The Anglican Cathedral has the largest working organ in the world. Image courtesy: National Museums Liverpool.
Liverpool’s key heritage sites are soon to be connected by the country’s first digital walking tour.
A Heritage Tour of Liverpool will guide visitors on a two-hour stroll around the historic city, taking in historic buildings such as Liverpool Castle and cultural Meccas like the Cavern club, where the Merseybeat scene was founded.
The tour has been devised by the Liverpool Culture Company, which is responsible for the city’s celebrations in 2008 when it becomes European City of Culture.
There are 16 attractions on the guide, which will lead tourists along William Brown Street, Liverpool’s cultural quarter, home to the Walker, Central Library and World Museum Liverpool.
Visitors will also find themselves at the Pier Head, where they will find the city’s ‘Three Graces’ – the Royal Liver, Port of Liverpool and the Cunard Buildings.
The Walker is at the heart of Liverpool's cultural district on William Brown Street. Image courtesy: National Museums Liverpool.
Professor Drummond Bone, Chairman of the Liverpool Culture Company, said: "Liverpool is blessed with a fascinating history."
“This digital guide is a brilliant way to tap into the city’s heritage and take advantage of the fact that the city is a sheer joy to walk around.”
The digital guides are part of a £1 million campaign called ‘Connecting Liverpool’ which is also responsible for rejuvenating the city’s signposts and heritage plaques.
Around 1.5 million extra visitors are anticipated to descend on the city in 2006 when it takes the crown of European City of Culture.
Councillor Mike Storey, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Connecting Liverpool brings a new level of interest to navigating the city and brings our World Heritage status to life.”
The Pier Head is home of the three graces and the landing stage for the world's oldest ferry service. Image courtesy: National Museums Liverpool.
He added: “This Heritage Tour will be of enormous benefit in helping visitors around Liverpool in an attractive and imaginative way. It’s use of modern technology sums up perfectly how the city is looking to the future to make the most of its glorious past.”
For £15, visitors will be equipped with a guide and digital ‘trigger’ that will activate a DVD installed in each of the attractions.
The DVDs are being installed in December 2005 with testing in January 2006. The digital packs will be available from the 08 Place and many of the city’s hotels and attractions.
Visitors will even have the option of keeping their digital trigger so they can take the tour again.
