Must See Sights and Landmarks in Billinge Area

"Britain's largest church, this magnificent neo-Gothic building is also the world's largest Anglican cathedral. It was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (creator of the red telephone box) and is a stunning bit of architecture, managing at once to provoke awe at its size as well as a profound feeling of intimacy. You can climb the tower for an unparalleled view of the city and beyond: on a clear day you can see Blackpool Tower 55 miles away."

"One of the oldest buildings in Manchester, the Cathedral has a vast and extensive history that can be traced back to humble beginnings in the 7th century, becoming a Cathedral in 1847. Having survived significant damage during both World War II and the IRA bomb, the Cathedral has undergone extensive refurbishment several times over the past century, creating a lovingly preserved building that appears much more modern than it actually is. The Cathedral is open to the public, who can admire the architecture and numerous little quirks inside, including the misericord wood carvings and bees on the roof."

"Manchester Cathedral has been around since 1215, but has gone through multiple refurbishments. It’s not a massive cathedral but is a nice way to spend an hour or so. Entrance is free (although donations are encouraged)."

"Until the erection of today’s popular 1960s building, Roman Catholics in Liverpool had no true cathedral in which to worship. Edward Welby Pugin, son of the more famous Augustus, was commissioned to design a cathedral in 1853 but only part of it was built, which served as a parish church until it was demolished in the 1980s. After the Anglican cathedral began to rise at one end of Hope Street in 1904, Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to outdo Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s design at a new site at the other end of the same street."

"Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Located at Cathedral house is the amazing Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This Grade II building is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. Known to locals as the “Catholic Cathedral”, other nicknames for the building include “Paddy’s Wigwam”, “The Pope’s Launching Pad”, and “The Mersey Funnel”."

"This magnificent edifice will be a perennial monument of the energy and public spirit, in the nineteenth century, of the people of Liverpool; a place which of all the cities and towns in the British Empire is surpassed only by the metropolis in magnitude, wealth and importance; and which in the quick yet solid growth of its commercial greatness surpasses even the metropolis itself". The Illustrated London News 23rd Sept 1854[309]. "The finest building in the world" Richard Norman Shaw[310] "The most perfect hall in the world" Charles Dickens[311] "Worthy of ancient Athens" Queen Victoria[312] "The finest neo-classical building in Europe" Nikolaus Pevsner "The combination of a magnificent interior with an even grander exterior is an achievement of which ancient Rome itself could offer no parallel, for however splendid and well organised were the interiors of the great thermae, basilicas and other structures, we have nothing to show that the exteriors of their buildings ever reached the same level of coherence and dignity. Indeed, all the remains point in the other direction. Hence the real greatness of Elmes' achievement"."

"This historic town hall is considered to be one of the best examples in the entire world of neo-Grecian architecture. In essence, that means that it has a set of stunning columns flanking the exterior that will look fantastic in any photo. Whether you choose to shoot up close or from a distance, including the Hall in your photograph is a smart move."

"It was built back in the 1800s and it is among the finest examples of classical and beautiful architecture in the country. You’ll find a tourist information center inside the building to help you understand more about this building. With several cafés and small shops inside, this is the ideal place to stop for tea or coffee."

"Goodness Gracious is the rooftop bar of the wonderful Oh Me Oh My and offers some of the best views of Liverpool to look out over whilst you enjoy your drinks in the sunshine. The Royal Liver Building is literally a stone’s throw away, making for a truly iconic setting. Perfect if you want to show off the city to out-of-towners or just for an intimate drink with a partner or friends."

"Goodness Gracious is a secret rooftop beer garden located on the top of events space, Oh Me Oh My. From this exclusive bar you will have a VIP view of the Liver Building, as you sit back and breathe in the beauty of this historic landmark from this stunning terrace. View the Liverpool Waterfront and watch as the iconic Mersey Ferries travel along the water, utter bliss."

"Possibly the best view of Liverpool with alcoholic beverages. If there’s anywhere better to be on a sunny day, we’ve never heard of it. Address: West Africa House, 25 Water St, Liverpool L2 0RG"

"Alan Turing Statue is also a very important LGBTQ landmark in Manchester. It’s located in Sackville Gardens, just behind the Gay Village. Alan Turing was a computer scientist and mathematician best known for his work on Enigma (German encrypting machine) during WWII."

"Perhaps St John (The Minster), Preston is your favoured parish church or if you have another connection with it as recognised by the church, we'd love to discuss your wedding day plans. To find out more about associations that enable you to marry in a particular church, see the Church of England's weddings web site for more details. people choose a church wedding for plenty of different reasons, and we'd like to hear yours."

"The World Museum is one of Liverpool’s biggest museums, featuring exhibits on natural science, historical culture, space and more. The museum has existed since 1851 but has been renovated multiple times to accommodate its growing collections (and popularity with visitors!) The museum currently houses an aquarium and live bug house, home to a variety of exotic beasties. There is even a planetarium which puts on regular shows for those interested in astronomy."

"Discover the world of ancient Egypt, journey into outer space, explore the creepy crawlies in the Bug House and much more at Liverpool’s excellent World Museum. This museum first opened in 1853, making it the oldest museum in Liverpool. Today it’s home to some 1.7 million artefacts and will keep kids – and their parents – entertained for days."

"First established in 1851, Liverpool’s World Museum is one of the nation’s oldest and largest. From Egyptian sarcophagi to the exploration of the universe, World Museum Liverpool is an eye-opening adventure through human history, from some of our first footsteps, to the modern age. William Brown Street, Liverpool, L3 8EN (worldmuseum)"

"You'll find Manchester Jewish Museum in a former Spanish and Portuguese synagogue. The museum tells the stories, history and heritage of Jewish people of the area, via a collection of items. Located in the city centre, Manchester Jewish Museum is a…"

"The Manchester Jewish Museum is the only Jewish museum you will find out of London. The Victorian building is Grade II listed and was built in 1874. It is, therefore, the oldest synagogue in Manchester."

"Hidden away inside the Port of Liverpool building, Mrs Danvers takes its name from the Daphne du Maurier thriller ‘Rebecca’. The menu features everything from homemade quiche to pancakes and bespoke afternoon tea however it is temporarily closed due to covid and sadly I haven’t been able to visit."

"Mrs Danvers cafe on the Pier Head is a 1930s tearoom, based on Daphne Du Maurier’s thriller Rebecca. Forget afternoon tea with tiny sandwiches and bite size cakes - Mrs Danvers puts on a ‘proper’ afternoon tea that is enough to fill you up for the day. In fact, you might even need a doggie bag."