Inspirational Women: Liverpool Past/Present History Tour

Discover the stories of Liverpool’s influential women on the Inspirational Women: Liverpool Past/Present History Tour, a captivating 2-hour guided walk through the city’s most notable sites. Priced at just $28.29 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to learn about the women who helped shape Liverpool’s history, heritage, and culture. Starting at Liverpool Cathedral, the tour takes you through key locations like Blackburne House, Rodney Street, and the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King. The experience combines storytelling, visits to iconic landmarks, and insights into pioneering women in medicine, social movements, and more. It’s suitable for those interested in history, architecture, and women’s contributions, with wheelchair accessibility and stroller-friendly locations.

While the tour covers a wide range of historical figures and sites, be prepared for a fair amount of walking and some uneven surfaces, especially around cobbled streets. The group size is manageable, and the guide’s knowledge makes the experience engaging and educational. Since food and drink are not included, bringing water and a camera is recommended to capture the moments. This tour is a great choice for history buffs, culture enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Liverpool’s remarkable women and their stories.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Only $28.29 per person for a 2-hour guided walking tour.
• Start at Liverpool Cathedral: Tour begins at this grand church, featuring stained-glass windows depicting influential women.
• Visit Iconic Sites: Stops include Blackburne House, Rodney Street, Everyman Theatre, and the Metropolitan Cathedral.
• Focus on Women’s Impact: Learn about women’s roles in medicine, social movements, and politics in Liverpool.
• Accessible and Family-Friendly: The tour is wheelchair accessible and welcomes well-behaved dogs; children under 16 need adult supervision.
• Includes: Admission to Liverpool Cathedral, exploration of the Lady Chapel, and stories of notable women in Liverpool’s history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting at Liverpool Cathedral and Exploring Stained Glass Windows

The tour begins at Liverpool Cathedral, where the guide introduces you to one of the final works by a renowned female sculptor. Inside the Lady Chapel, you explore famous stained-glass windows that feature women who have had a lasting influence on Liverpool. This stop offers a glimpse into religious art intertwined with women’s stories, setting the tone for the tour’s focus on influential figures.

The cathedral’s architecture and artwork provide a stunning backdrop for understanding Liverpool’s historical connection to influential women. The guide highlights stories behind the windows and their depiction of women involved in the city’s development, offering a meaningful start to this journey through time.

Blackburne House and Women’s Education in Liverpool

Next, the tour visits Blackburne House, a grade II listed building with a vital role in women’s education. This site has been instrumental in educating girls and women, and its history includes famous alumni and significant contributions to female empowerment. Visitors learn how Blackburne House challenged gender barriers and fostered opportunities for women in Liverpool.

This stop emphasizes the importance of education in advancing women’s rights and social standing. The guide shares stories of women who overcame societal hurdles and contributed to the city’s progress, making Blackburne House a symbol of female resilience and achievement.

Rodney Street: The “Harley Street of the North” for Women

Moving to Rodney Street, often called the “Harley Street of the North”, the tour explores this historic medical hub. The guide recounts stories of famous female residents and their contributions to Liverpool’s medical scene. This area highlights the challenges women faced in healthcare and their eventual influence in medical development.

Expect to see well-preserved Georgian architecture and learn about pioneering women who broke barriers in medicine and healthcare during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The stories told here reveal how women contributed to Liverpool’s reputation as a center for medical excellence.

The Bohemian Roots of the Everyman Theatre and Political Movements

The tour then takes you to the Everyman Theatre, formerly Hope Hall, famed for its bohemian atmosphere and political activism. This site has historic links with suffragettes and other progressive movements. The guide shares stories of women involved in political activism who met and organized at this location.

This stop underscores Liverpool’s role in social reform, emphasizing the suffragette movement and the fight for women’s voting rights. The theatre’s history as a hub of artistic and political expression enriches the narrative of women’s activism in the city.

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Mount Pleasant and Women in Medicine and Education

Continuing to Mount Pleasant, the tour focuses on women’s contributions to medicine, education, and public health. The guide discusses several Liverpool women who faced challenges to influence these fields at the turn of the 20th century. This area’s long association with medical institutions makes it significant for understanding women’s roles in healthcare development.

