Since moving to the UK last February (2019), I’ve been trying to explore different parts of the country, but I’ve already visited Liverpool several times. I love it!
For less than a tenner each way, it’s an easy coach or train ride from London or Birmingham – so if you get up early you could even go for a day trip.
The centre of Liverpool is small enough that you can walk everywhere which is great. My favourite way to start the day is with a beautiful flat white (Australian talking here…) at Bold Street Coffee, and then wander down Bold Street as there’s some great second-hand clothing shops with really affordable prices. I’m not super into clothes shopping – but I could spend hours here looking at Pop Boutique and Resurrection (and News from Nowhere Radical and Community Bookshop is also a gem!).
I love a bit of art and culture, and Liverpool certainly delivers on that front – the Museum of Liverpool, Tate Liverpool, Maritime Museum and Walker Museum have brilliant displays from contemporary art to local history, and the permanent exhibitions are free!
The Cavern Club’s Magical Mystery Tour was a really unique experience; at £20pp it’s not the cheapest, but if you’re a Beatles fan you’ll enjoy the ride. The bus heads outside the city centre into the suburbs and takes you to the original Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, and the houses where Paul, George and John spent their childhood. Our guide gave us a great narration and there were plenty of stops for photo opportunities. The bus tour ends at Cavern Club, where your entry is free with your ticket. We spent a good few hours there that afternoon, listening to a few live performers show off their own songs and of course, loads of Beatles covers. There’s plenty of good merch for souvenirs, too!
Soccer, sorry, football, is a whole other story in England. People go absolutely mental for it, and it’s on my list to see a Premier League game before my visa runs out, even though I don’t really follow it. I wouldn’t have said I have a favourite team at all either, until a friend of mine pestered me enough to do the tour of Anfield Stadium – home of Liverpool Football Club. I was very reluctant at first, but actually had an amazing time, and learnt so much about the club history. So now if you ask me.. I do have a bit of a soft spot for LFC!
The first time I visited Liverpool, I travelled via Megabus, and I’d been rushing around all morning, visiting the Cathedral and the Tate.
I decided to take a break in the nearest pub, the Swan Inn – I could really use a pint! As the barman was pouring my drink I pulled out my bank card and he politely informed me they were cash only, but the nearest ATM was only around the corner. I told him I’d be right back, but as the only other patron was finishing his drink he asked where I was from. After replying I was from Sydney, he said I’d come far enough for that drink already and paid for mine on his way out. “Enjoy your time in Liverpool!” he called. Before long, a couple of locals (who didn’t know each other) were in and chatting about life, and joined me in on the conversation too, we were buying each other drinks and sharing stories about Australia and Liverpool, and before long I realised I’d been there for hours and had to run to make my bus. Often my favourite experiences of a place are interactions with other people, and this was definitely one of those times.
I’m sure I’ll be back soon…
CARMEN TOM 