Walk 1416 - printer friendly version

Exploring Liverpool City Centre Walk

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 4.0 miles / 6.5 km

Ascent - 250 feet / 76 metres

Grade - easy

Start - OS grid reference SJ349905
Lat 53.407282 + Long -2.980734
Postcode SJ349905 (approx. location only)

As Britain's fourth largest city, Liverpool has a long history, many fine buildings and diverse culture. This walk takes in the major sights and should provide the basis for a more detailed exploration of the city should you so wish.

The start is Lime Street Station (grid ref. SJ349905). Exit the station and turn left along Lime Street. Reaching the junction with Brownlow Hill on your left, go half left into Mount Pleasant following the signs to the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral which is located on the left an easy walk up the hill. Completed between 1962 and 1967, the Metropolitan Cathedral is a modern architectural masterpiece and well worth a visit.

After completing the visit, descend the steps down to Mount Pleasant, cross the road and walk down Hope Street which lies immediately opposite. You will notice many fine buildings in this area. Reaching Upper Duke Street/Canning Street, turn right into Upper Duke Street. The Anglican Cathedral is the next objective and is easily reached by following the access drive off Upper Duke Street. Built in traditional style this fine Cathedral was not finished until 1978 and now ranks as one of the largest cathedrals in the world.

Return to Upper Duke Street and turn left. This leads you into Duke Street. You will see the magnificent Chinatown Gate on your left at the entrance to Nelson Street. If you have time then exploring Chinatown will provide a glimpse into the culture and traditions of Europe's oldest Chinese community. To continue, walk down Duke Street to its junction with Paradise Street. Turn left into Paradise Street which soon becomes Liver Street.

Ahead you will see the Albert Dock area, which is reached by pedestrian crossings across the busy A5036. After crossing the A5036 you pass Salthouse Dock on your right to reach the restored warehouses that surround Albert Dock. There are a number of attractions in this area together with a wide range of places to eat and shop.

The route continues by walking north on the promenade beside the River Mersey, with the river to your left. Cross the bridge over the entrance to Canning Dock to reach the side of the new Liverpool Museum. Continuing along the waterfront you reach Pier Head, with its trio of buildings - the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building - which provide one of the best known landmarks in the world.

The walk now turns inland to return to the start and it is suggested that you walk via Brunswick Street (between the right hand two buildings) and take the first street on the right. This street contains the listed Mersey Tunnel building, which was built in the 1930s and contains offices and ventilator equipment for the Queensway Tunnel. Return to Brunswick Street and turn right away from the waterfront. Go straight across the Strand and continue along Brunswick Street to Castle Street.

Take Cook Street ahead and just to the right and follow this into Victoria Street. You are now in the heart of the main shopping centre. At the end of Victoria Street you reach St John's Gardens with the neo-classical St George's Hall a prominent feature to the right. Lime Street station is beyond this grand building.

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