Private Liverpool Culture Walking Tour, Ghosts & Two Cathedrals.

The Private Liverpool Culture Walking Tour, Ghosts & Two Cathedrals offers an engaging 2-hour exploration of Liverpool’s rich architectural and cultural landscape. Priced at $116.53 per person, this tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and fans of spooky stories. Starting outside the cafe at the bottom of the Liverpool Catholic Cathedral on Hope Street, the tour combines visits to two stunning cathedrals, several filming locations, and fascinating stories about Liverpool’s past. With a qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide leading your group, you’ll enjoy personalized insights in a private setting. The tour includes pickup options and group discounts, making it flexible and accessible, though it does not include snacks or bottled water.

While the tour offers a variety of highlights, it’s particularly strong on visits to iconic landmarks, filming locations, and areas rich in history. The 2-hour duration is well-paced, balancing sightseeing with storytelling. It is ideal for those interested in Liverpool’s architecture, film history, and ghost stories, though it requires some walking on cobbled streets and uneven surfaces. This tour is recommended for curious visitors who want a compact, engaging overview of Liverpool’s cultural gems.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $116.53, the tour lasts approximately 2 hours and is a private experience for your group.
• Includes Two Cathedrals: Visitors explore the Liverpool Catholic Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral, with access to their stunning interiors.
• Covers Multiple Historic and Cultural Sites: Stops include Hope Street, Falkner Street, Rodney Street, and St James Cemetery.
• Filming Locations and Famous Residents: The tour highlights filming sites used in Peaky Blinders, Sherlock, and others, plus landmarks linked to The Beatles and notable historical figures.
• Ghost Stories and Haunted Sites: The St James Cemetery is said to be haunted, with graves of pirates, ship captains, and a mausoleum to William Huskisson.
• Flexible Booking and Private Experience: The tour features pickup options, group discounts, and mobile tickets, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Starting Outside the Liverpool Catholic Cathedral on Hope Street

The tour begins at 124 Mount Pleasant, right outside the cafe at the base of the steps leading to the Liverpool Catholic Cathedral. This spot offers a convenient meeting point, central to many of Liverpool’s cultural attractions. The guide greets your group here, ready to lead you through the city’s Georgian and contemporary landmarks with expertise. The start time is 10:30 am, fitting well into a morning sightseeing schedule.

Visiting the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King

Your first stop is the Metropolitan Cathedral, a modern architectural marvel built in the late 20th century. Inside, you’ll walk around and admire the spectacular Piper lantern stained glass, which casts colorful light across the space. Access is subject to no services or events, but when open, the interior offers a peaceful and visually striking experience. The visit lasts about 20 minutes and includes free admission.

Exploring Hope Street and John Lennon’s Birthplace

Next, the tour moves along Hope Street, one of Liverpool’s most renowned streets. Here, you see the John Lennon Birthplace, a short visit that provides insight into the legendary musician’s roots. While the admission is not included, the exterior itself is a point of interest for Beatles fans. This stop takes roughly 5 minutes, offering a quick glimpse into Liverpool’s musical heritage.

Visiting the Liverpool Philharmonic and Paul McCartney’s Local Pub

A brief walk takes you to the Liverpool Philharmonic, home to the Philharmonic Dining Rooms. This historic pub, where Paul McCartney performed during the 2018 Carpool Karaoke segment, stands as a reminder of Liverpool’s vibrant music scene. The stop lasts about 5 minutes and is a chance to appreciate the city’s musical legacy from a local perspective. Admission to the pub itself is not included.

Touring the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts

The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), formerly John Lennon’s art school, represents Liverpool’s ongoing creative spirit. The guide shares stories about the school and its famous alumni, alongside mentions of nearby Ye Cracke pub and Paul & Georges’ school. This stop takes about 10 minutes, and while there’s no admission fee, it adds depth to the story of Liverpool’s artistic influence.

