Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

Meet the Architectural Gems in Liverpool, the Coolest City in England

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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

While in Liverpool, be sure and take a stroll around the Georgian Quarter, as well as stop in at the free Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world.

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.

While in Liverpool, be sure and take a stroll around the Georgian Quarter, paying a visit to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral as well as stopping in at the free Liverpool Cathedral, an English relics that survived two world wars and is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world.

While in Liverpool, be sure and take a stroll around the Georgian Quarter, paying a visit to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral as well as stopping in at the free Liverpool Cathedral, an English relics that survived two world wars and is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world.

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).

While in Liverpool, be sure and take a stroll around the Georgian Quarter, paying a visit to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral as well as stopping in at the free Liverpool Cathedral, an English relics that survived two world wars and is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world.

And yes, I felt marginally guilty drinking coffee and not tea while in Britain, but I’d make up for it later in the week. Besides, how cute is 92 Degrees? One of my favorite things to do in a new city is explore the coffee shop scene, and this cafe right off of Hope Street did not disappoint.
Coffee Shop in Liverpool

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!).

Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

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, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

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.

Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.
Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

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.

Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.
Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

Liverpool Cathedral, one of England's relics that survived two world wars, is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world and well worth a visit if you're passing through the UK.

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.

Liverpool, a city with a growing culinary scene, is full of pockets of culture and hidden gems, like the Liverpool One Bridewell, a pub that occupies a former jail.

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.

Liverpool, a city with a growing culinary scene, is full of pockets of culture and hidden gems, like the Liverpool One Bridewell, a pub that occupies a former jail.
Liverpool, a city with a growing culinary scene, is full of pockets of culture and hidden gems, like the Liverpool One Bridewell, a pub that occupies a former jail.
Liverpool, a city with a growing culinary scene, is full of pockets of culture and hidden gems, like the Liverpool One Bridewell, a pub that occupies a former jail.

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.

Liverpool, a city with a growing culinary scene, is full of pockets of culture and hidden gems, like the Liverpool One Bridewell, a pub that occupies a former jail.

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?

Liverpool is full of pockets of culture and hidden gems, like the Liverpool One Bridewell, a pub that occupies a former jail.

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.
While in Liverpool, be sure and take a stroll around the Georgian Quarter, paying a visit to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral as well as stopping in at the free Liverpool Cathedral, an English relics that survived two world wars and is one of the most spectacular buildings in the world.

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Architecture in Liverpool, England's Coolest City

COMMENTS
  • October 21, 2015

    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!

    • October 25, 2015

      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!

  • October 21, 2015

    Awesome shots! I was so in love with that church!!!

    • October 25, 2015

      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!

    • October 27, 2015
      Carmel ellis

      Our cathedral is also known as paddys wigwam!?

  • October 21, 2015
    Janet

    I’m feeling a need to go to Liverpool! Would have never even thought about it. Sounds terrific!

    • October 25, 2015

      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.

  • October 22, 2015
    Libby Yates

    Beautiful pictures, Kristin!
    Thanks!

    • October 25, 2015

      Thanks, Libby! Come with me next time =)

  • October 22, 2015

    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.

    • October 25, 2015

      Thank you, Jenny! I’m loving playing around with the photo formatting on my new site design =)

  • October 24, 2015
    Uma

    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!

    • October 25, 2015

      Thanks, Uma! It’s definitely one of my favorite cities in the UK, possibly coming in second after Edinburgh, of course =)

  • October 25, 2015

    That beer looks tasty.

    • October 25, 2015

      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?

  • October 27, 2015
    fran lewis

    Can’t believe that you didn’t visit the Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral- come back soon and see it all x

  • October 28, 2015
    John Green

    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.

  • October 30, 2015

    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!

  • November 2, 2015

    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!

  • November 6, 2015

    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!

  • July 2, 2016

    People, what a wonderful place!

  • April 8, 2017

    Can’t believe that you didn’t visit the Crypt of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Nice post, I’m looking forward to the next one!

    • April 8, 2017

      I only had 48 hours unfortunately, so not time to do everything. But I’ll put it on my list for next time, Quan!

  • July 12, 2017
    Thomas

    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

    • July 13, 2017

      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.

  • September 4, 2017
    ve may bay

    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.

  • October 27, 2017
    ve may bay

    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

    • October 29, 2017

      Thank you so much for saying that! I love your city and can’t wait to come back!!

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