Self-Guided Walking Tour of Liverpool Old Town: Full Route Guide

Starting Point: Liverpool Town Hall

Begin your tour at Liverpool Town Hall at the junction of Castle Street, Dale Street, High Street and Water Street. Take time to walk around the exterior of the building and then pass through the passage to Exchange Flags behind it. The Nelson Memorial in Exchange Flags is worth seeing, and the rear elevation of the Town Hall reveals a different architectural perspective.

Castle Street South

Walk south down Castle Street, taking time to look up at the facades of the buildings on both sides. The former Bank buildings, the Victorian commercial palaces and the contemporary restaurants and bars occupy buildings of considerable architectural quality. Castle Street Townhouse at numbers 25-27 is a particularly fine address.

Dale Street East

Retrace your steps to the Town Hall and walk east along Dale Street. The Municipal Buildings are on your left — a vast Victorian civic complex that repays careful attention. Continue east past the Mersey Tunnel ventilation shaft and turn right onto Campbell Square to find The Bridewell — one of Liverpool’s most atmospheric historic buildings, now a pub.

Water Street West

Return to the Town Hall junction and walk down Water Street towards the waterfront. India Buildings on your right is an impressive 1930s office block. At the bottom of Water Street you emerge onto the Pier Head, with views across the Mersey and the Three Graces to your left.

High Street and Old Hall Street

Complete your circuit by walking back up from the waterfront and exploring Old Hall Street to the north, where the Cotton Exchange and the Albany building are located. Return to your starting point via High Street.

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