Always wanted to know what lies underneath Liverpool ONE? How about backstage at Liverpool’s Royal Court? As part of Must-See Month there are guided tours and trails throughout the city.
Organised by Liverpool BID Company, Must See Month is running until 17 March and is designed to encourage people to try something new in the city’s cultural sector this winter. Here are the best trails.
Free Street Theatre Tours – ArtsGroupie CIC
Thurs 20th, Fri 21st, Sat 22nd Feb and Sat 1st, Sat 8th, Fri 14th, Sat 15th Mar at 12. And Thurs 13th Feb at 5:30pm
Liverpool BID Company have teamed up with arts, and heritage organisation ArtsGroupie CIC to celebrate Liverpool’s Culture Mile with a series of Liverpool theatre history walking tours guided by costumed characters. We’ve dubbed in it, The Dramatic Mile.
Long before Liverpool dominated music, the city’s theatres were once the envy of the world, with the ability to attract global stars, and launch unknown actors into the stratosphere.
Join Batholomew Garrick, Francoise Kemble, and Wildman Stageham, the eccentric Victorian actors, as they guide you through Liverpool’s fascinating theatre underbelly.
The tours are completely free to book on to, and the best part of all, there are four to choose from. If you happen to enjoy your first tour, you are welcome to come on the next one!
More information here.
The Old Dock – Free drop in sessions – Liverpool ONE
Mondays 17 February – 17 March | 12 – 12.30pm
As part of Must See Month, Liverpool ONE are collaborating with National Museums Liverpool to offer free 30 minute drop-in sessions to visit The Old Dock!
This is the perfect opportunity to explore The Old Dock that lives right beneath our feet here at Liverpool ONE. The Old Dock is the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock, a historic location revealed in 2001 during the excavations to create Liverpool ONE. The Old Dock paved the way for the successful dock expansion on both sides of the river leading to Liverpool’s great contributions in commerce and world Trade.
Visitors will have access to explore The Old Dock themselves and ask the staff any questions. Visitors can expect to be taken back in time and see a large portion of The Old Dock rising more than 20 feet from the bed of the pool- the creek that gave Liverpool its name.
More information here.
Half Price Guided Backstage Heritage Tours – Royal Court Theatre
Heritage Tours at half price £2.50 including a hot drink on 24 February at 2pm and on 3 March at 2pm.
Liverpool’s Royal Court – Heritage Tour
The Royal Court is a Grade II listed building, a magnificent example of one of the best theatres built in the Art Deco style. The Royal Court Liverpool Trust is part way through an £11m scheme to renovate the building.
The theatre is one of Liverpool’s most enduring and iconic buildings, and has a rich history including several ghosts!
Tours will last around two hours and will be led by an experienced guide.
More information here.
Liverpool Irish Famine Trail History Walks – Irish Famine Walks
12:15pm – 18th, 19th February 18th, 19th March
Enjoy these free walks supported by Liverpool BID Company to hear about the cultural history it represents in Liverpool.
Join Liverpool Irish Festival‘s John Maguire (also of ArtsGroupie) on a revealing journey through Liverpool city centre. Spectators will hear about how the Victorian tragedy of the Irish Famine changed Liverpool’s streets. Trail walkers will learn about how locations were used for sanctuary, nourishment and safety. They will also hear and understand the benevolence of Liverpool’s people. Using a new trail app, headsets and recent Walk of the Bronze Shoes experience, your guide will really help you to walk in the shoes of Liverpool and Irish people 180-years ago.
More information here.
Above and Beyond Tour – Liverpool Cathedral
Each Wednesday during Must-See Month
Join Liverpool Cathedral’s amazing guides on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of our tower, the roof space, external viewing areas and the bell ringing chamber.
Have you ever wanted to venture into unseen areas of Liverpool Cathedral? The Above and Beyond Tour is your chance to discover our hidden treasures.
