Liverpool's musical legacy is undeniable, but the city and its surrounding region in England's north west offer far more than a pilgrimage to Beatles landmarks. With 2026 bringing a new self-guided music trail, a packed summer concert calendar, and easy access to the Merseyside coast, this is an opportune moment to explore the area.
Follow the New Liverpool Music Heritage Trail
Liverpool holds the Guinness World Record as the World Capital City of Pop, having produced more number-one singles per capita than any other city. This year, the Liverpool Music Heritage Trail debuts to celebrate six decades of the city's music scene. The self-guided route takes visitors to twelve key venues, each marked by a vinyl-record-shaped plaque. At stops like the Cavern Club—where the Beatles' story began—visitors can scan a QR code to watch a short film about the venue. For a break, the Philharmonic pub, a former haunt of John Lennon, is renowned for its pies.
Beyond the trail, the city's musical calendar is robust. May sees the inaugural Liverpool Music Month, twinned with New York Music Month, featuring live performances and workshops that highlight the city's "grassroots to global" heritage. From June to August, the Liverpool Summer of Music focuses on independent venues such as 24 Kitchen Street and the Jacaranda, which nurture local talent. Standalone concerts include Foo Fighters, My Chemical Romance, Lewis Capaldi, and Nile Rodgers & Chic.
Classical and Contemporary Performances
The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the UK's oldest continuously operating professional symphony orchestra, will perform a full programme spanning classical to contemporary works. A highlight for film enthusiasts is a screening of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban on 27 June, with the orchestra playing the score live.
For those interested in broader European cultural events, consider exploring Beyond the Biennale: Venice's Must-See Satellite Exhibitions for a different artistic perspective.
Explore the Ropewalks District
Liverpool's Ropewalks district, historically a centre for rope-making, is now one of the city's trendiest areas. Surrounding St Luke's Bombed Out Church, it is filled with independent boutiques on Bold Street and the vibrant flavours of Chinatown. The church itself hosts a monthly Makers Market offering local crafts and food.
Seaside Escapes
Just thirty minutes by train from the city centre, Crosby Beach features 100 cast-iron sculptures by Antony Gormley, which can disappear with the tides. Nearby, the Lake House offers all-day dining with views over Marine Lake and the Irish Sea. The Plaza community cinema is rumoured to appear in the upcoming Beatles biopics. Further north, Formby is known for its sand dunes, pine woodlands, and a red squirrel reserve, where visitors might also spot natterjack toads and sand lizards.
For those planning a broader European itinerary, the north west of England offers a compelling mix of urban culture and natural beauty, making it a worthy addition to any 2026 travel list.
