How Many Of The Secret Guide To Liverpool Spots Do You Know?

Secret Liverpool locations and facts that even the biggest Scouser wouldn't know about

It’ a well-know fact that Liverpool is bursting with examples of beautiful architecture and interesting history. But what happens when you feel you have seen all there is to see?

This unusual guide is for the tourists and locals who have outgrown the Hop-on-Hop-off bus trips, river cruises and Beatles tours. Discover more in ‘Secret Liverpool - An Unusual Guide’ by Mike Keating.

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1. Ye Hole In Ye Wall – Liverpool’s oldest pub

Having been built on an old Quaker burial ground in 1726, Ye Hole in ye Wall is Liverpool’s oldest pub! Amongst its interesting 300-year-old features, it’s believed to be home to the ghost of a Spanish sailor murdered by a press-gang for refusing the King’s shilling.

It’s a place full of history. Although the Childwall Abbey Hotel and the Coffee House in Woolton may have older foundations, this is the City’s longest-reigning pub.

Find on Google maps here.

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2. Dream Passage – Platform 2 of James St Station

Mainly closed to the public and only reserved for emergency use, Platform 2 of James Street Station is a wonder to those waiting on Platform 3. You can make out a bas-relief sculpture bursting through the Victorian Tiling.

Commissioned by Merseyrail to celebrate its 100^th Anniversary and the return of the Tall Ships in 1992.  Artists Tim Clark and Paul Grimes created this piece to represent the rite of passage from Birth to Death. It has been left open for the viewer to interpret how they wish. Next time you're travelling on the Wirral line make sure to check it out.

Find on Google maps here.

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3. Mace on the Queen Victoria Statue

The true-to-life bronze of Queen Victoria by C.J. Allen located on Derby Square narrowly survived the Blitz and stands as a symbol, among the desolation, of Liverpool’s dogged refusal to submit.

However to the eagle-eyed viewer, when viewed from a particular vantage point, the mace looks more like a flaccid penis. There are many claims that this was intentional, from someone claiming their Granddad and Uncles were used as models, to it being a vengeful prank on behalf of an unpaid craftsman. Intentional or not, it’s likely Queen Victoria wouldn’t have been very amused.

Find on Google maps here.

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4. Sefton Shipwrecks

It’s hard to believe when looking out from the beautifully peaceful Formby beach that the Sefton Coast has claimed over 300 ships since the middle ages. With most forever hidden beneath the sand, but at low water the remains of 10 or more become visible.

After being used as target practice in the Second World War they are now protected sites. They may appear accessibly close but should only be visited on walks organised by Green Sefton or the National Trust.

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5. Secrets of the Palm House

The Palm House is already a well-known landmark and loved by many. However, it has had a very turbulent past, from losing all its panes during the Second World War to surviving a period of neglect in the 1980s. Its beauty should not be taken for granted as its contents hold many secrets and stories.

One being that it still homes the only surviving plant from the original collection. At the base of the spiral staircase is a huge palm nicknamed ‘Palm Olive’. A species of plant that’s been around for millions of years and commonly referred to as the ‘living fossil’, this one from the Cycadaceae evolved a mere 12 million years ago and is the closest living example of what the Brontosaurus had for breakfast.

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A great gift for your favourite scouser or honorary scouser this Christmas, discover many hidden secrets of 'England's finest Victorian city' Buy the 'Secret Liverpool - An Unusual Guide' by Mike Keating from Utility Gift.

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