Liverpool Cathedral is a national architectural landmark and thousands enjoy exploring it each week. It has many hidden corners – areas that are usually ‘off limits’ to the general public. That is about to change as we launch our ‘Above & Beyond’ guided tours. In small groups, you will be guided through the Cathedral from top to bottom by our expert guides, including a trip up to the top of the tower.
Length: Approximately 2 hours
Cost: £25 per person
More information here.
Self-led Family Trail – Walker Art Gallery
During opening hours
The Walker Art Gallery first opened in 1877. It was built by Andrew Barclay Walker, a local brewer, to celebrate his term as Mayor of Liverpool.
The gallery holds a famous and hugely varied collection of artworks, including nearly 700 years’ worth of paintings, drawings, sculpture, decorative objects, ceramics and fashion items.
Follow the Walker Art Gallery Trail to discover the stories behind some of the highlights of the Walker Art Gallery with their digital trail.
More information here.
Liverpool Town Hall Guided Tours – Liverpool Town Hall
26th and 28th February 11:00am & 2:00pm
Liverpool Town Hall Guided Tours are back, allowing visitors an exclusive opportunity to explore one of the finest surviving town halls of the 18th century!
A base for the city’s Lord Mayor and all civic business, the Town Hall was established back in 1749 and is much revered, due to its masterful Georgian architecture.
Passing residents, visitors and commuters may have already admired the breath-taking exterior of this iconic landmark, which is crowned by a statue of Minerva and has all manner of decorative curiosities hidden in plain view. However, stepping inside will leave you with a whole new perspective of a building which has greeted Queen Elizabeth II, The Beatles and the Dalai Lama among many other esteemed guests…
Join the tours for just £10 for adults and £8 for concessions on 26th and 28th February 11:00am & 2:00pm.
More information here.
Guided Tours – £10 – St George’s Hall
St Georges Hall Guided tours – 18th, 25th and 27th February 11:00am & 2:00pm
Join our knowledgeable guides on an incredible journey through the history and architecture of one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings and the finest neoclassical building in the world: St George’s Hall.
You will experience the extremes of Liverpool life with a visit to the prison cells, the imposing court rooms and the splendour of the biggest classical reception room in the UK: the Great Hall, the pinnacle of Liverpool’s civic pride. Illuminated by huge light fittings said to be the biggest ever made, you will also see fine marble statues of local notables that line the walls and the Great Willis organ, the third largest of its kind in the UK.
Then you will experience the classical elegance of the golden Concert Room with its beautiful crystal chandelier and described by Charles Dickens as the ‘most perfect Hall in the world’.
Tickets are Adults – £10.00 and Concessions – £8.00.
St Georges Hall Guided tours – 18th, 25th and 27th February 11:00am & 2:00pm
More information here.
The Clink and The Court Tour – St George’s Hall
Various dates
Step back in time and uncover the gripping tales of crime and punishment at St George’s Hall. The Clink & The Court tour takes you on a captivating journey through the eerie prison cells hidden beneath one of Liverpool’s most stunning landmarks, as well as the iconic courtroom above.
Descend into the shadowy depths of the prison cells and hear chilling stories of infamous criminals and the harsh conditions they endured, where whispers of the past seem to echo through the stone walls, then, feel the weight of history as you stand in the Crown Courtroom where the trials of those below were conducted.
This historical experience brings the legal and penal history of Liverpool to life, revealing the human stories behind the sentences and the changing face of justice over the centuries. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, true-crime fan, or simply curious about Liverpool’s rich heritage, The Clink & The Court Tour is an unforgettable journey into the darker side of the city’s past.
More information here.
20% off Splash Tours Liverpool – Royal Albert Dock
Weekday tours in February
Make a splash this February at the dock with @splashtoursliverpool
Take a ride on their amphibious tour bus this half term using the code FEB20 for 20% off all weekday tours- perfect for exploring the City.
More information here.
The full programme will go live on the Liverpool BID’s website and offers can be downloaded now here.
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