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Welcome to our UK travel forum where you can get advice on everything from holidays to exotic destinations, to tips on London travel.

Original poster

Liverpool with teenage boys - what are the must do/sees?

65 replies

WankersHacksandThieves · 24/08/2016 13:54

Looking to do a few nights in Liverpool with DH and teenagers (16 & 15).

Was thinking obviously something Beetles related and maybe the Ferry across the Mersey. Any thoughts/suggestions? Boys not interested in shopping.

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lookingforhope · 28/08/2016 19:56

Well, you have the Beatles stuff covered, and the Ferry, so here are a few more suggestions (non shopping)

Tons to do on the Waterfront - there's the Museum of Liverpool which also has a Beatles exhibition on at the moment, and also the Maritime and Slavery museums on the Albert Dock. Albert Dock itself is nice (though shops a bit tacky and touristy) and you will be there anyway for the Beatles story, so worth a look around - and there is the Tate Gallery there as well.

St George's Hall is spectacular, and there are also guided bus tours which are actually really interesting (I am from Merseyside and even I learned something - like that Hitler once worked at the Adelphi hotel bar (allegedly). Both cathedrals also beautiful though might be a bit boring for teenage boys.

Great parks - Sefton Park and Calderstones Park - the latter has the Palm House with the ancient Calder Stones - and if you go out of the city centre to Crosby beach there are the Gormley statues looking out to sea. Similarly in St Helens (about 12 miles away if you have a car) there is The Dream statue which is worth a look.

Tons of nice places to eat and drink - I would definitely recommend Lark Lane which has some quirky shops (they must allow you one or two) and a great variety of restaurants and bars. Keith's is a local legend (remember it from my student days - a long time ago) and still great. If you want to go a bit more upmarket both Maray and Salt House Tapas are fantastic. For a traditional pub, try Ma Boyles.

Two theatres - Royal Court and the Everyman - which might have something on, and there's the Echo Arena of course so you could check out who is playing there.

If you are on a budget there is a blog called the Poor Man's Guide to Liverpool. Think it is aimed at students but some good stuff on there.

If you get good weather, get over to Wirral and visit West Kirby beach - when the tide is right (do check) you can walk over to Hilbre Island and back in a day which is well worth it. There is also a beach at Formby which has a red squirrel sanctuary

Hope you have a great time.

Advicepls7080 · 28/08/2016 19:57

Are they football fans? Would visiting the stadiums be of any interest to them?

Original poster
WankersHacksandThieves · 28/08/2016 20:10

Wow, thank you - I'd given up on getting any replies :o

I think we are going to take the train. Though it actually takes a bit longer than driving, DH has offered to drive, it'll be about 4 hours so not too bad. I think the train is nearer 5 as we have to change twice including a change of station in Glasgow.

I am really fancying all the stuff at the Waterfront and thanks for the eating suggestions too. The weather will dictate to some extent how much we want to get out of the city. We live on the edge of a town but with loads of countryside and hills on our doorstep but I love the sea and I miss it. I am going to check out to see what is on in the theatres. i've found out that we can go to the cavern club in the afternoons but not in the evening as it's over 18s only after 8 or something.

I've been looking at hotels etc, obv the closer to the centre then it becomes easier not having the car and having to find parking etc and it's good to be able to walk out the door of the hotel and be in the thick of things.

It's also awkward trying to get the right accommodation. A lot of hotels only do double rooms or family rooms, we can't get a family room anymore as DS1 is 16 and therefore a 3rd adult, the boys don't want to share a bed. A lot of serviced apartments seem to do double rooms too ro a double sofa bed. We are not on a really tight budget but we are not minted either. We like Premier Inn but now need two rooms which makes it not such a cheap option plus the room for the boys would have a double and a single sofa bed which will just cause fights.

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Original poster
WankersHacksandThieves · 28/08/2016 20:12

Nope, not football fans or indeed fans of any sport, though DS2 was tracking the Olympic medals but that was more to do with beating China than any interest in Sport itself. DH loves all sport - I think they are a disappointment! :o

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Advicepls7080 · 28/08/2016 20:12

There's Bridgwater apartments I think they're called in Liverpool one you can get them quite reasonably priced and they have rooms for families :)

Starlingsintheslipstream · 28/08/2016 20:16

Would you consider the YHA? It's pretty good and really central. We use it as we have 3 kids and can get decent family rooms instead of the expense of 2 hotel rooms.

