On the 14th of March Kings Oxford organised a weekend trip to Liverpool, with keen interest in the trip we had a total of 22 students, both a mixture of Kings English students as well as our current cohort of IHSP students.
The trip entailed exploring the city’s rich history, music and culture. Our base was the welcoming YHA Hostel, ideally located for easy access to all the city’s famous landmarks and attractions as well as being situated very close to the historic Albert Dock. From exploring the docks to learning about the city’s industrial past, to paying homage to the Beatles, it was a weekend packed with exploration and discovery. Here’s a little recap of our adventure through Liverpool!
We arrived in Liverpool mid-afternoon on Friday, excited to explore the city over the next few days! After some time to unpack and relax, we all headed out to a local vintage warehouse calmed the Red Brick Market, after some time spent exploring there, students finding all sorts of gems, we headed out towards the city centre as watching the sun set on the way which was beautiful. It was then time for dinner, students choosing their own destinations, before heading back to the hostel for a good night’s sleep before another action-packed day!
After a hearty breakfast at the hostel, we regrouped and headed straight for the waterfront, where the red-bricked warehouses of the Albert Dock stretch along the edge of the River Mersey. Walking along the docks, we enjoyed soaking up the bustling atmosphere. The area was filled with a mix of shops, cafés, and museums, and the view of the river was spectacular – once again we were very lucky with the weather, sun beaming bright! From here we headed along the waterfront to the Museum of Liverpool. The museum gave us a deep dive into the city’s fascinating history. The museum is an immersive experience, telling the stories of Liverpool’s people, its music, and its global significance. We learned about Liverpool’s role in the industrial revolution, its maritime heritage, and how the city became a hub for trade.
After the museum visit it was time for lunch, students once again choosing where they wish to eat, we then regrouped at a bowling alley called Lane 7. Some students chose to partake in a game, others choose a more relaxed setting and spent time at a cat café, drinking coffee and petting fury friends, and others who were keen football fans went to Anfield for their famous stadium tour!
We all met back up and from here visited an immersive video game exhibition called FACT. Many of our students enjoyed taking time to relax, unwind and try out the various games in the exhibition. The rest of the day was free time, before meeting and going for dinner. Before we knew it another day had flown by, and it was time for bed.
Sunday came around and again after breakfast we regrouped set off for one of Liverpool’s most famous attractions - the Beatles Story Museum. It was a must see when in Liverpool. We explored the interactive exhibits that chronicle the Beatles’ rise from a small band in Liverpool to global superstars. From their early days playing in The Cavern Club (which we visited the day before) to their international fame, we got a real sense of the cultural impact they had on the world, and how they broke America. Walking through the recreated scenes of the early Beatles era was like traveling back in time to when John, Paul, George, and Ringo were just four lads from Liverpool. After a morning of music history, we made our way to one of the most unique sites in Liverpool—the Bombed Out Church. Officially known as St. Luke's Church, it was severely damaged during the bombing of Liverpool in World War II. What remains is a haunting yet beautiful shell of the church, when we visited various market stalls selling all manner of things was there, which we spent time exploring, buying little souvenirs to take home with us.
Next, we visited the magnificent Liverpool Cathedral, one of the largest cathedrals in the world. The cathedral’s towering spires and impressive architecture took our breath away. Inside, the soaring arches and stained-glass windows were simply stunning. We spent time walking around, soaking in the serenity of this incredible architectural masterpiece. We were lucky enough to visit during a service, and so could sit and listen to their incredible choir, which many found to be quite emotional, due to the beauty of the sound. From the cathedral we headed back to the YHA Hostel to collect our bags and catch the train home. We left Liverpool with memories of a packed, enriching weekend.
Huge thanks go to Simon and Glenda, who carefully planned the trip to maximise what we saw of the city whilst ensuring the safety of all the students in attendance.
