Walker Art Gallery — known as the "National Gallery of the North," located in the heart of Liverpool's William Brown Street Cultural Quarter, is one of the most important art collections in the UK outside London. Founded in 1877 with funds donated by local brewer and mayor Sir Andrew Barclay Walker, the collection spans over 700 years, from 13th-century Renaissance masters to contemporary painting pioneers, encompassing masterpieces by Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Stubbs, Rossetti, Millais, Monet, Degas, Cézanne, Hockney and more. World-class Pre-Raphaelite holdings, a breathtaking Sculpture Gallery, the biennial John Moores Painting Prize, and the highly anticipated Vivienne Westwood fashion exhibition (2025-2026) make this neoclassical temple a pilgrimage destination for every art lover. Free permanent admission.
From medieval altarpieces to the poetic lament of the Pre-Raphaelites, from the marble skin of the Sculpture Gallery to the contemporary edge of the John Moores Prize, experience the awe and stillness of 700 years of art history at the National Gallery of the North
Start your morning from Liverpool Lime Street station — a 5-minute walk brings you to William Brown Street, the UK's only street entirely lined with museums, libraries and galleries. Gaze up at the neoclassical colonnade and Corinthian capitals, step into the Walker Art Gallery's central hall, pick up a free audio guide (includes Chinese), and follow the timeline beginning in the 13th-century galleries. Encounter Simone Martini's altarpiece and Holbein's portraits in the Medieval and Renaissance section, then enter the European Masters room to stand quietly before Rubens' Meleager and Atalanta and Rembrandt's self-portrait. Turn into the 19th-century Victorian galleries where the poetic world of the Pre-Raphaelites unfolds — Rossetti's monumental Dante's Dream fills an entire wall, while Millais' Isabella and Ophelia leave viewers breathless. In the afternoon, step into the Sculpture Gallery, pausing before Gibson's Tinted Venus — the pale colour on marble skin ignites an eternal debate about classicism and reality. Climb to the John Moores Gallery to feel the contemporary edge of Ally Fallon, the youngest winner in 2025. After your visit, enjoy light refreshments at the central courtyard café, then stroll to neighbouring St John's Gardens for a rest.
The official café located in the central courtyard of the Walker Art Gallery, surrounded by galleries in an open space full of artistic atmosphere. The signature dish is Liverpool classic Scouse stew with red cabbage (£5.50-£7), served with freshly baked sourdough bread and homemade apple sauce. Sandwiches and paninis offer plenty of choice (smoked salmon £4.50, cheddar cheese £3.95), and the moist carrot cake is a TripAdvisor top recommendation. Cappuccinos and lattes are rich and smooth, and staff are happy to warm baby bottles for families with infants, offering high chairs and a children's menu. Budget £5-£12 per person.
Just a 2-minute walk from the Walker Art Gallery, located in a Georgian building next to the Liverpool Royal Society, with an elegant and quiet atmosphere. An excellent choice for lunch after visiting the gallery. Signature dishes include slow-braised lamb shoulder with mint pearl onions and red wine jus (£16), and a vegetarian-friendly roasted beetroot salad with goat's cheese and walnuts (£12). Dessert recommendation: sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream (£6.50). The wine list features small batches selected from local Liverpool importers. Budget £15-£25 per person.
One of Liverpool's most magnificent Victorian pubs, less than a 5-minute walk from the gallery, directly opposite St George's Hall. Built in 1888, the mahogany bar, stained-glass dome and mosaic floor tiles make you feel like you're in a church — locals affectionately call it the "Big House." Classic British pub fare includes Sunday Roast (slow-roasted beef/lamb with Yorkshire pudding and gravy, £14.95) and Liverpool Scouse stew (£10.95). The downstairs cellar bar serves local Liverpool craft ales Love Lane and Cains, ideal for an afternoon break or evening wind-down. Budget £12-£20 per person.
A hugely popular modern Middle Eastern-European fusion shared-plate restaurant in Liverpool, about a 10-minute walk or short taxi ride from William Brown Street. Signature dishes include fried cauliflower with lemon aioli (£8.50) — one of the most Instagrammed dishes in Liverpool — and slow-cooked lamb burger with spicy yoghurt sauce (£14). Vegetarian options are plentiful, including grilled aubergine with pomegranate seeds and tahini. The cocktail list is expertly crafted, with the Middle Eastern-spiced "Maray Sour" a must-try. Walk or take a short bus ride from the gallery. Budget £15-£30 per person.