1 Follow the new Liverpool Music Heritage Trail
Step into sixty years of Liverpool’s music scene on the toe-tapping Liverpool Music Heritage Trail, launched in March 2026. The self-guided route takes in 12 key musical locations, marked by plaques shaped like vinyl records. Music fans can scan the QR codes on each plaque to see a short film about that location, bringing the city’s musical history to life. See the original entrance of The Cavern Club, where The Beatles’ story began, and discover other venues past and present that became part of the city’s soundtrack, such as Eric’s, The Lomax and Cream. For a refreshment break en route, visitors can stop at The Philharmonic pub – once frequented by John Lennon and now renowned for its pies.
2 Twist and shout to a summer of live music
Liverpool is hitting all the right notes this summer with a bumper season of live music, kicking off with Liverpool Music Month in May. This new festival, twinned with New York Music Month, includes live performances and cultural events across the city. Liverpool Summer of Music (June to August 2026) follows, turning the spotlight to the city’s influential independent venues like 24 Kitchen Street and The Jacaranda. There’s star power from Foo Fighters and My Chemical Romance concerts at Anfield Stadium (25/27/30 June 2026), Lewis Capaldi at Sefton Park (15 August 2026), plus Nile Rodgers & Chic at Lock and Quay in Bootle (16 August 2026).
3 Catch Britain’s oldest professional orchestra in action
Helmed by chief conductor Domingo Hindoyan, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra puts on a jam-packed programme of shows throughout the year, from classical to contemporary. Plus, for film buffs, there’s a special showing of Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban with John Williams’ sweeping score performed live by the orchestra (27 June 2026).
4 Explore Liverpool’s trendy independent quarter
Liverpool’s Ropewalks district takes its name from maritime rope-making traditions that once dominated the area. Now, it’s synonymous with the indie boutiques and eateries of Bold Street, the Eastern flavours of Chinatown and the dramatic St Luke’s Bombed Out Church. Damaged during World War II, the church is now an unusual events venue: a highlight is its monthly Makers Markets for local souvenirs and delicious eats. Stay at the luxury Halyard Liverpool, a 133-room hotel inspired by the city’s seafaring history, and make time to explore nearby Royal Albert Dock, home to The Beatles Story museum and independent restaurants like Maray.
5 Admire seaside sculptures in Crosby
It’s just 30 minutes by train to the coastal village of Crosby, whose beach is studded with 100 cast-iron sculptures by Antony Gormley. The life-size figures in the Another Place installation were made from moulds taken from the sculptor’s own body and stretch almost one kilometre out to sea, regularly being revealed and submerged by the tides. As a result, visitors are advised to always stay within 50 metres of the promenade to admire the statues. A short walk from Crosby Beach is The Lake House, which offers all-day dining with views over Marine Lake and the Irish Sea. Plus, catch the latest film releases at the Plaza community cinema – a rumoured star of the upcoming Beatles biopic.
6 Get up-close to Formby’s rarest residents
The wild sand dunes and pine woodlands of Formby are also only 30 minutes by train north-west from Liverpool. The red squirrel reserve, part of National Trust Formby, is one of a handful left in Britain, so take a stroll through nature to spot these elusive creatures and other rare animals like natterjack toads and sand lizards. Or, wander along the seashore to discover the prehistoric footprints that appear on the beach thanks to the shifting tides. Take a guided walk with a National Trust guide to learn more about the area’s past, and there’s the chance to spot some Victorian-era shipwrecks too. Dining spots in Formby include Emily’s, a botanical-themed restaurant serving wholesome brunches and Sunday roasts, and The Sparrowhawk, a characterful gastropub.
Beyond Liverpool: discover Manchester’s musical heritage
From The Beatles to Blur, the north-west of England has a musical legacy that’s loud and proud. Less than an hour by direct train from Liverpool, Manchester was the birthplace of bands including Oasis, The Smiths and The Stones Roses. Explore the city’s most iconic venues and musical landmarks on a Manchester Music Tour with taxi driver John and his electric black cab. Guests can build their own itinerary to suit their own interests. Catch a gig at one of Manchester’s characterful venues like Night & Day or Band on the Wall, or grab a ticket for Sounds of the City, an outdoor concert series at Castlefield Bowl (3 to 12 July 2026).