If you’re planning a road trip of the United Kingdom and keen to twist and turn through scenic villages make a point to steer your way North.
On my first visit to England’s northwest I enjoyed spending a week exploring Manchester and Liverpool, two historic cities that are conveniently located just an hours train ride from each other.
Liverpool is a maritime city located where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. A major trade and migration port from the 18th to the early 20th centuries, Liverpool is famously the hometown of The Beatles!
Where To Stay: The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool
If you’re planning a weekend getaway to Northern England we recommend booking a luxurious stay at the The Municipal Hotel & Spa Liverpool – MGallery.
Situated in the heart of Liverpool, the UK’s only MGallery Hotel is perfectly located for city discovery with iconic landmarks and attractions, including Tate Liverpool and the Royal Albert Dock, located a short walk away.
The Municipal Hotel Liverpool offers 168 rooms and 11 suites that are stylish decorated from top to bottom. If you’re looking to splurge for a special celebration book the Presidential Suite with an Emperor King-sized bed, copper bathtub, lounge, dining room, Smart TV, Nespresso machine, plush bathrobe & slippers, and luxurious toiletries.
Suite guests looking to enjoy a restorative wellness-focused weekend getaway can indulge in Bath Butler Service. Upon arrival guests are given a bath menu featuring 3 curated rituals: Committed by Her, Art of Sleep and Art of Happiness. A range of fragrant oils, salts and exfoliant treatments are provided in the bath by Tribe517.
The Municipal Hotel in Liverpool is also home to the award-winning Thermae Spa, featuring a 16-metre indoor swimming pool with city views, sauna, steam room, experience showers and Jacuzzi. Pamper yourself at the spa by booking a relaxing therapy in one of four treatment rooms.
Visiting foodies are spoilt for choice as the hotel offers a trilogy of restaurants and bars. If you’re thirsty for an entertaining mixology moment hop up at the bar at Palm Court to sip an innovative craft cocktail.
Midday if you’re feeling peckish point your pinky to the ceiling while sipping loose leaf at the beautifully designed Botanic Tearoom. It’s here you can romance yourself over a 3-tiered service including classic scones, preserves, sandwiches and sweet pastries.
Enjoy a fine dining affair at the hotel’s signature Seaforth Restaurant. This charming brasserie is rooted in national pride with some global exotic twists and hints of Liverpool’s historical trade past. Highlights from our visit include Backed Blacksticks Blue Cheese Souffle, Herdwick Lamb “Scouse,” and Halibut with beetroot couscous and baby leeks.
Best Things To Do In Liverpool
Liverpool is the perfect weekend getaway destination as the city is so walkable.
The historic city’s monuments, like its cathedral and transformed Royal Albert Dock pay homage to the past, while inspiring modern art can be found in galleries, and multi-sensory music museums pay homage to Liverpool’s birthplace of The Beatles.
- Royal Albert Dock: this complex of dock buildings and warehouses was designed by Jesse Hartley and Philip Hardwick. It first opened in 1846, and was the first structure in Britain to be built from cast iron, brick and stone, with no structural wood. Today it’s a major tourist attraction, dubbed “the most visited multi-use attraction in the UK outside of London.” It’s here you’ll find many museums, hotels and restaurants.
- Liverpool Beatles Museum: a must-see museum for Beatles lovers keen to get nerdy and dig deep into the bands historic and nostalgia.
- The British Music Experience: charts the beginnings, rise and influence of British pop from 1945 to the present day and includes outfits worn by artists from Mick Jagger, Freddie Mercury and Dusty Springfield, to Adam Ant and The Spice Girls and musical instruments played by some of the world’s most renowned artists.
- Liverpool Cathedral: is famous for being the largest in the UK and the fifth largest in the world by volume, with the world’s heaviest and highest ringing peal of bells and one of the largest organs in Britain. It was designed by a 22-year-old architect, took 74 years to build and offers panoramic views from its tower.
- Royal Liver Building 360: is known for its huge clocks, which are the largest electronically driven clocks in the UK. The building is also famous for the two 18-foot Liver Birds, named Bella and Bertie, that sit on top of the clock towers. Book a tour to enjoy the best views of the city.
- The Cavern Club: Visit the most famous club in the world where The Beatles played 292 times. Head underground to relive a piece of music history with live music all night.
- Museum of Liverpool: tells the story of Liverpool and its people, and reflects the city’s global significance. The national museum is unique as the world’s first dedicated to a regional city’s history, showcasing 6,000 objects across 8,000 square meters of exhibition space. Entry is free!
- Walker Art Gallery: was founded by a local brewer and former mayor, Andrew Barclay Walker, to house an annual show of contemporary art, not a private collection. Today it’s known for its diverse collection spanning various periods and styles, covering 700 years of art history. Entry is free!
- The Cavern Club: the city’s most famous music venue is where The Beatles famously performed 292 times. The club has hosted many other famous bands like Queen, The Clash, Oasis and Adele.
