Liverpool has some of the best buildings in Britain
LIVERPOOL Cathedral has been named one of the best buildings in Britain.
Travel experts who compiled the latest editions of the Rough Guide to England picked out the imposing structure for praise.
The cathedral, designed by Giles Gilbert Scott, made the list of the top buildings constructed in the last century.
Writers from the guidebook – a bible for travellers across the world – singled out the city landmark as a “masterwork”.
Liverpool also enjoys a largely favourable write-up in the book, despite England as a whole getting a mixed report.
The guide praises the new World Museum and International Slavery Museum, along with the newly refurbished Bluecoat.
Liverpool’s entry in the book recognises that “things are looking up” and says its Capital of Culture status has improved the city’s reputation.
It reads: “The city’s stint as European Capital of Culture for 2008 has transformed the view from outside.
“Some may sneer at the very concept of Liverpudlian ‘culture’ but this is a city with a Tate gallery of its own, a series of innovative museums and a fascinating social history.
“Liverpool also makes great play of its musical heritage, which is reasonable enough from the city that produced the Beatles.”
Favourites such as St George's Hall, city museums such as the Walker art gallery and Port Sunlight make a familiar appearance in the guide.
A full page is dedicated to the Beatles and how visitors can get their fill of the Fab Four.
Further afield, the National Trust’s Speke Hall, Wallasey’s Spaceport and the Lady Lever art gallery get a mention.
Visitors are guided to the Albert Dock, Chinatown and Lark Lane for eating, drinking and dancing with the London Carriage Works and The Monro getting fulsome praise.
The Summer Pops, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the Mathew Street Festival are also highlighted.
But the rest of England does not fair so well. The guide concludes the country is populated by “overweight, alcopop-swilling, sex- and celebrity-obsessed TV addicts.”
marymurtagh@liverpoolecho.co.uk
