The Most Impressive Buildings In Liverpool UK

For some of the most stunning architecture, you’ll want to head to Liverpool. This city has well over 2,500 listed buildings and is regarded as one of the best for grandiose buildings. Read on as we delve into some of the most impressive buildings in the city.

Royal Liver Building

Building

One of Liverpool’s Three Graces, the Royal Liver Building is Grade I listed and dominates the city’s waterfront skyline. Opened in 1911 as the home of the Royal Liver Assurance – and arguably the city’s most famous landmark – the building was Britain’s first major construction and one of the first in the world to be built using reinforced concrete. Two fabled Liver Birds perch upon the building’s two clock towers; with legend stating that if these two birds were to fly away then Liverpool would cease to exist.

Port of Liverpool Building

Another of Liverpool’s Three Graces, the Port of Liverpool Building is Grade II listed and a part of the Liverpool’s UNESCO-designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. Originally purpose-built as the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board, this characteristic, Edwardian Baroque-style building has been standing since 1907.

Brunswick Street, Liverpool, UK

Albert Dock

Building

Primarily built as a warehouse and docking system for ships to load in and out of its warehouses, the Albert Dock houses the largest selection of Grade I listed buildings anywhere in the UK. The Albert Dock is now the most popular area for attractions in the city with various museums including The Beatles Story. Opened in 1846, Albert Dock was the first structure in Britain to be built without wood.

St. George’s Hall

Building, Historical Landmark

This popular city centre attraction is a 19th-century, Neoclassical building which consists of concert halls and law courts. Standing strong since the mid-1800s, the multi-purpose hall still hosts a multitude of events.

Cunard Building

Cunard Building was constructed between 1914-1917 and is the third of Liverpool’s Three Graces. Up until the 1960s, this was the headquarters of The Cunard Line, a popular Anglo-American cruise line. Though the company moved to Southampton, this Italian renaissance-style building still holds the name of its original tenants.

Cunard Building, Liverpool, UK

Bluecoat Chambers

School, Shop, Building

The oldest remaining building in central Liverpool, Bluecoat Chambers is packed with history. Opened in 1717 as a charity school, the building now operates as an arts centre. Following damage to the building suffered during the Liverpool Blitz in 1941, a period of restoration saw the venue re-open fully in 2008, to celebrate Liverpool’s year as City of Culture. Bluecoat Chambers is celebrating its 300th anniversary throughout 2017!

Municipal Buildings

Building, Shop

Built around 1860, Municipal Buildings is a Grade II listed building and one of the finest still standing in the city. Originally intended to accommodate the city’s growing level of administrative and council staff, the building was sold in 2016 and work is underway to turn it in to a 4 star hotel.

Speke Hall, Garden and Estate

Building, Historical Landmark

Speke Hall is a Tudor manor house on the outskirts of the city, near Liverpool John Lennon airport. With parts of the building dating back to approximately 1530, this is one of the finest manor houses of its kind that’s still standing.

Liverpool Cathedral

Building, Cathedral

Proudly the fifth largest in the world, Liverpool Cathedral is one of the most eye-catching pieces of architecture the city has to offer. The Anglican building is the third tallest in the city and boasts the world’s tallest and widest gothic arches too.

Liverpool Town Hall

Building, Historical Landmark

Described by National Heritage as ‘one of the finest surviving 18th-century town halls’, this building is a local marvel. Originally built in 1754, the Town Hall is a fine example of Georgian craftsmanship. It’s also licensed for weddings and tours are bookable.

Victoria Building – University of Liverpool/Victoria Art Gallery & Museum

Art Gallery, Building, Museum, University

This stunning red-brick building has been standing in Liverpool since 1892. Originally purpose-built for what was to become the University of Liverpool, the three-story, terracotta brick building was converted in to the Victoria Gallery & Museum in 2008.

Albion House/30 James Street

This unique, white Portland stone and red brick building has been in Liverpool since 1896 and is another example of a building built for a cruise company – due to its popular port and dock. Following a dormant period, the building was recently renovated to a Titanic-themed hotel called 30 James Street.

Albion House, 30 James St, Liverpool, UK

India Buildings

Building

One of the largest architectural structures in the city, India Buildings occupies its own block and has been standing since 1931. Its design was heavily-influenced by the Italian Renaissance and American Beaux-Arts style, and compromises of offices, retail outlets and an entrance to Liverpool’s underground rail line.

About the author

Richard Franks

Freelance Travel and Music Writer

Proudly born and bred in Birmingham, UK, Richard is passionate about all things travel and music. Having founded the regional online music magazine Counteract in early 2010, Richard has enjoyed a versatile writing career and writes for a number of publications, including The Telegraph, The Guardian, The Independent, Metro and others. If he's not travelling around Europe, you'll often find him supporting his football team, Aston Villa.