As a major port city on the eastern coast of England, Liverpool has drawn visitors from across for the globe for centuries. A modern metropolitan hub, it also makes every effort to ensure its city is fully accessible to all its guests. Whatever your age or ability, there is lots to see and do. So, if you’re looking at a weekend break in Merseyside, do not miss out on everything the city has to offer.
In this guide, we’ve selected some of the best attractions to be found in Liverpool, all of which are accessible to its visitors.
Take the Mersey Ferry
When visiting Liverpool, no trip would be complete without taking the famous ferry across the Mersey. While once it was used primarily by commuters, these days it forms more of a tourist attraction and takes visitors on a riverside tour of Liverpool’s skyline. If you purchase a River Explorer ticket, you also get access to the U-Boat Experience.
The vibrantly painted ferries are all accessible to wheelchair users, although care should be taken when boarding on the gangplank. Staff are on hand to assist if it’s needed. For those who can climb the stairs, the top decks offer the best views of the city as you sail past. Free disabled parking is offered outside the terminals, and all the grounds are flat and easily traversed.
Discover The Beatles Story
Discover the story of the most iconic British band of the 60s and 70s, and see why they made Liverpool the capital of the British musical world at that time. The Beatles Story takes its visitors on a dizzying multimedia tour exploring the history of the band from its humble beginnings in Liverpool to the epic heights of their musical career. Including classic recordings of their music, collections of their costumes and instruments, and all the memorabilia you could ask for, it’s something no true Beatles fan would want to miss.
Due to fire safety procedures, only three wheelchairs can be on site at anyone time. Otherwise, the experience is fully accessible with a lift. Induction loops and large-print guides are available, while BSL assistance can also be provided if requested in advance. Accessible parking is available outside.
Find solace at one of the Twin Cathedrals
“If you need a cathedral, we’ve got one to spare”, or so the old Liverpudlian ditty goes. The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, and the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King dominate the city skyline. Marking the historical presence of both the Protestant and Catholic communities of Liverpool, the two buildings offer an oasis of serenity and calm amidst the bustle of Liverpool proper. Both are impressive examples of Christian architecture, and welcome visitors of all kinds from across the world to find refuge within their walls.
In order to make their buildings as accessible and welcoming to all guests as possible, both cathedrals have made extensive efforts to break down areas of inaccessibility. Ramps and lifts offer access to various parts of the buildings, although certain areas may be difficult to get to. Large print and audio guides are offered, and well-behaved assistance dogs are also welcomed.
Learn more at the World Museum
The centrepiece of Liverpool’s historical scene, the World Museum contains priceless artefacts and objects collected from around the globe and across the world’s history. The museum contains everything from prehistoric fossils, ancient mummies, medieval arms and armour, and exhibits of modern global cultures. You could easily spend a day within the museum and still not come close to seeing all it has to offer, but why let that stop you?
The whole museum is accessible, with lifts offering access to all floors for those who cannot manage the stairs. Seating is plentiful throughout the complex, and assistance dogs are welcomed. Certain exhibitions and videos offer subtitles or BSL for those with hearing impairments.
Take a voyage through history at the Liverpool Maritime Museum
As a major port city, the maritime heritage of the city is rich and varied. From its more shameful past as a centre of the Atlantic slave trade, to its more vibrant status as a global metropolitan hub, the Liverpool Maritime Museum keeps track of the social and commercial past of the city. Exhibits and collections are rotated frequently, so there’s always something new to see.
At time of writing, work is being undertaken to replace the museum’s lifts, so only one will be operational at a time. This may restrict access if the museum is especially busy. Otherwise the museum makes every effort to keep the building as accessible as possible. Like at the World Museum, BSL and subtitles are offered on any videos shown, and assistance dogs are welcomed.
Disabled parking is offered at the museum’s car park.
Be inspired at the Walker Art Gallery
Holding the distinction of being England’s largest and most impressive art collection, the Walker Art Gallery contains pieces from across hundreds of years of history in hundreds of different schools of art. Everything from stately Renaissance portraits, to post-modern contemporary works, the gallery is a must see for any art lovers visiting the city.
The Walker Art Gallery at Liverpool is accessible by a long ramp to the main entrance, which has automatic doors. The gallery itself is fully accessible, with staff on hand to lend assistance if needed. Assistance dogs are also welcomed, and disabled parking is available that can be booked in advance.
Are you looking for a carer in Liverpool? At SuperCarers, we’ll help you find experienced home carers in your local area. Whatever type of home care you require, we’ll make sure to meet your personal care needs. Call us on 020 8629 1030 to find out more.
You may also be interested in the top places to eat with your grandparents in Liverpool.
Find out more about home care in Manchester.