Experience Liverpool
Beyond the Guidebooks

I was born and brought up in Liverpool, but, like many Liverpudlians of my generation, left the city in the ’eighties—initially for higher education, and then in pursuit of employment.

I have lived and worked across the United Kingdom, studying in Manchester and Leeds, then teaching A Level English at colleges in the South-East, Birmingham and West Yorkshire. Wherever I found myself, however, I could never quite repress a certain sense of loss, of exile, and, just after the turn of the millennium, I finally managed (unlike many others of the Scouse diaspora) to return home, having secured a job at a Merseyside college. My formal academic qualifications are in the fields of literature and history. I have strong interests in Irish literature and in eighteenth century culture—my Ph.D. thesis, which focussed on the great Dublin-born satirist, Jonathan Swift, combined these two. Alongside this, I’ve always been fascinated by the history, politics, culture and architecture of Liverpool. A few years ago, having taught for the better part of three decades, I decided to commit myself full time to a writing project that fuses my literary and Liverpolitan enthusiasms—an investigation into the lives and works of the self-styled ‘Friends of Freedom’, a network of radical writers active in the city in the late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries. Of course, my research has been slowed down considerably by the Covid pandemic and the attendant closure of many archives, but their re-opening in recent months has set me back on track. However, I do not quite have the personality for a life of pure scholarship. Unsurprisingly, I miss the human interaction to which I’d become accustomed after so many years of teaching English, an activity I’ve always understood (and sought to practise) as intrinsically conversational. I welcome the opportunity to share my passion for Liverpool with visitors, and to engage with the questions which this fascinating city is bound to stimulate in you. My enthusiasm for the city is not, I should emphasise, confined to matters of history. I lead a busy social and cultural life in Liverpool, and while my knowledge of its nightlife is no longer as intimate as it once was, I remain familiar with its ever-evolving pub and restaurant scenes. I often attend the city’s theatres, as well as its numerous classical and contemporary music venues. I am well acquainted with Liverpool’s museums and galleries, from the major, nationally renowned institutions such as the Walker Art Gallery through to smaller and relatively overlooked places such as the Reader Organization’s exhibition on the neolithic Calder Stones. I would be particularly interested in welcoming visitors whose curiosity about Liverpool perhaps includes but also extends beyond the clichés. (Although I’m a fan of both the Beatles and football, I suspect they’ll continue to garner attention whether or not they have my help.) Liverpool is a complex and beautiful city that deserves to be known as such more widely, and excavated from the cloying strata of stereotypes that have been heaped upon it by some in recent decades.

Hey there, I'm Pete, your friendly local host here in Liverpool!

One of the things that makes Liverpool so special to me is the close-knit arts community. You can catch an exhibition, a film, and a concert all within a stone's throw from each other – talk about convenience! And let's not forget the ever-evolving food scene; it keeps me on my toes, exploring new culinary delights popping up all over town. You'll often find me strolling through the city's green spaces, soaking up the tranquility. And as a film buff, I make it a point to visit our three main cinemas weekly – movie nights are a must! I know Liverpool like the back of my hand, from the bustling City Centre to the cozy neighborhoods of Mossley Hill, Allerton, Aigburth, and Toxteth. Let's explore Liverpool together – there's always something new to discover!

Hello there!

I'm Coddy, your Liverpool local with a passion for all things musical and vibrant! The city's rhythm, from its iconic tunes to the friendly buzz on the streets, is pure magic to me. I'm a big fan of our diverse food and drink scene – so if you're keen on exploring eateries or fancy a pint, I've got you covered. Whether you're in the mood for Beatles vibes in South Liverpool or a serene stroll in West Kirby on the Wirral, I've traversed these paths and can't wait to share them with you. Oh, and did I mention? I'm an avid reader! From landmarks to arts and our rich history tucked away in museums, Liverpool's tales are close to my heart, and I can't wait to share them with you!

Greetings!

I'm David, your friendly and creative local host in Liverpool, here to make your time in this remarkable city truly special! I love socializing and visiting the city's charming pubs, immersing myself in the lively atmosphere that fills them. You'll often find me cheering on during thrilling football matches, a testament to my deep passion for the sport. Whether you seek hidden gems or popular destinations, I can effortlessly guide you, sharing captivating stories and historical insights along the way. Join me on an unforgettable journey through this extraordinary city, where I'll ensure your time in Liverpool is filled with cherished memories. Together, we'll explore the true essence of Liverpool, its rich history, and the warm spirit that makes it so special.

Hey there, I'm Chris, your local host in the vibrant city of Liverpool!

One of my greatest joys is showing people around this magnificent city. I have an affinity for Liverpool's history, with a particular focus on The Beatles' deep connections to our beloved hometown. You can count on me to unravel the threads that tie this iconic band to the very fabric of Liverpool. I know the ins and outs of key areas like the bustling City Centre, The Beatles' former homes, and the wider region like the back of my hand. Trust me when I say, there's no hidden nook or cranny in this city I haven't explored. So, join me in exploring the fascinating history, incredible music scene, and mouthwatering food that this city has to offer. It's going to be a memorable journey, my friend!

Hi!

I'm Katherin, a Colombian who has been living in Liverpool for more than 7 years. I'm mum to a beautiful baby girl. Originally, I trained as an accountant but fell in love with Liverpool's amazing history and have now been working as a self-employed tour guide for over 5 years. I can say I'm passionate about all the hidden gems that Liverpool has to offer. My aim is to make all visitors feel welcome, giving them a tour full of humour and information. I love meeting new people and making friends everywhere, so what better opportunity than showing a friend around Liverpool?

Hey there!

I'm Ricky, your friendly local host here in Liverpool. What truly captivates me about Liverpool is its rich history, every corner of this city tells a fascinating story. And those stunning Victorian and Georgian buildings? They never fail to charm me. One of my favorite pastimes is exploring Liverpool's museums, soaking up the wealth of knowledge they offer. But nothing beats a leisurely stroll along the docks, canals, and riverside, taking in the sights and sounds. And let's not forget the football, I've had the privilege of working at Anfield, soaking in the electric atmosphere on match days. So, whether you're keen to delve into history, explore the bustling neighborhoods, or catch a game at Anfield, I've got you covered. Let's make unforgettable memories together in this incredible city!

Hello!

I'm Allan, your friendly local host from the heart of Liverpool. There's a unique charm to this city that captivates me every day - from the rich history behind its grand buildings to the infectious energy from its iconic music sites. I find joy in strolling by the waterfront, witnessing the city's ever-evolving landscape, and exploring the innovative ways our historic city center buildings are repurposed. My passion lies in the stories of our architectural wonders and the incredible tales of those who once called them home. As someone who's seen Liverpool's ups, downs, and inspiring resurgence, I can't wait to share the essence of this magnificent city with you. Let's discover Liverpool's magic together!

Hi, I'm Charlotte, your fun local host in Liverpool!

What I love most about this city? Hands down, it's the people—warm, funny, and always up for a chat. Liverpool's variety of green spaces and stunning architecture often surprise visitors, and I adore showing it all off. As a chef and foodie, I’m passionate about our vibrant independent restaurant scene. There’s nothing like dining out and feeling like you're supporting a friend. I’ve lived in seven different postcodes here, so I know Liverpool inside out, from the beachy north to the bustling city center. With a background in the History of Art and Museum Studies, I’m deeply knowledgeable about our cultural gems and local history. Whether it’s exploring museums with my nieces or diving into the latest food trends, I’m here to share the very best of Liverpool with you!