THINGS TO DO FOR FREE IN LIVERPOOL

There are so many places of interest, trendy clubs and events in Liverpool that are free entry that you can plan your visit here in advance and get the most out of your vacation.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Ever heard the saying 'Every great city has a cathedral'? Well Liverpool has two of them, both dating from the 20th Century.  Here's a little known fact: the Anglican Cathedral was designed by a Roman Catholic and The Roman  Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral (affectionately known as 'Paddy's Wigwam') was built by a protestant. 

Liverpool Anglican Cathedral 

This is one of the great buildings of the twentieth century. It has one of the longest knaves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. The massive tower stands over the city as a symbol of faith in God. Sir Giles Gilbert Scott won an architectural competition to build the Anglican Cathedral, justifying his reputation as one of the world's great architects. Photograph by http://www.colour-splash.com/ 

The Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

The cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool. This stunning piece of architecture incorporates the largest panel of stained glass in the world.  Due to two abandoned commissions, a worldwide competition was held to design the cathedral, Frederick Gibberd came up with the winning design.

THE ALBERT DOCK

The prestigious Albert Dock is Liverpool's main tourist attraction for a host of reasons.  It offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, shopping and entertainment.  Engineer and architect Jesse Hartley designed the 1.25 million square feet complex which is the largest group of Grade I listed buildings in the UK.  Prince Albert officially opened the dock on 30th July 1846.

The Albert Dock accommodated the most advanced sailing vessels of that era, but unfortunately only thrived for around 50 years as it simply couldn't handle the quantity of larger iron and steel steamships.  As a result of this, only 7% of ships docking in Liverpool were sailing ships; and by 1920 there was practically no commercial shipping activity.  The Albert Dock finally closed in 1972 after decades of disuse.

A newly formed Albert Dock Company and the Merseyside Development Corporation signed an agreement in September 1983, enabling the regeneration of the Dock to begin.  The first phase was completed just in time for the arrival of the Tall Ships Race in 1984.  HRH Prince Charles officially re-opened the Albert Dock on 24th May 1988.

Photography by: http://www.colour-splash.com/

On average, about 4 million people visit the Albert Dock each year, visiting the Tate gallery, the Beatles Story, Merseyside Maritime Museum, the International Slavery Museum, Bugworld Experience, Shiverpool Ghost Tours and the Yellow Duckmarine.

LARK LANE & SEFTON PARK

Picture this... you are walking along Lark Lane with your friends and you have never been here before.  You never knew it existed.  You walk past a healing centre, a crystal shop, many bars and restaurants until you sit down and start to relax and soak the environment in.  Then something strange happens... you look at your watch and hours have gone by!  

This is the area of the Beatnik.  It is still the main meeting place for creatives of all fields, there is a general acceptance and tolerance of all walks of life here, from the eccentric, scruffy millionaire sitting alone having a beer in Keith's only to be joined by a local hoody,  musician and off-duty probation officer catching up on old times then meandering into profound, philosophical discussion.

Staring out of the window at Keith's Wine Bar, there will be children unlike any other children in Liverpool.  They are not spoilt nor tarnished by the materialistic culture that has engulfed so many.  You will see the majority of people are relaxed in their own skins, without judgement, well read, well travelled and above all, from every corner of the globe on this idyllic lane.  It is such a shame there isn't a song written about.. hang on.. hmmm! Maybe I'll write one myself.