Starlingsintheslipstream · 28/08/2016 20:17

It also has free parking.

lookingforhope · 28/08/2016 20:25

It's Bridge Street Apartments at Liverpool One - really central. Had a friend who stayed there for a month once for work and loved it. Also Apple Apartments on Moorfield. Really good deals on Booking.com for both at the moment. Another suggestion - try www.universityrooms.com/liverpool You can rent rooms in the University Halls of Residence really cheap. I stayed at LSE with my family in London one year and it was fantastic - really cheap and right on the Thames. Not luxurious but nice and clean and if you are sightseeing all day it's a bargain

Advicepls7080 · 28/08/2016 20:26

That's the one thank you! I knew it was something bridge Grin not that that's much help haha!

Original poster
WankersHacksandThieves · 28/08/2016 20:27

Can't find bridgewater apartments, but looks like YHA is bunk beds? Bunks no use as boys very much adult sized, DS1 is 6'3, DS2 is 6'1 and really solid (think rugby forward) and DH is 6'2. I'd rather pay more and not put up with the moaning... :o

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Original poster
WankersHacksandThieves · 28/08/2016 20:28

Bridge street coming up as two double beds. :( Still looking...

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Advicepls7080 · 28/08/2016 20:30

Try signature living although they can be really pricey I think it just depends on when you go

lookingforhope · 28/08/2016 20:30

Oh, and parking- you can get a Wave card for £20 for a week on the Waterfront (near the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on the Kings Dock) and you can go in and out as many times as you like. Utter bargain and worth the walk into town as otherwise parking is ridiculously pricey. And do visit Chavasse Park near Liverpool One - lots of bars and just a great atmosphere.

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DonkeyHotay · 28/08/2016 20:33

Posh pads is central and does 2 bedrooms, you can configure second room as two singles. Lots of apartments to rent if you look on TripAdvisor or Booking etc.
Two teenagers on a city break is tough. There are lots of fab places to eat. Try Moose for breakfast.

lookingforhope · 28/08/2016 20:38

Staybridge Suites, Premier Suites or StayCity Apartments also worth a look. Good luck getting somewhere x

DonkeyHotay · 28/08/2016 20:38

Henry Street and Ropeworks area is OK but not fab. Fairly central and there's a Greek restaurant nearby that's an institution. (Christiakis). Also by an Almost Famous (burgers).

Original poster
WankersHacksandThieves · 28/08/2016 20:40

Thanks for all the info guys - that looks a great deal on parking, though we can get a deal on the train for just over £50 for all of us so it is quite tempting :)

2 teenagers on any trip or holiday is tough tbh but they are not staying on their own and I refuse to allow them to spend all day everyday on PC, they like The Beatles and have said they are okay with going so we shall see.. I think DS2 would like the Slavery thing, he is into his history etc. DS1 is only into computers and food :)

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Original poster
WankersHacksandThieves · 28/08/2016 20:41

Lots of great ideas on apartments etc. I'm away to google, thanks everybody

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lookingforhope · 28/08/2016 20:41

Ooooh, Moose! Good call Donkey - love that place! (helps if you really like eggs of course Grin )

AndNowItsSeven · 28/08/2016 20:42

A lot of premier inns have a double and two separate singles. My 17 year old still comes as a " child" they never ask for dob.

DonkeyHotay · 28/08/2016 20:43

I'd stay there for the right price. I would have thought two Premier Inn rooms booked far enough on advance would be cheaper. I've stayed in Signature Living but much prefer Posh pads. Don't mind Travelodge or Premier Inn.

Advicepls7080 · 28/08/2016 20:43

The maritime museum is really good I go quite regularly I just love the dicks though my favourite part of the city.

Also there is base apartments Duke Street when a few of my friends came up in July to visit they stayed there said it was pretty reasonable!

Advicepls7080 · 28/08/2016 20:43

Love the docks oops