Jenna, our mom of the month, has been living in Ticino for a few years and has two kids: Blake (7 years old) and Hunter (4 years old). Thanks to Jenna we get to discover Liverpool, a fascinating multi-faceted city, best known for the Beatles… but which has a lot more to offer.
What’s your connection with Liverpool?
“Liverpool is the closest city to Southport (a Victorian seaside resort) in which I grew up in. My husband’s family is also from there.”
What do we need to see if we want to travel to Liverpool with kids?
“China’s First Emperor and The Terracotta Warriors will be visiting the World Museum (9 February – 28 October 2018) The museum also offers an aquarium, planetarium, Ancient Egypt, Bug House, Dinosaurs, Natural History Centre, Natural World, World Cultures, Space and Time.
The Tate Liverpool celebrates it’s 30th anniversary this year (2018) – there are child friendly galleries.
Other places to visit are the Royal Liver Building (UNESCO), the Albert Dock and thel Cavern Club in Mathew Street – where the famous band The Beatles played in the 60’s.”
And what do we need to do in Liverpool with kids?
Take the Ferry across the Mersey with the Merseyferries and see the UNESCO world heritage skyline and hear about Liverpool’s musical and maritime past, with tales of smuggling and famous passengers devised to entertain younger travellers. If the sun’s shining, you’ll find plenty of families stepping out on deck to feel the wind in their hair, but on colder days, hot chocolates below deck appeal to passengers of all ages.
Visit the U-Boat Story and view the amazing life on board a real German U-boat. With original film archive, interactive displays and a rare Enigma machine – all telling the story of the World War II German submarine U-534.
Uncover objects from the Titanic, find out about life at sea and learn about the port of Liverpool at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. At the Museum of Liverpool don’t miss the Little Liverpool Gallery, for children under 6.
Spaceport – Science and space and all things intergalactic museum. Housing a planetarium, astronaut shows, space rides, hurricane simulator, games and interactive zones, exploring the role of gravity and light in space.
Parks: Croxteth Hall was the ancestral home of the Molyneux family, the Earls of Sefton. Today, Croxteth Hall is managed by The City of Liverpool and attracts thousands of visitors every year. Children tend to enjoy taking a step back in time with a visit to Croxteth Hall itself, but you’ll also find a real working farm, a Victorian walled garden and a 500-acre country park, including Croxteth Local Nature Reserve.
Don’t miss the Beatles Story if your family loves music. You can also have your photo taken with the Beatles statues on the waterfront.”
Where is the best place to shop?
If you’re planning on incorporating a spot of shopping into your time in the city head to the open air complex of Liverpool ONE. There is a large Lego store, indoor crazy golf (at Jungle Rumble), plus an Odeon cinema and plenty of family-focused places to eat. There’s a year-round programme of children’s activities at Chavasse Park within Liverpool ONE (which is one of the city’s popular picnic spots) and a clever layout means you don’t have to hike between stores.
What’s the best season to visit the city?
“The weather is best in the summer.”
A restaurant (or more) that you would recommend…
“Children’s Afternoon Tea at Panoramic 34 which is one of the UK’s tallest restaurants. It’s located at West Tower 34,Brook St. You can have sandwiches, scones and small cakes with tea.
Can you recommend three hotels (in three different price ranges)?
Hard Days Night Hotel, the world’s only Beatles-themed hotel. Address: Central Buildings, North John Street. £££
BridgeStreet at Liverpool One Aparthotel. Address: Indirizzo: Poolbridge House, 39 Paradise St. ££
Ibis Cavern Quarter. Address: 67 Dale St. £ ”
Somewhere special that one can’t find in guidebooks…
“Baltic Market – Liverpool’s first street food market.”
A little souvenir to take home…
“Liverpool or Everton Football Club souvenirs, Beatles souvenirs, LambBanana (a bright yellow sculpture intended to be a cross between a banana and a lamb).”
A special place (or more) off the beaten path, in or around Liverpool
“Another Place is an art installation at Crosby beach, on the coast. 100 spectacular cast-iron, life-size figures by Anthony Gormley spread across three metres of the foreshore and stretch almost one kilometre out to sea. The Another Place figures – each one weighing 650 kilos – are made from casts of the artist’s own body standing on the beach, all of them looking out to sea, staring at the horizon in silent expectation. According to Antony Gormley, Another Place harnesses the ebb and flow of the tide to explore man’s relationship with nature.
Please note: Crosby beach is a non-bathing beach with areas of soft sand and mud and a risk of changing tides. Visitors should stay within 50 metres of the promenade at all tides and not attempt to walk out to the furthest figures.
Chester Zoo (in Chester) and Knowsley Safari Park (in Prescot) are two other great places to visit.