Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

A striking example of modernist architecture and a prominent symbol of the Catholic Church in Liverpool.

Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, is a striking example of modernist architecture and a prominent symbol of the Catholic Church in Liverpool, England. Designed by architect Sir Frederick Gibberd, the cathedral was completed in 1967 after years of planning and several design changes. 

One of the most iconic features of the cathedral is its lantern tower, which is made of stained glass in a vibrant array of colors. The tower’s windows, designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, create a stunning kaleidoscope of light inside the cathedral. 

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Liverpool
Radio City Tower
Also known as St John's Beacon, the radio tower has an observation deck 558 steps up in the air. We suggest taking the lift.
Liverpool Institute for the Performing Arts
In the 50's, when it was known as the Liverpool Institute, George Harrison and Paul McCartney met on a bus ride home from school.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
A local pub in Liverpool, Paul McCartney performed here as a young musician.
Liverpool Cathedral
Is one of the most significant religious buildings in the United Kingdom and the largest Cathedral in Britain.
Ye Cracke Pub
John Lennon frequented Ye Cracke during his time as an art student at the Liverpool College of Art, often visiting with friends and fellow artists.
A Case History Sculpture
"A Case History" by John King is a bronze suitcase installation on Hope Street, symbolising the cultural journeys of Liverpool's famous figures and institutions.

Related Tours

The Beatles Early Days: Private Liverpool Tour in a London Taxi

This 1.5-hour private Beatles tour offers an exciting introduction to the city of Liverpool and its most famous band, all in the company of a passionate driver-guide and an iconic London Taxi.

On this private driving tour, you will:

  • Enjoy an introduction to both the Beatles and their home city of Liverpool in the comfort of a traditional London taxi;
  • Visit John Lennon’s wedding venue where he married, an important figure in John’s early life;
  • Explore Hope Street a cultural hub in Liverpool city centre where John Lennon grew up;
  • Discover Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, known for its elegant architecture and vibrant arts scene;
  • See some of Liverpool’s most iconic monuments including its 2 cathedrals and the famous ‘A Case History’ statues;
  • Pass by the site where Paul McCartney and George Harrison went to school and learn how it later became LIPA (the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) founded by McCartney himself;
  • Stop by the historic Ye Cracke pub where John Lennon was a regular during his time as an art student;
  • Uncover the childhood home and legacy of Brian Epstein, commonly referred to as “the fifth Beatle”, who served as the Beatles’ manager and helped secure their first record deal;
  • Hear songs by the Beatles along with explanations of the events that inspired them.

John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr, collectively known as the Beatles, are undoubtedly Liverpool’s most famous sons. Many of the city’s historic quarters, buildings and monuments are associated with the famous foursome and their rise to fame. Throughout your private driving tour with an expert local driver-guide, you will gain a valuable introduction to Liverpool and encounter a carefully curated selection of iconic sites connected to the early days of the Beatles.

Your tour will begin at your accommodation in Central Liverpool where your driver-guide will pick you up and begin your crash course into the Beatles’ early years. Your first stop will be the unassuming Mount Pleasant Register Office, the site of the no-frills wedding of John Lennon and his first wife Cynthia. The two met as students at Liverpool College of Art. Your guide will explain the circumstances of the wedding in the summer of 1962 and how Cynthia stood by John’s side as the Beatles rose to fame, long before Yoko Ono came on the scene.

Your route will continue to historic Hope Street. Famously nestled between Liverpool’s two Cathedrals, Hope Street is part of the charming Georgian Quarter and home to various important cultural venues, such as the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, as well as the well-known ‘A Case History’ statues celebrating illustrious Liverpool locals including the Beatles. You will learn about John Lennon’s experience growing up in the area and visit the site where George Harrison and Paul McCartney first met as schoolboys. The former Liverpool Institute High School for Boys now houses the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA), founded by Paul McCartney to create a modern institution that would nurture creativity in the heart of the city that played a pivotal role in his journey as a musician.

You will also pass by the nearby Ye Cracke pub, one of Liverpool’s oldest bars. The pub dates back to the 19th Century and has served as a meeting point for many Liverpudlian artists and intellectuals over the years, including John Lennon, who was a regular in his student days. Last but certainly not least, you will visit Rodney Street to observe the birthplace of an integral figure in the Beatles' meteoric rise to fame: Brian Epstein. Often referred to as “the fifth Beatle”, Epstein was the band’s first manager and was instrumental in securing their first record deal back in 1962. Your guide will explain how Epstein’s guidance and business acumen played a crucial role in the Beatles’ early success and redefined what it meant to be a music manager.

