Sunday in Liverpool is like Sunday in any other city in the world: eerily quiet until, sometime after noon, the city springs to life. I can’t claim that I was any different, as it wasn’t until nearly midday when I awoke from my jet lag-induced slumber to explore the architecture in Liverpool
Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
I caught a taxi and headed straight to the Georgian Quarter, the very walkable area on and around Hope Street that’s home to Liverpool Cathedral and Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. I started at the Catholic cathedral first, as it was an easy jumping off point for my taxi to leave me at.
Coffee in Liverpool
Next, I needed some caffeine in me as it was noon and I was operating six hours behind schedule on Central Standard Time. And if you know anything about me at all, it’s that 6am is an hour when I’m more often awake from the night before than I am preparing for the day ahead (mainly because insomnia? I’ve got it).
Liverpool Cathedral
Caffeine drip acquired, I meandered on down to one of Liverpool’s most prominent buildings, the fifth largest cathedral in the world and the United Kingdom’s biggest of its kind at more than 100,000 square feet. I didn’t read up on Liverpool Cathedral until after my trip there when I gleaned that one should head up the tower for panoramics of the city (visitors are even encouraged to #tweetfromthetower, and you know how I hate to miss a social media opportunity!).
This isn’t an area that’s visibly marked so you must go in search of it, which is how I missed it, obviously. Regardless, I felt like I still got a feel for the vast nature of this building that survived two world wars, both its scale and expansive space.
Liverpool Cathedral is free to enter, as are many of the local attractions. They do, however, ask for a three-pound donation to keep the facilities intact.
If I hadn’t been on such a tight schedule—two-and-a-half days is not nearly enough days in such a vibrant city with so many charming neighborhoods and pockets of culture—I would have stayed here all day and people watched. I did witness a father and daughter take in the awe-inspiring sight together, and it nearly moved me to tears.
Where to eat in Liverpool
My taxi driver that morning had given me a couple great recommendations for places to visit, one of which was Liverpool One Bridewell, a famous jailhouse in Campbell Square that had been converted into a pub.
And as I am one never to pass up on anything with a theme, obviously that became the goal for my day: get thee to the Bridewell for lunch!
Most notably, Charles Dickens paid the Bridewell a visit back in the 1860s while researching for one of his many novels and was given the title of Special Constable. Though it’s tucked away off the main drag so you won’t just stumble upon it if you aren’t seeking it out, the Bridewell is just a 10-minute walk down from Hope Street. Even at 2pm, they were still serving lunch, so I popped in and took a peek around the old cells, which now house tables for special events and reservations, before settling in at a high top out front.
Everything on the menu looked good, and I was immediately drawn to the curry—again, when in Britain, right?—but Scouse is what Liverpool is known for, so Scouse is what I ordered.
Oh, and a pint of Titanic Plum Porter. Who am I to say no to local beer—especially when it has plum in the name?
Nine pounds (the currency, that is) and a full belly later, and I was off to the waterfront for a little more exploration of the architecture in Liverpool.
For more Liverpool travel tips, see these posts:
- Albert Dock in Liverpool: The Story of a Waterfront Renaissance
- Food, Spirits & Sculptures: The Many Faces of Art in Liverpool
I see I missed an opportunity by not visiting the Liverpool Cathedral, it looks awe-inspiringly massive! I did visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King; isn’t that the strangest cathedral you’ve ever seen? It looks so sci-fi as if the cathedral could suddenly take off and fly you into space. Nice post, I’m looking forward to the next one!
It is definitely weird. I was not prepared for what the inside was going to look like, though the exterior should have prepped me for that as it was equally odd-looking 😉 Let the force be with you!
Awesome shots! I was so in love with that church!!!
Right? I’m so glad I rented a wide-angle lens for this trip, as I would have been really sad to go to the cathedral without one!
Our cathedral is also known as paddys wigwam!?
I’m feeling a need to go to Liverpool! Would have never even thought about it. Sounds terrific!
I think you definitely do! You could find plenty to do in Liverpool, Chester and Manchester—all within 45 minutes of each other—to occupy 10 days or so.
Beautiful pictures, Kristin!
Thanks!
Thanks, Libby! Come with me next time =)
I love how big and grand all of your photos are in this post! They really give me a feeling of staring up into a cathedral’s immense vaulted ceiling.
Thank you, Jenny! I’m loving playing around with the photo formatting on my new site design =)
What an amazing cathedral from the inside …. Liverpool just has an atmosphere to it that you can feel, even by looking at a picture. Great post!
Thanks, Uma! It’s definitely one of my favorite cities in the UK, possibly coming in second after Edinburgh, of course =)
That beer looks tasty.
I wish it had been a tad bit colder. I feel like stouts and porters need to be a bit on the cold side, and for some reason the UK seems to serve a lot of its draft beer a bit warm! Cultural differences?
Can’t believe that you didn’t visit the Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral- come back soon and see it all x
I’ve just h ad two friends stay in Liverpool for the football from New York. First time in the City and they have fell in love with it. Don’t believe the negative press you. Hear about Liverpool, it’s vibrant, it’s alive and there’s so much to see and do and you wouldn’t even scratch the surface in a weeks stay. You will get a warm welcome from us Scousers, don’t hesitate, just visit.
I have an aunt living in England and she personally tells me that the cathedral architectures are great. Glad I’ve seen this at least even on a photo I can attest it’s really beautiful. Thanks!
People, what a wonderful place! These photos are really beautiful! These temples are the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! Congratulations on your photos!
Oh how I love every detail of the architecture. The church is really big. I’ve never been to such a big church before. The beauty of art. So loving this!
People, what a wonderful place!
Can’t believe that you didn’t visit the Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Nice post, I’m looking forward to the next one!
I only had 48 hours unfortunately, so not time to do everything. But I’ll put it on my list for next time, Quan!
You’ve done our city proud with these photos wow! Our office is just around the corner from some of these buildings and they never fail to amaze us! Thomas – Heart IT
That’s so kind of you to say, Thomas! I looooooved Liverpool (is it obvious? heh) and hope to make it back there someday soon.
Liverpool has dozens of museums and galleries but our favourite is the largely unsung Victoria Gallery and Museum, housed in a beautiful nineteenth century red-brick and featuring an eclectic collection, including nightmares in a bottle, a Victorian dental surgery, fine art and an archaeological dig. Open Tuesday to Saturday, 10am – 5pm, admission is free and there’s an onsite cafe if you need a refresher after going on a walking tour of the wider Liverpool University campus that surrounds the gallery.
You’ve done our city proud with these photos wow! Our office is just around the corner from some of these buildings and they never fail to amaze us
Thank you so much for saying that! I love your city and can’t wait to come back!!