Liverpool’s waterfront is an iconic, unique UNESCO World Heritage site.
A place of deep historical significance, world famous for the Three Graces, which are the Royal Liver Building (1908-11) by Walter Aubrey Thomas, the Cunard Building (1914-16) by Willinck & Thicknesse with Arthur J. Davis and the former offices of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board (1903-07) by Briggs & Wolstenholme with Hobbs & Thornely. Each building, street and corner bearing witness to the city’s ever changing history.
The waterfront buildings overlook the river Mersey, keeping their watch on all who come and go.
There is also a canal link from the Albert Dock, through the network of historic docks and on through the industrial heartland of northern England, connecting with the East Coast Ports. In its time this was the sole transport system for the industrial revolution which burgeoned throughout the country in the early 19th century.
Whilst the waterfront boasts stunning mercantile architecture it also has many contemporary restaurants, bars and cafes, and it has little competition when it comes to catering for all tastes, from a day out with the family to a night out with friends, all can be found here.
You could happily start your Liverpool day here and not need to venture any further with its contemporary Tate Gallery and award-winning museums including the Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum, the Museum of Liverpool and Open Eye Gallery, the waterfront boasts lots of activities for children, to keep them occupied with the likes of Visit Little Liverpool with hands on activities that will keep them entertained, It is the perfect place to introduce little ones to the Museum of Liverpool or maybe take them to the delights of the free Fab Four Workshop at the Beatles Story, which are on offer throughout the summer months. Here they can take part in a host of family fun craft activities including guitar playing, album cover making and storytelling sessions.
Also this year there will be the Pier Head Village a brand new family focused festival coming to the Waterfront from 30 June – 10 September 2017. With thrill rides and lots of attractions, Sound City bar, Artisan Market, Liverpool Art Fair & Gallery, alongside great food stalls.
For all the family a return trip on the Mersey ferry will give you a spectacular view of the city, from the towering spires of its two cathedrals. Many of the landmark buildings are the very ones that voyagers would have seen as they arrived on the great sailing ships and Liners of the past, or the modern day Cruise Liners. It really is the best way to enjoy the spectacle of The Three Graces, especially the Royal Liver Building with its two cormorant-like Liver Birds stood proudly atop, it is said locally the female looks out over the sea for returning sailors, whilst the male looks over the city, checking that the pubs are still open!
And talking of pubs, if you would like a relaxing drink then you really should try the Pump House, and if you are fortunate enough to have the sunshine then a cold pint on one of the benches overlooking the historic Canning and Salthouse Docks really takes some beating.
You may even be lucky enough to enjoy a romantic meal in one of the numerous restaurants and complete your evening with a show at the Echo Arena.
The Albert Dock boasts the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the UK; it also has splendid hotels in its red brick warehouses with a breath-taking view across the Mersey, Wirral peninsula and beyond the hills of North Wales.
East along the river there are walks past the newer architecture of the new Customs and Excise building and the Echo Arena
Overall there is so much to see and do that the Waterfront is a must for everyone, whether you are visiting for a day or longer, it really has to be experienced. And then you still have a whole city left to explore….!
