Here's some inspiration for planning school days out in Liverpool. Merseyside's major city is home to The Beatles, two Cathedrals and the biggest collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK.
Exploring the world at large gives students a new perspective on their subject so where better to do it than the city of Liverpool? The world heritage site has been endorsed as a top ten global city to visit by Travel Bible The Rough Guide; voted the kindest city in the UK and is recognised as the best place in the country to attend university.
A visit to this amazing environment will inspire your students and boost their learning potential.
SIGHTSEEING & MERSEY FERRY – Don't miss a coach tour of the picturesque and architecturally significant village of Port Sunlight on the Wirral. Arrival in Liverpool can be on a Mersey Ferry against the backdrop of the world's second most famous skyline. Then seek out a fun guided tour to visit landmarks from the Beatles' old schools to the two cathedrals and finish at the world famous Albert Dock – the catalyst for Liverpool's regeneration during the 1980s.
ART IN THE CITY – Liverpool's art experiences include the Tate Modern and the UK's most important sculpture collection outside of London. The Walker Art Gallery houses historical works by Rembrandt and 20th century art courtesy of artists such as Hockney. Tracy Emin even has a neon sculpture hanging in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Fill a full day by taking in the Lady Lever Art Gallery or Sudley House with its personal collection of 18th and 19th century art in an original setting.
AMAZING ARCHITECTURE – Liverpool is a magnet for culture vultures the world over, so make the most of it and experience all it has to offer with an accredited Blue Badge Guide. The city's buildings reflect the influences of its global trade links over the centuries. From the modern circular design of the Metropolitan Roman Catholic Cathedral to Prince Charles' favourite building, St Geroge's Hall, you'll easily fill a day visiting iconic buildings and sculptures.
TOTAL BEATLEMANIA – Experience a full or half day Beatles tour. Operators offer combinations of coach travel and walking to suit your group. Explore the Fab Four's early days in Liverpool to include John Lennon's birthplace, former Beatles' schools, the pubs and clubs they played and much more. A full day could take in Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane and Paul McCartney's childhood home or another excursion such as the Mersey Ferry or a trip up the 138 metre high Radio City Tower providing spectacular views across the city.
GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP – Liverpool provides an excellent opportunity to tailor a field trip to Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4. A full day out in the vibrant city makes a great educational tour. Choose a Liverpool tour guide, perhaps a former teacher, for your group. Tackle an enquiry question such as 'How important is tourism to Liverpool?'. A reliable tour operator will provide work packs – taking the pressure off your own academic staff so they can soak up all the city has to offer.
CHANGING SPACES & MAKING PLACES – 'A' Level geography students will find inspiration for projects in the pool of life. Arrange for your group to visit housing areas and discuss inequality. Toxteth provides a prime opportunity to consider regeneration. We recommend a stop where Ringo Starr spent his childhood – dubbed The Welsh Streets – it has recently been brought back into use as affordable housing. Discover Liverpool's roots in the slave trade through to modern day re-gentrification. Ask for a lecture from a branding expert to fuel the debate on Liverpool's relaunch as a tourist destination.
As such a significant city, Liverpool is the perfect destination for an educational trip. Rich in maritime history and second only to London for galleries and museums students will have plenty to see, do and learn. Great travel links take the hassle out of getting here – easily reached from the M6 in any direction, there are also two airports nearby and direct rail links to most major UK cities including London.
Martin Wynn
Priya
