Don’t tell the locals that Liverpool and Manchester make a great a city pair – after all, the two neighbouring burgs are fierce rivals, especially when it comes to their football teams. But for unaffiliated visitors, a trip to the northwest of England easily combines both of the great cities, which are separated by a mere 50 kms of motorway, or and 30-minute train ride.
Liverpool, of course, is known for its Maritime and immigration heritage (reflected in a tastefully refurbished waterfront), its renowned football team (Liverpool FC), and some local lads called The Beatles.
Meanwhile, Manchester piques interest for its industrial heritage (textile manufacturing), two famous football teams (Manchester United and Manchester City), and the iconic “Coronation Street” soap opera.
But, of course, there’s much more to see and do to help visitors fill in the dots between the must-see attractions in each city, and both cities have remade themselves beyond their respective historic profiles, with vibrant cultural scenes that range from art and music to dining and nightlife. Indeed, taken together Liverpool and Manchester are a match made in heaven – just not a football match.
Here’s a sampling of some sensational sights and experiences that offer another side of the two cities:
Liverpool
• St Luke’s Church, known locally as the ‘Bombed Out Church’, suffered catastrophic damage during the May Blitz of 1941, leaving only its external masonry standing. Overgrown and inaccessible, the site lay derelict for over 60 years, before being cleared, and transformed by a series of cultural events, reopening the space to the public. Having become an established venue for theatre, dance, classical and world music, visual art and much more, the site now stands as a testament to community spirit and the power of the arts to affect change – a living, working monument to the people of Liverpool.
• Cavern Club, the place where the Beatles’ musical identity was formed, is a thriving live music destination showcasing new up and coming bands as well as established artists. Sixty years after its foundation, the club thrives as a contemporary music venue which celebrates the past, present and future of music. Their events celebrate the club’s history with brilliant tributes to the past while also giving an opportunity for new artists to exhibit their music. The evocative spirit of the legendary venue can be discovered daily from the afternoon till late in the evening.
• Liverpool’s much-loved light trail, River of Light, will return to the city’s waterfront in October 2022 for another celebration of light, sound and art. Seeing the colourful pieces light up Liverpool’s streets as music flows through the city is a magical experience for everyone to enjoy. Installations from local and international artists will be showcased and the concept, whilst largely under wraps, will link into the World Gymnastics Championships that takes place at the same time at the M&S Bank Area.
• The iconic Royal Albert Dock is one of the prime locations to visit during a stay in Liverpool. Visitors can take advantage of the impressive retail and leisure offering, world class museums and attractions and some of the city’s finest independents. Visitors to ‘Tate Liverpool’ will find British and international modern and contemporary art and ‘The Nest’ is one of Liverpool’s best hidden gems, celebrating the work of local artists and designers offering a variety of gifts.
• Shakespeare North is celebrating the Elizabethan heritage of Merseyside by building a replica Shakespearean theatre in Prescot, which was home to the only purpose-built Elizabethan playhouse outside of London over 400 years ago. The 350-seat Shakespeare North Playhouse – opening this summer – will be a faithful, candlelit replica, built inside a modern shell. Prescott is about half an hour east of Liverpool.
Manchester
• A modern waterfront destination, The Quays is situated just 15 minutes by tram from Manchester city centre and has a whole host of city offerings in one small vicinity. The Quays were originally part of the Victorian expansion of the Manchester Ship Canal, opening at the end of the 19th century to help with cargo services and warehouse storage. Nowadays, visitors of The Quays can find world-class entertainment, leisure and cultural facilities on offer, including city icons such as the Imperial War Museum North and Emirates Old Trafford, and attractions such as a Water sports centre and the Lowry theatre.
• Canal Street developed when the Rochdale Canal was constructed in 1804, a trade artery running through the city. This began a trend of pubs and other businesses popping up along the water, as well as the street becoming quite popular after working hours for all to be themselves and let loose. Nowadays, the pedestrianised street runs along the west side of the Rochdale Canal and is lined with gay bars and restaurants, often an area filled with members and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community from all over the world. The streets are bustling lively bars and restaurants and provides a welcoming space for all visitors.
• The Skyliner Street Art Tours are led by lover of honest and alternative tourism Hayley Flynn, also the UK’s first and only City Curator for National Trust. Having been described as “anti-tours”, the Skyliner tours around Manchester’s Northern Quarter aims to look at the alternative side of the city, not only seeking to reveal new things about the city, but to empower those on their tours with a sense that a city is a place created by those who live and work within it. The tours have been extremely positively reviewed, guaranteed to give you a new sense of the city and a slice of well researched knowledge into the modern history, artwork and current affairs which have shaped the area.
• For visitors wanting to get out and about in the city while being part of one of the funniest pub tours in the country, The Manchester Pub Walkabout introduces 300 years of Manchester’s drinking history to be shared during the roller coaster of an afternoon. Visiting classic pubs across the city and delving into pubs and their history across the UK, the tour is an untraditional yet completely entertaining experience to get to know Manchester and the UK through one of its most cherished institutions. (www.jonathanchofieldtours.com)
• In the centre of the city, Kampus is a new neighbourhood that is only minutes away from everything. It’s a garden neighbourhood with its own secret streets, gardens and terraces, housing some of the city’s best independent food and drink… It’s a space to keep one’s eyes on for new happenings, as well as a lush and wild green space in the heart of the city.
For more information on Britain check Britain inFocus