Blog: Liverpool named UK’s best large city break

Liverpool named UK’s best large city break!

Liverpool has been named the UK’s best large city break topping a survey run by Which? magazine. The cities were scored on a range of features such as accommodation, food and drink, cultural sights and value for money.

Liverpool’s Culture

Liverpool stood out for it’s buzzing atmosphere and fantastic cultural scene. There is a huge range of cultural attractions in Liverpool that people may not be aware of such as The Tate Liverpool, The Walker Art Gallery, The World Museum, as well as lesser know attractions such Sudley House and Lady Lever Art Galleries. There are also the Maritime and International Slavery Museums, The Western Approaches Museum, Britain’s top secret WW2 bunker, The Museum of Liverpool, and the Victoria Gallery & Museum.

The Liverpool Music Scene

As well as the museums and galleries there is a thriving and vibrant music scene with concerts and festivals across the city, from Taylor Swift, P!NK and Tom Jones to Baltic Weekender, In the Park and Cream Classical. The Beatles are still a big draw for visitors to the city and guided tours are run most days and there is even a Beatles Museum! There are events on at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall and The Tung Auditorium which have a range of events running all year.

Liverpool’s Theatres

Liverpool is blessed to have several theatres and event spaces that have a great calendar of events all year. We are home to the famous Liverpool Everyman, where so many of today’s great actors started and the Liverpool Playhouse, which started life in 1866 as a music hall before becoming a repertory theatre in 1911. For shows that come up from the West End we have the Liverpool Empire . The Royal Court Theatre is famous across the city for showcasing local writers and acting talent. It puts on original plays set in the area which are often hilarious, but can also be hard hitting such as the recent sold-out run of The Boys from the BlackStuff. There are also smaller venues such as the Unity Theatre and the purpose built Hot Water Comedy Club in its new home in Blackstock Market.

Liverpool’s Nightlife & Food

On top of the culture and music, the nightlife in Liverpool is famous for its ‘buzzing atmosphere’ and friendly welcome. There are plenty of bars, pubs and clubs to choose from as well as a great range of restaurants. It’s the home of the original Mowgli, started by local curry-vangelist Nisha Katona, The Art School with celebrity chef Paul Askew at the helm as well as Michelin mentioned Belzan. It’s the world in one city, you will find food from Nepalese Momos to a bowl of scouse with crusty bread and everything in between.  You are guaranteed a great night as well as a load of new friends!

Liverpool’s Green Space

After you have danced your socks off you may be looking for something a little more gentle to pass the time! Liverpool is blessed with an array of beautiful parks, open spaces and great access to nearby beaches, including Crosby Beach with Antony Gormley’s installation ‘Another Place‘.

A short trip on the ferry, bus or train takes you across the water to the Wirral with further access to great walking, beaches and water sports.

We like to have two!

Liverpool is famous for not one, but two cathedrals. The Anglican Cathedral and the Catholic Cathedral stand at opposite ends of Hope Street in the city centre and are very different in every way! The Anglican, Liverpool Cathedral, is the largest cathedral in Britain and was originally designed by George Gilbert-Scott. It is a huge, gothic revival building that sits impressively in its grounds. It hosts a range of tours and events throughout the year as well as being a place of worship. The Catholic, Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, could not look more different! It was originally designed by Edwin Lutyens and was intended to be a huge basilica to rival the great churches of Rome. However, the design had to be changed and radically scaled back after the second world war due to funding. You can see the idea for his designs in the crypt below the cathedral that hint at what was intended. The cathedral is circular in design and is topped by a large ‘crown’. It is known affectionately in the city as Paddy’s Wigwam!

We also have two fantastic Premier League football teams in Liverpool & Everton FC and tours of their grounds also run regularly. Everton’s new ground is due to open for the 2025-2026 season and sits right on the waterfront. Around the area of both grounds there are a lot of murals of current and former players and managers, that are worth a visiting alone!

The Buildings & the People

If that’s not enough, the architecture in Liverpool is varied and beautiful, it is frequently used as a location for Hollywood blockbusters and TV series, with places like St George’s Hall, The Royal Albert Dock and the Georgian Quarter, it’s easy to see why.

Probably the best thing about the city though is the people. Famed for their sense of humour, friendliness and acceptance, it really is a great place to visit.

Book your travel with R Travel

If you are planning a city break to Liverpool, and why wouldn’t you, and you are arriving at one of the local airports, start your holiday in style with an airport transfer with R Travel. All we ask is 24 hours notice to ensure we have the right vehicle to get you where you are going in comfort and style! Don’t waste time at Manchester or John Lennon Airport trying to get into the city, we can be there waiting to bring you into all the city has to offer.

Get in touch today to book yours.