UK Breaks: 24 hours in Liverpool

Set yourself up for the day with the most legendary breakfast possible. With epic portions of sourdough French toast, oozing with maple syrup and crispy bacon or their amusingly named “Covfefe” plate, that has proceeds going to children’s charity, you can leave with a full tummy and a happy feeling.

Liverpool is a city synonymous with art, music, and literature and nowhere is this more apparent than while visiting one of their many museums and galleries. The Walker Art Gallery is the perfect place to clear your head and open your mind. Marvel at elaborate sculptures, Hockney paintings and the famous Minton Peacock, all completely free for your perusal.

The Albert Dock was the first place in the UK to be built completely of cast iron, brick and stone making it one of the most futuristic complexes of the 19th Century. Now it’s filled with the TATE Liverpool, restaurants and even the odd hipster food joint. A great place to meet with friends and explore the heart of the city.

Part museum, part gallery, part shopping complex, for everything weird, wonderful and rather pleasing to snap a picture of, The Blue Coat Centre is a must-visit. With modern twists and humorous homages, the Grade 1 listed building is filled with light and colour, plus a rather tasty bistro to have lunch in.

Nestled on the quiet Wood Street, it would be an easy mistake to miss Mother Espresso, but to do so would be to miss out on a phenomenally good menu for both drink and food. The menu is always changing, but recent favourites have included the aubergine parmy and chicken katsu sando, while the breakfasts are reliably ten out of ten. Coffees and teas are joined by fresh juices and a small, expertly assembled cocktail list for later in the day.

You would be fooled into thinking Liverpool’s Cathedral was the same as others around the country. Everything in here is bigger, louder and more brightly coloured than you can imagine. There’s even a bright pink neon sign courtesy of Tracey Emin, along with the Great West Window filled with every colour on the spectrum. Fancy a mini-adventure? There’s also the 500ft high tower, giving you a bird’s eye view of the city.

Vintage shopping in Liverpool is at its finest as you explore the hidden depths of Mooshy La La’s. They see vintage clothing not only as a fashion statement but at the heart of a whole ethical shopping ethos of reusing and reloving garments. Spend time here and find that perfect peacoat or that spangly number that will set you apart from the crowd. 

New York may have the Cronut, but Liverpool has the Cruffin. This baked beaut was the invention of the Baltic Bakehouse. Priding themselves on top-notch sourdough bread and amazing cakes and pastries, you can choose from a Mr Whippy or lemon cruffin, or maybe have a sneaky slice of their wonderfully named Crack Pie.

The recently opened Peaky Blinders Bar brings a little bit of the BBC’s 1920s drama right onto the streets of Liverpool. From the wonderfully nostalgic brick façade of the building, to the rumoured “hangover free” Pilsner Urquell (though they aren’t guaranteeing this one!) Plus with giant pictures of Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy on its walls, what’s not to like?

Serving up little plates of Italian loveliness, Salt House Bacaro is the ideal place to have a sharing meal to have with your travelling companions. From Pizzettes (mini pizzas) to charcuterie, meat and fish to pasta, pair your meal with a Negroni and you’re onto a winner. 

Push the boat out and really go for the luxury with a stay at the Titanic Hotel. This UNESCO World Heritage site, once the entry point for rum and tobacco into the country, now boasts a top-rated boutique hotel. Each individually decorated room oozes with not only lavishness but also an echo to the city’s history. Make sure you check out the spa and the rum bar. 

Top off a perfect day by heading to the rooftops above Liverpool and kicking back with some bubbles. The Carpathia Champagne Bar and terrace is situated in the super luxurious 30, James Street Hotel. From here you can see Albert Dock, The Royal Liver Building and a whole host of iconic buildings. Grab a bottle and relax as you survey this wonderful city.