The Bluecoat in Liverpool is a beautiful destination worth visiting in the centre of the city. It is not so much hidden, as tastefully unobtrusive. It sits at the end of a road between two huge high street shops. From the shopping street it gives the impression of a government building of yesteryear.
For almost 200 years from 1717, the Bluecoat was a school for orphans and poor children. In 1927, the school was transformed into the U.K.’s first art centre. The building was badly damaged in the German blitz of 1941. However, the art centre rose like a phoenix in the 1950s.
Since then, the building has been used for the making and display of art. Performers, visitors and artists such as Stravinsky, George Bernard Shaw, and Yoko Ono have been to the Bluecoat. Yoko Ono performed many times in the space. You can see more here.
Aldous Books
Aldous Books is in the right-hand wing of the building. It is proudly a book shop of the old-school variety. It smells like a book shop, and that for me is the most romantic smell in the world!
Upon entering this shop, I automatically shifted into slow-browsing mode. The atmosphere just encourages the enjoyment of pre-loved books.
As soon as I saw this nook, I started making plans for a reading nook in my own house. It is so homely!
The gates, bearing a Liver bird remind you that you are leaving the gorgeous artistic and ruminative space behind. Liverpool’s constant hustle and bustle awaits!
Edit: I forgot to mention that there is a lovely, spacious cafe, and a gift shop full of arty trinkets and souvenirs!
Bluecoat, School Lane, Liverpool, L1 3BX
Planning a trip to the city? Make sure to check out our Ultimate Guide to Liverpool for the full lowdown on the best districts, hidden gems, and local secrets for 2026.
