Liverpool Guided Tours - Which One is Right for You?

The North West of England and Wales are booming as places to visit. At the centre of it the Liverpool guided tours economy is doing a roaring trade.

Liverpool is a city that has risen from ashes. Following the social unrest and riots during Thatcher's 1980s the town planners set about transforming the docklands into a tourist destination. It was The Albert Dock that became the catalyst for future generations of travellers to place the city on their must-see list. Home to the largest collection of Grade I listed buildings in Britain, the city also claims to have Prince Charles' favourite building. Everybody knows Liverpool for The Beatles and you could fill a few days touring the Fab Four's old haunts alone.

So, if you are looking for a guided tour - which one is right for you? Neil MacDonald who runs Brilliant Liverpool tours told us:

"From football stadiums to the first global boyband the city is rich in history and culture. During 2017, sixty cruise liners carrying more than 110,000 passengers will pass through Liverpool. With the second most famous skyline in the world, it's an experience just arriving here by floating up The Mersey'.

Like every city Liverpool has it's must-see attractions. Neil adds:

'A guided tour is by far the best way to see the city. Large groups can have a great tour by coach or bus, for instance venturing out into the suburbs to see famous Beatles landmarks Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields. Likewise exploring the city on foot will give visitors a different perspective and they will be able to venture inside some the world's finest architecture such as The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.'

When time is short visitors can choose between a whole host of set itinerary guided tours ranging from The Beatles, to architecture and from film locations to museums and galleries. Nobody could claim to be short of things to do. Claire Rider, a Blue Badge guide, told us that bespoke tours are also on offer:

'If visitors don't have a clear idea of what they want to do I work with them to make sure the group has a memorable trip. One day I can be guiding an American family on a private walking tour. The next day I could be taking a group of Indonesian students round the city on a coach.'

Claire recommends that on a two day tour, Chester or The Lake District promise to deliver a culture shock to many. She says: 'We have people from Saudi Arabia who have never seen anything like the green landscape in the North of England. Locally made gingerbread and Beatrix Potter in the Lake District always surprise our Asian passengers. And we host many Americans who don't want to leave the city because it's been a life long dream to do the full Beatles experience!'

During the last decade the city has focused heavily on renewing the visitor experience. The City centre was effectively relocated with the building of Liverpool One shopping centre, housing flagship stores from some of the biggest names in UK retail, Harvey Nichols included. The new retail centre's location links the docks back into the city and has rejuvenated their appeal once more.

The larger than life Beatles statue at the Pier Head has become the most popular selfie spot in Merseyside's major city. This once pretty much abandonded stretch of waterfront is now animated throughout the year with events, cruise liner passengers and Beatles fans. It's bordered by The British Music Experience exhibition housed in one of Liverpool's 'Three Graces', The Cunard Building. And a one minute stroll along what was once the first commercial dock in the world will bring you to The Museum of Liverpool Life. It's thought to be the only museum in existence dedicated to the city in which it is housed.

Even educational trips to the city are fuelling the local economy. We found tours about regeneration that included a visit to the place Beatle's drummer Ringo Starr spent his childhood - the streets have just come back into use as affordable housing.

With so much on offer, the best bet for any budding tourist is to seek out a guide or tour that matches their requirements. It's a surefire way to get the inside track on any city. If you want something more bespoke look for a Blue Badge, which is the gold standard. Many can customise a tour just for you. Happy travelling and exploring!

Visitors from across the world have enjoyed all that Liverpool has to offer with Brilliant Liverpool Tours. We show groups and families from America, Asia and Europe our amazing city. Within easy reach are culturally rich destinations such as Chester, adventure sports capital North Wales and you can't beat The Lake District for scenery. From a half day to an entire week - we arrange everything from accommodation to transport plus a fun packed itinerary guaranteed to please everybody. You can contact them at info@brilliantliverpooltours.com and can also call them at 0800 246 1959.

We deliver field visits, school days out and educational tours to deliver the requirements.