Liverpool may be known for its student culture, but here’s 10 more facts you may not know about the city.
Liverpool is undoubtedly a city rich in history and culture, equally famous for its music scene as it is for sporting achievements. But what else is Liverpool famous for?
Whilst most people are familiar with The Beatles and Liverpool Football Club, there are plenty of other reasons why Liverpool is famous that contribute to its status as one of the most talked-about cities in the UK.
In this article, we explore 10 interesting facts about Liverpool that you may not have known but may make you want to visit and explore this iconic city.
Liverpool has the most museums and art galleries in the UK outside London
Not including the capital of England, London, Liverpool has the most museums and art galleries in the UK. Many of these are local museums which showcase aspects of the local history, such as The Beatles Story and the Museum of Liverpool, but there are also a number of national museums which feature exhibits from around the world.
The Walker Art Gallery is a particularly popular national museum in Liverpool which displays an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures from over 600 years of history. If you are less interested in art and prefer museums, then somewhere like the World Museum will be the place for you. It displays a diverse mix of history and science in a fun and engaging way. Most famously, however, Liverpool is home to the International Slavery Museum, which offers a fascinating insight to all elements of slavery throughout history, right up to the modern day.
Liverpool is famous for Europe’s longest-established Chinese community
The Chinese community in Liverpool dates back hundreds of years, and the city is now home to over 10,000 Chinese residents. This resulted from trading commodities such as silk and cotton between the harbours of Liverpool and Shanghai.
The city now boasts a number of well-known Chinese restaurants and takeaways that are well worth visiting, as well as being home to the largest Chinese arch in Europe.
Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008
As well as winning the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture in 2008, the city became the first ever English city to win the award.
Liverpool is famous for its history and unique culture, so it is not difficult to see why. The award generated around £750,000 for the local economy, which allowed for a number of exciting developments around the town.
There are over 2,500 listed buildings in Liverpool
For those who enjoy history and architecture, this one will appeal particularly to you. Of the 2,500 listed buildings, 27 are classified as Grade I, due to their outstanding historical significance.
Liverpool is famous for its architecture, and a simple walk around the city will allow you to see several distinctive and historic buildings. These include the Albert Dock, which was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world, and Oriel Chambers, which is recognised as the first metal-framed, glass curtain-walled building.
Liverpool is home to the most number one singles
Naturally, when most people think about music and Liverpool, the first name that comes to mind is The Beatles. Of course, they have made a huge contribution to Liverpool – producing the most number-one singles and making Liverpool known as the ‘City of Pop’, but there are a number of other number-one artists who made their name in the city, from Gerry and the Pacemakers to Elvis Costello.
Liverpool is famous for its music scene, which is still thriving today, with regular live shows being staged at local venues, such as the iconic Cavern Club.
Many popular films were filmed in Liverpool
Although it is not often spoken about as a popular filming location, you may be surprised at the number of popular TV shows and films that have been filmed in Liverpool, even if just partially.
These include The Dark Knight (2008), Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011), which all made use of Liverpool’s iconic Stanley and Clarence docks as a filming location.
The world’s first commercial wet docks were built in Liverpool
Built in 1716, the Old Dock, originally called the Thomas Steers’ Dock, was the first commercial wet dock in the world. These were designed to reduce processing time when trading, allowing goods to be transferred directly from the boats into warehouses.
As a city famous for its maritime history, it comes as no surprise that Liverpool is famous for something which revolutionised overseas trading and imports to the UK.
The Georgian Quarter is home to a network of underground tunnels
Famous for its stunning architecture, the Georgian Quarter is home to a series of underground tunnels known as the Williamson Tunnels, although its origins are up for debate.
The most common theory is that they were developed to create employment in the city, but they were subsequently neglected for many years. However, parts of them have recently been restored and make for an interesting visit if you want to explore Liverpool’s underground.
Lime Street is the world’s oldest Grand Terminus Station that is still operating
Initially opened in 1836, Lime Street Station is the main train station for the city. If you plan to take a trip somewhere in the UK from Liverpool, Lime Street will most likely be where your journey starts, as it connects you to other cities such as London, Manchester and Bristol.
It is the world’s oldest grand terminus station that is still operating today as a major station in the UK.
What is Liverpool famous for? Lots!
As you can see, Liverpool is famous for a variety of reasons, from the well-known to the obscure. However, if one thing is for sure, it is that there is truly something for everyone in this magnificent city.
Vita Student provides student accommodation in Liverpool and our building on Crosshall Street is near many of the most famous sites and attractions in Liverpool!