Learn about the obstacles women overcame and their lasting impact on Liverpool’s health services and educational institutions. This stop highlights pioneering women who fought for recognition and better health outcomes.

Pembroke Place and the Rise of the Red Brick Universities

Next, the tour visits Pembroke Place, known for its famous female alumni and its association with Red Brick Universities. The guide shares stories of pioneering women, including a notable philanthropist who campaigned for women’s rights and family social issues in the early 1900s.

This site illustrates higher education’s role in empowering women and fostering social change. The stories highlight women’s leadership in social reform and education, making Pembroke Place a symbol of progress.

The Metropolitan Cathedral and Women’s Legislation Reform

At the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, the tour explores the history of the site and its connections to Nightingale nurses. The guide recounts the story of a leading reformer who advanced legislation supporting women and families in the 1800s.

This stop emphasizes women’s advocacy in legislative change, illustrating how Liverpool women contributed to social and health reforms. The cathedral’s history intertwines with stories of caring professions and women’s activism.

Lime Street and Liverpool’s Cultural and Musical Heritage

Passing Lime Street, the tour shares the story of a woman who appears in several famous Liverpool songs. This stop highlights Liverpool’s musical culture and the role women played in its development. While more of a cultural note, it adds depth to understanding Liverpool’s social fabric.

The stories here connect music, literature, and local identity, showcasing how women influenced Liverpool’s cultural scene beyond politics and medicine.

The Site of Women’s Social & Political Union Meetings and the Art Gallery

Passing by the site of many early 1900s women’s social and political union meetings, the tour emphasizes Liverpool’s active participation in the suffragette movement. The journey concludes at the Walker Art Gallery, which displays works of fascinating women who contributed to the arts and social change.

The guide shares insights into how these women shaped Liverpool’s artistic and political landscape. The art gallery, as a symbol of cultural achievement, celebrates women’s ongoing influence.

The Historic Role of St George’s Hall in Women’s Rights

The tour ends in the shadow of St George’s Hall, a Grade I listed landmark. The guide discusses its role in the suffragist movement and how this Neoclassical building has witnessed and contributed to women’s rights over the years.

This final stop leaves visitors with a sense of Liverpool’s commitment to social justice and women’s legacy, connecting past activism with the city’s modern identity.

Practical Details and Booking Information

The tour is led by an experienced guide who wears purple and provides live narration in English. It includes admission to Liverpool Cathedral and access to the Lady Chapel, but food and drink are not included. The group size is manageable, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Meeting point is convenient, with guests encouraged to arrive 5-10 minutes early. The tour concludes back at the starting location. Booking is flexible, allowing full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance. Payment can be made later, offering flexibility for travel plans.

Final Thoughts on the Liverpool Women’s History Tour

This 2-hour walking tour offers a comprehensive look at Liverpool’s women’s history, blending architecture, stories, and historical figures. It balances educational value and accessibility, making it suitable for history enthusiasts, students, and culture lovers alike. The affordable price and engaging guide make it an attractive option for anyone interested in Liverpool’s social fabric.

While the walking pace means some uneven surfaces may be encountered, the tour’s rich content and famous sites justify the effort. It’s particularly strong in highlighting women’s contributions across multiple sectors—from arts and education to medicine and activism.

This tour showcases Liverpool’s deep-rooted respect for women’s achievements and offers an insightful journey through the city’s past and present.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts 2 hours.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at Liverpool Cathedral.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, locations are accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

What sites are included?
Stops include Liverpool Cathedral, Blackburne House, Rodney Street, the Everyman Theatre, Mount Pleasant, Pembroke Place, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Lime Street, and the Walker Art Gallery.

Is food or drink included?
No, food and drinks are not included, but bringing water is recommended.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, water, and wear comfortable clothes suitable for walking.

Is it suitable for children?
Yes, children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

How much does the tour cost?
It is priced at $28.29 per person.

Who leads the tour?
An experienced guide from Liverpool Famous Walking Tours leads the activity.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby