Cunard Building was the headquarters for the world-famous Cunard Steamship Company.
In 2013 the Liverpool City Council bought the historic building, which is now used as public and private company offices.
5- Titanic Memorial
The Titanic Memorial, or to use its full name, the Memorial to Heroes of the Marine Engine Room, is a dedication to the 32 engineers who died in the RMS Titanic sinking in 1912.
The Titanic had a significant connection with Liverpool, as it was the place the ship was registered and the ship’s stern was inscribed with the words ‘TITANIC LIVERPOOL’.
After many deaths in World War I, the monument in Liverpool also became a dedication to all those in maritime engine room facilities who fatally lost their lives.
The Titanic Memorial is at 2 St Nicholas Place, L3 1QW.
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6- Royal Albert Dock
This extensive series of dock buildings and warehouses might sound like an unusual landmark but it is an iconic feature of Liverpool.
The Royal Albert Dock was important for global trade during the 19th century, and the Liverpool docks accounted for 40% of global trade at the start of the same century.
Built in 1846, these docks were groundbreaking in improving the speed in which cargo could be unloaded.
Today the dock is home to an array of art galleries and museums, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum, Tate Liverpool, and the International Slavery Museum.
In addition, you can head to the docks to explore a plethora of shops, restaurants, and bars.
Royal Albert Dock is one mile (1.6 km) south of the Liver Building at L3 4BB.
7- Anfield Stadium
Football is in the bloodstream of many who live in the city, especially those born and bred Liverpudlian’s.
Many football fans support the city’s most renowned club, the Liverpool Football Club.
Founded in 1892, Liverpool F.C. finally won the Premier League title again during the 2019/2020 season after a 30-year wait.
While at Anfield, take a tour of this famous ground, head to ‘The Liverpool F.C. Story’ interactive museum and, of course, watch a game.
Watching a weekend Premier League game at Anfield is an unparalleled experience, with many describing it as one of England’s most atmospheric grounds.
You can get to Anfield from the city centre by taking the 26 bus from the Liverpool ONE bus station.
8- The Cavern Club
The Cavern Club is Liverpool’s most famous nightclub, if not the UK’s.
The birthplace of The Beatles had an illustrious musical past, starting its musical history on the jazz scene in 1957.
Then on 9 February 1961, The Beatles performed their first gig at the famous club, and it soon became their stomping ground.
During the years of Beatle Mania, it became well known around the world.
If you visit The Cavern Club today, you will find an eclectic mix of artists that reflect the club’s history as well as new talents from a variety of genres.
The Cavern Club is at 10 Matthew Street, Liverpool.
9- Allerton Oak Tree
Propped up on metal supports, this tree is around 1,000 years old.
The Allerton Oak Tree can be found in Calderstones Park and is thought to be the oldest oak tree in the North West of England.
This giant oak tree is an important natural landmark in Liverpool, especially since it was crowned “England’s Tree of the Year” in 2019.
10- Liverpool Town Hall
Another of Liverpool’s impressive historic buildings is the Liverpool Town Hall.
This striking 1749 Georgian building on High Street is the base of Liverpool’s Lord Mayor and the centre of all the city’s civic matters.
Step inside and you’ll find an impressive double staircase as well as golden pineapples and a turquoise domed ceiling.
The Town Hall is not open for visits all the time, but you can contact the town hall on their website to enquire about looking round as they do occasionally open their doors.
Liverpool Town Hall is on High St, Liverpool L2 3SW.
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11- Strawberry Field
Strawberry Field is a building owned by the Salvation Army with elaborate red gates in the Woolton suburbs of Liverpool.
John Lennon, who lived down the road from this site, used to play in the property’s grounds.
The Beatles 1967 song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ was about this location and since the release of the song, the famous red gates have become an iconic landmark in Liverpool.
It is now possible to go through the famous red gates and head inside the Salvation Army building, which has been turned into a visitor exhibition documenting all things Strawberry Fields, John Lennon and The Beatle.
Tickets for Strawberry Field are £10.95 for adults, £7.95 for students and kids go free. Buy your tickets online here.
12- Goodison Park
If you come from Liverpool but don’t happen to support the ‘The Reds’, then the chances are you’re on the other side of the Merseyside derby, supporting Everton F.C.
The Goodison Park football stadium has been home to Everton ever since the ground’s completion in 1892.
Take a tour of the stadium, which commences every day from 11.30 am in 90-minute time slots or better still, and buy tickets to watch Everton in a Premier League game.
The two Merseyside rivals are 1 mile (1.6 km) apart, with Goodison Park situated on Goodison Road, L4 4EL.
13- St. George’s Hall
The spectacular neoclassical St. George’s Hall is adorned with imposing pillars and a grand interior defined by its arched ceilings and intricately painted floors.
The building initially came about when the people of Liverpool attested that there wasn’t a venue for their triennial music festival.
Once it opened, the building was used as a court of law and a city hall where authors such as Charles Dickens held readings.
Since Liverpool’s booming economy declined after World War II, St. George’s Hall was forced to close in 1984.
Today the arts and culture that existed in Dicken’s time have been revived, with the Hall hosting jazz shows, orchestral performances and comedy shows.
St George’s Hall is located on St George’s Place right across from the Lime Street Railway Station, right in the heart of Liverpool.
14- Museum of Liverpool
Another of Liverpool’s striking landmarks is the futuristic Museum of Liverpool.
This hulking museum has large windows at either end that look over the city and river and has the rather strange appearance of being stretched.
Inside, you’ll find a diverse range of exhibitions, including The Beatles Collection, the Land Transportation Collection, Regional Archaeology, and an exhibition on Social and Community History.
Located at Pier Head, L3 1DG, right on the River Mersey waterfront, the Museum of Liverpool is free to visit and opens from Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 4 pm).
15- Liverpool Cathedral
The Liverpool Cathedral stands back from the river and is a symbolic religious landmark of Liverpool.
This Anglican cathedral is the biggest in Britain and the 5th largest in Europe.
You can head up to the top of the cathedral’s tower for expansive views of the city.
It costs £6 to explore the tower views and is open between 10 am to 4 pm on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and between 12 pm and 4 pm on Sunday. The tower is closed on Wednesday.
Liverpool Cathedral is at St James Mt, Liverpool L17AZ.
16- St John’s Beacon
From most spots in the city, you can see a tall thin tower, namely St John’s Beacon or the Radio City Tower.
Not only is Radio City an iconic landmark in itself, but it also allows you to catch a glimpse of the city’s other enigmatic sites.
The tower is 138m tall, with a viewing gallery at 120m.
Ticket costs are adult tickets (£7), children’s tickets (£5), seniors and students (£6). You’ll find St John’s Beacon on 1 Houghton Street, L1 1RL.
17- The Wheel of Liverpool
From the viewing deck at St John’s Beacon, you can spot our 17th Liverpool landmark, the Wheel of Liverpool.
With 42 capsules, including a luxury VIP pod, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and waterfront.
Although the wheel is currently closed due to COVID, regular operating times are Monday to Thursday and Sunday (12 pm to 9 pm), Friday and Saturday (12 pm to 11 pm).
18- Johnnie Walker Statue
Right outside the Museum of Liverpool stands the Johnnie Walker Statue.
Captain Frederic John Walker was not Liverpool born and bred but has been accepted into the hearts of many in the city as the hero of the Battle of the Atlantic during the Second World War.
Due to retire in 1939, John Walker instead took command of the HMS Stork in 1941, when the Second World War was announced.
He was instrumental in the D-Day landings, but he died shortly after returning home from war.
Over 1,000 people attended his funeral, and Johnny Walker remains an iconic figure respected by many in the city.
19- Isla Gladstone Conservatory
Liverpool’s Victorian venue, the Isla Gladstone Conservatory, dates back to 1870.
Located next to Stanley Park, it is used for weddings and events.
While there, you can enjoy the rather British affair of afternoon tea at the ‘Café in the Park’ and take in the beautiful Victorian architecture.
Isla Gladstone Conservatory is at 1 Anfield Road.
20- Speke Hall
This Tudor manor house is right on the banks of the River Mersey.
The Norris family built the house that the Watt family later took over.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the impressive Tudor house you can see today fell into disrepair, and at one point, the houses sole use was as a cowshed.
Fortunately, the Tudor mansion has now been beautifully restored and is sure to transport you back in time.
The house will reopen in March after undergoing a thorough winter clean, but the gardens are open all year round.
Speke Hall is at The Walk, Speke, L24 1XD on the city’s outskirts.
21- Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
Also known as Paddy’s Wigwam, the Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and England’s largest Catholic cathedral.
It’s home to the Lutyens’ Crypt, which is the remains of an older cathedral built in the 1930s and where there’s an exhibition of its fascinating history.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral is at Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ.
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