Arts Society New Forest
Residential Visit to Liverpool 17-21 Sept 2023
With great expectation we set off in our very comfortable coach to experience the delights of Liverpool. I had put the trip together with Success Travel who we have used for other overseas trips. Enroute we stopped for coffees and then for a most interesting visit to Baddersley Clinton – a moated NT home with so much history, beautiful gardens and café. Our comfortable hotel – Pullman in Liverpool, was based on the Mersey and very walkable/accessible to all the major sights – Albert Dock next door, iconic Liverpool architecture and buildings, lots of galleries and museums, busy bars and restaurants.
Our first venture to see the Gormley Sculptures on Crosby Beach was rained off – a few of us braved the elements to see them in the lashing rain!! However, Alex, our fabulous coach driver took us back late afternoon – what a sight of the 100 sculptures (7 versions of Anthony Gormley) at low tide spread out on the beach. Late am, our local guide took us on a 2 hour Beatles tour covering much of their history including appropriate songs to match the venues – we all joined in the singing…. We were lucky to have a tour of Tate Modern before it closes for a 2 year refurbishment.
On day 2 we were all enthralled by the very differing styles and feel of the Anglican and Catholic Cathedrals including the Lutyens Crypt, followed by guided tour of the Walker Gallery. Some of us walked back to hotel via the Cavern Clubs – old and new!!
Day 3 we headed off to the Port Sunlight village, a wonderful philanthropic establishment by Lord and Lady Lever. Again, we had a most entertaining and informative tour round the whole village, including the Lever Gallery and tasty scones, cakes and teas in the village church where we met Ada and Geoffrey who met (and subsequently married and lived in the village) at the last act of the Beatles in the village before they became famous. The afternoon was spent at Speke Hall, another beautiful Tudor NT home – very atmospheric.
On our final day we stopped for lunch and guided tour of the ruins and modern Coventry Cathedral with its mind blowing John Piper windows – we all fell in love with its power. Safely home in time for supper.
Liverpool far exceeded my expectations – compact, vibrant, so much to see and experience. Very comfortable and friendly hotel with lots of choice for breakfast
and dinner. The efficient and helpful coach driver and planning assistance from Success Tours was exceptional.
Janet Handley
Residential Trips Organiser