Strolling Down Falkner Street

Falkner Street offers a taste of Liverpool’s cinematic history. Famous for being used in Peaky Blinders, Sherlock, and Netflix series like A House Through Time, the cobbled street exudes historic charm. The visit lasts 5 minutes, giving a quick chance to admire the architecture and imagine scenes from television and film.

Walking along Rodney Street

Rodney Street is a beautifully preserved Georgian street built during Liverpool’s peak of the slave trade era. It’s notable as the birthplace of William Gladstone, a four-time Prime Minister, and Brian Epstein, the Beatles’ manager. The street’s architecture and historic significance make it a highlight, even if just for a brief 5-minute pause. Admission is free, and the guide explains the street’s complex history.

Discovering the Haunted St James Cemetery

One of the most atmospheric stops is St James Cemetery, a large sunken park and site of many ghost stories. It contains graves of pirates, ship captains, and women vital to Liverpool’s growth. The Mausoleum of William Huskisson, who died in the world’s first steam train accident, is a key feature. The cemetery’s secret signs and symbols add an intriguing layer of mystery. Visitors spend around 15 minutes here, exploring the peaceful yet eerie surroundings.

Visiting Liverpool Cathedral, the Fifth Largest in the World

The tour culminates at Liverpool Cathedral, one of the city’s most impressive landmarks. As the fifth-largest cathedral globally, it features stunning Gothic architecture and a rich history. Paul McCartney was auditioned here in 1953, adding musical significance. The visit lasts about 20 minutes, and the interior, along with the souvenir shop and cafe, provides a comfortable end to the tour. Admission is free, though access may be restricted by services or closures.

Practical Details and Accessibility

The tour is led by a qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide, ensuring knowledgeable narration. It begins at 124 Mount Pleasant and ends outside the Liverpool Cathedral at St James Mount. The tour is private, accommodating only your group, with options for pickup and group discounts. It is accessible for most travelers and allows service animals. The tour operates most days, starting at 10:30 am, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience combines architecture, history, pop culture, and ghost stories in a concise package. It caters well to visitors who enjoy walking tours, historical stories, and filming locations. The small group setting ensures personal attention from the guide, while the stops at two cathedrals and St James Cemetery provide a diverse view of Liverpool’s past and present. However, be prepared for some walking on cobbled streets and limited access at certain sites due to services or events.

Final Thoughts on the Liverpool Culture Walking Tour

This tour offers a balanced overview of Liverpool’s architectural and cultural highlights, with particular strengths in visiting cathedrals and exploring haunted sites. The inclusion of filming locations and Beatles-related stops adds charm for music fans and film buffs alike. The knowledgeable guide and private setting make for a personalized, engaging experience.

While it is a short tour, the carefully curated stops make it a worthwhile introduction to Liverpool’s diverse heritage. It appeals most to those interested in history, architecture, music, and ghost stories, providing a solid snapshot of the city’s unique character. The free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, making this a flexible choice for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, most travelers can participate, though some walking on cobbled streets may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Are tickets included for the cathedrals?
Admission to both Liverpool Cathedral and Metropolitan Cathedral is free, but access can be restricted by services or events.

Can I join the tour at a different time?
The standard start time is 10:30 am. Any variations would need to be confirmed directly with the provider.

Is the tour private?
Yes, this is a private experience for your group only, with options for pickup and discounts available.

How long does each stop last?
Stops range from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the significance of the site and the guided narration.

Is there any recommended clothing or footwear?
Comfortable walking shoes are advised due to cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, cancellations are free if made more than 24 hours before the start time.

Does the tour include food or drinks?
No, snacks and bottled water are not included in the package.

What makes this tour stand out?
The mix of two cathedrals, ghostly sites, filming locations, and Beatles history provides a comprehensive and entertaining overview of Liverpool.

Can I customize or extend the tour?
As a private tour, there may be flexibility, but specific customizations should be discussed directly with Brilliant Tours Ltd.