Once your guide returns you to your hotel or another location of your choosing in Central Liverpool, you will have enjoyed a jam-packed jaunt around one of the city’s most emblematic areas, peppered with music and interesting trivia about the Beatles and their formative years in their beloved hometown.

The Premier Classic Liverpool: Private Tour in a London Taxi

Embark on a 3-hour guided tour of Liverpool in the cosy ambience of your private London Taxi! Your knowledgeable driver-guide will take you on a mesmerizing journey through the city’s most popular locations, uncovering over eight centuries of history and culture.

On your private driving tour, you will:

  • Marvel at the Liverpool Town Hall, an architectural gem and historic jewel in the heart of the city, and see the imposing St. George's Hall a neoclassical masterpiece from 1854; 
  • Explore the Museum Quarter, a cultural hub, home to some of the city's most recognised museums and galleries;
  • Pass by Castle Street, which once led to Liverpool Castle, lined with grand Victorian and Georgian historic buildings;
  • Visit the awe-inspiring Liverpool Cathedral, a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture and wander through the enchanting St. James Mount & The Gardens;
  • Gaze at the Metropolitan Cathedral, fondly nicknamed "Paddy's Wigwam", renowned for its distinctive and remarkable design;
  • Head towards Anfield Stadium, home to the iconic Liverpool FC, walk around the stadium's exterior, visit the memorials and statues, and explore the official club store;
  • Pass by Everton Football Club's Goodison Park Stadium and learn about the roots of the city’s football rivalry and the fascinating tales that define Liverpool’s football legacy;
  • Visit the Historic Waterfront and prepare to be captivated by the "Three Graces", the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building & the Port of Liverpool Building, gracefully lining the Mersey River;

Immerse yourself in Liverpool's cultural heritage and architectural splendour on this private driving tour, offering a unique perspective on the city's vibrant character.

Your adventure begins on Castle Street, one of the city's most ancient and vibrant streets, stretching from the iconic Liverpool Town Hall down to the Queen Victoria Monument at Derby Square. This street's layout harks back to Liverpool’s medieval origins that once led to the historic Liverpool Castle giving it its name. While the castle no longer stands, Castle Street remains a significant part of the city's history. 

Located on William Brown Street, you will continue along the Museum Quarter where you’ll find awe-inspiring Victorian architecture in what is often dubbed the city’s "Cultural Quarter." This is a fantastic area to further explore during your visit if you want to immerse yourself in Liverpool’s cultural heritage, with its institutions offering a wealth of art, history, and interactive experiences. 

From here, you will visit the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, the largest cathedral in Britain also known simply as Liverpool Cathedral. it was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and constructed between 1904 and 1978, making it one of the last great cathedrals to be completed in the United Kingdom. Enjoy a stroll around the nave, and admire the magnificent stained glass windows, including the Great West Window, which depicts the creation and is one of the largest in the world.

Next, you will pass by Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, a key symbol of the Catholic Church in the city designed by modernist architect Sir Frederick Gibberd. Also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, it was completed in 1967 after years of planning and several design changes. 

Head towards Anfield Stadium to learn more about the fascinating history tied to the city's famous football rivalry. Originally Everton FC's home ground, it became the iconic base of the well-known Liverpool FC after Everton's relocation in 1891. Your guide will delve into the details and history of both clubs and show you the Goodison Park Stadium from the outside, now the base of Everton Football Club.

As your tour nears its conclusion, admire the historic beauty of the Waterfront, where you'll see the legendary Three Graces - the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool Building -and enjoy stunning views along the Pier Head. These structures symbolize Liverpool’s maritime prosperity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and are central to the city's UNESCO World Heritage status. If time allows, your guide may lead you towards the Royal Albert Dock, providing a perfect finale for your tour.

Throughout this journey, your expert driver-guide will blend captivating stories with historical details, bringing Liverpool’s past and present to life. This private city tour is a mix of iconic landmarks, hidden treasures, and engaging narratives, offering an unforgettable experience of Liverpool’s unique allure.

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