I adore Liverpool. I’d been once before with Gary (read about it here!), and I just love the vibe there.
It kind of reminds me of Belfast, which is another favourite city of mine. The people are so warm and welcoming, the food scene is excellent, and no matter what time of year you go, there’s ALWAYS something going on.
Visit Liverpool invited Jaye and I to come and check out their Christmas activities, and I’m so excited to share our fun 36 hour itinerary with you!
HOW TO GET THERE
Liverpool Lime Street is just a quick two hour train journey from London, making it the perfect weekend getaway for friends, families or couples.
From the station, the city is fairly walkable. Most of the main attractions are all in the same area, so as long you’re staying fairly central then you probably won’t need to bother about public transport.
But if you do need it: there are good bus connections, and of course, taxis are always an option if you need them.
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the Pullman Liverpool, right on the river front, in a gorgeous room with views over Albert Docks.
It’s a bit businessy, but very beautiful, very clean, and in an absolute perfect location. The breakfast was really great, the coffee not so much, and the staff were so friendly and helpful.
Would definitely recommend!
WHAT TO DO
Start with a walk around the Royal Albert Dock (one of my must-sees on every visit to Liverpool, even if you’ve been before!). At Christmas, it’s the perfect place to pick up quirky little gifts, and if you’re into art: the Tate Liverpool gallery has free entry.
Pop into the tiny Piermaster’s House for a little (free!) taste of WWII life in Liverpool, then wander over to the Liverpool Waterfront and soak up the views of the famous Three Graces: the Cunard Building, the Royal Liver Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building.
The British Museum Experience in house in the Cunard Building, and is the perfect experience for music fans of any age. It covers the history of music in the UK, with a few interactive experiences, and a lot of really fascinating memorabilia and tidbits of information.
When you’re finished there, head to the Liverpool Ice Festival on the Waterfront. They have rides, food stalls (bring cash with you), and an indoor ice skating rink. Tickets for the ice skating can be pre-booked online, and it’s such a fun way to work up an appetite for dinner!
Looking for even MORE festive-ness? Head to the Christmas Market in front of St George’s Hall (right next to Liverpool Lime Street station). Highlights include the Windmill Bar, the little wooden hut shops, and the adorable Apres Ski lift booths.
Finally, if you’ve still got some Christmas shopping left to do: you will find everything (and I do mean EVERYTHING) you need at the Liverpool ONE shopping centre.
WHERE TO EAT
Coffee at MOTHER ESPRESSO. This little coffee shop is very much a working-laptop place, so it’s cool and functional, rather than cosy. However, they have a HUGE coffee menu, including all types of dairy-free milks, and their coffee really is very good.
Lunch at YORKSHIRE PUDDING WRAP. Not one for vegetarians, but if you eat meat, then do NOT miss the Yorkshire Pudding Wrap! They have stalls at both Christmas Markets, and you can choose between roast Turkey, Beef or Pork. They offer a variety of classic roast dinner toppings (including roast potatoes and gravy!), all wrapped around a giant Yorkshire pudding.
Dinner at EL GATO NEGRO. We both agreed that this was hands down one of the best meals we’ve had in a long time! It’s a tapas restaurant, with really beautiful cosy interiors, and super friendly staff. The ham croquetas were a little disappointing, but the roasted cauliflower with shabu shabu dressing is MIND-BLOWINGLY GOOD. More things to order: the green beans with sunblush tomatoes and hazelnuts, and the grilled lamb skewers.
Drinks at MA BOYLE’S ALEHOUSE. A very cute little traditional pub, just down the road from El Gato Negro, and tucked away next to the Liverpool Parish Churchyard. They have fairylights draped across the patio, and the cosiest interiors!
TRAVEL TIP: We were given a 10% discount at Ma Boyle’s with our tickets to the British Music Experience, so it’s worth asking the guys at the front desk about that if you’re visiting.
Drinks at BAR HÜTTE. Open only at Christmas, this fun little alpine style bar is tucked away under the giant light-up Christmas tree in the middle of One Liverpool shopping centre. There’s an open space available for everyone, but you can also book individual “chalet” huts for you and your friends. Each hut comes equipped with blankets and a karaoke machine, making it the perfect place for a fun Christmas night out!
Visit Liverpool paid for our travel, accommodation, activities and dinner, in exchange for this post.
