Georgian Quarter

The Georgian Quarter in Liverpool consists of the streets radiating off from Hope Street (recent winner of Best Street in the Academy of Urbanism Awards) and Rodney Street are lined with fine Georgian terraces, and cosy neighbourhood bistros.

Hope Street is bookended with the city’s two cathedrals: the strident 60s silhouette of the (Catholic) Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, and the world’s second largest Anglican Cathedral – the jaw-dropping Liverpool Cathedral. Also on Hope Street and very close by are the Liverpool Everyman Theatre, Philharmonic Hall and Unity Theatre. The Georgian Quarter is a real-ale drinker’s dream, with a dozen great pubs in the area, not to mention an excellent range of restaurants and smart hotels.

Along Rodney Street (Liverpool’s Harley Street), at No 62, is the birthplace of William Gladstone. St Andrew’s Church (Rodney Street) is home to an amazing triangular tomb. It contains the remains of railway tycoon William McKenzie, who is said to have lost his soul to the devil when he lost a bet. To trick his way out of the wager, folklore has it that he’s been sealed inside the tomb on a stool next to a poker table, clutching a hand of cards. He reasoned that if never buried, his soul could never be claimed. The church is a grade II* 1823 building currently being renovated for student flats (alas).