Liverpool from London

Written by Viator, January 2012

RECOMMENDATION Keywords:
Cultural Experience, Good for Kids, Walking/Hiking, Town / City

The Beatles put Liverpool on the cultural map in the 1960s. Shipping and trade put Liverpool on the world map much earlier than that, from the 18th century. Once upon a time, 40% of the world’s trade passed through Liverpool’s docks, when the sun never set on the British Empire, when the trade with the West Indies and Europe and Ireland was at its height.

The grandeur of Liverpool’s maritime past is clearly visible along its waterfront in the historic piers, and the Three Graces, three lovely historic buildings which once housed the major maritime companies: The Liver Building, The Port of Liverpool Building and the Cunard Building. These date from the late 19th and early 20th century when Liverpool was one of the most important ports in the world.

Times changed and Liverpool is now more reliant on people arriving by plane and train than ship. It’s still possible to catch a boat, a ferry to Ireland or one across the Mersey River while the song of that name by Gerry and the Pacemakers plays.

The Mersey Beat or Liverpool Sound brought world attention back to the city, primarily through The Beatles and today one of the most visited places in the city is the Casbah Coffee Club where The Beatles spent their first days as a band; the tour is led by Roag Best, brother of Pete.

Other places of pilgrimage are The Cavern Club, John Lennon’s home, Paul McCartney’s home and so on. Liverpool has other attractions, too: the Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool Art Gallery, Walker Art Gallery and Antony Gormley’s wonderful sculpture of figures standing in the ocean, ‘Another Place’.

There are regular trains from London Euston Station to Liverpool Lime Street Station, taking between 2 and 2.5 hours for the direct service.

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All Liverpool from London Reviews

Reply by Viator, August 2012
Doing what: Beatles and Liverpool Rail Day Trip from London

This trip was seamless! Make sure you go to the Liverpool Museum if you have extra time. They had a bunch of Beatles things there, too! and it was free!

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Reply by Viator, November 2011
Doing what: Beatles and Liverpool Rail Day Trip from London

This was an awesome day trip! A must for any Beatles fan - from their heyday or not. The only thing I didn't realize was that there is no tour guide on this tour. I was met at the rail station and given an envelope with train tickets, a map of Liverpool and passes to get into The Beatles Story and to get on the Magical Mystery Tour bus...the rest is up to you! If I had realized that I would have done a little bit of research before going, but it's a pretty straight-forward and small city. Every part of the day was fantastic and to top it off, at the end of the bus tour, they drop you off at The Cavern Club - where we spent 2 hours listening to a brother duo who do covers of Lennon and McCartney songs. A great way to end a great day!

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Reply by Viator, August 2011
Doing what: Beatles and Liverpool Rail Day Trip from London

This was probably my favorite thing we did outside of London! It is a must for Beatles fans and if you aren't a Beatles fan, book it anyway to get a taste of Liverpool. The people in Liverpool are very friendly and Liverpool has a little bit of everything. We didn't find it difficult at all to find our way around, even without a map. As soon as you step off the train, you will see signs directing you where to go, just pay attention! The Beatles museum was ok, nothing too spectacular, but interesting to say the least. The magical mystery tour was the highlight!! We had so much fun on the bus seeing all the Beatles' homes and where they grew up. Our tour guide Paul was a treat and so funny! The tour doesn't go to the Cavern Club because of the roads, but it does drop you off very close by and they will tell you how to get there. We spent several hours at the Cavern Club before the train left for London. We were able to drink some local Liverpool ale and listen to a Beatles cover band that sounded amazing! My husband and I were both in Heaven!!! I would definitely love to return to Liverpool someday because of this tour and our wonderful experience!

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