Bluecoat Display Centre, Liverpool's Premier Contemporary Craft Gallery
Discover Liverpool’s premier contemporary craft gallery showcasing handmade treasures by over 350 talented makers since 1959.
The Bluecoat Display Centre in Liverpool is a nationally and internationally acclaimed contemporary craft gallery established in 1959. Located on College Lane, it showcases and sells works by over 350 selected contemporary craftspeople annually, offering ceramics, jewellery, textiles, and more. Open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm, it supports excellence in design and craftsmanship through exhibitions, education, and sales, making it a vibrant hub for contemporary applied arts.
A brief summary to Bluecoat Display Centre
- Bluecoat Display Centre, 50-51 College Ln, Liverpool, L1 3BZ, GB
- +441517094014
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit Monday to Saturday between 10am and 5:30pm; the centre is closed on Sundays.
- Use the College Lane entrance for the most direct access to the Display Centre.
- Explore the online shop if you cannot visit in person; they offer assistance sourcing pieces by request.
- Check out maker demonstrations and talks held every other Saturday during special display periods.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations are both about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the Bluecoat Display Centre, making train travel a convenient option. Both stations are major hubs with frequent services connecting Liverpool to surrounding areas. Walking routes are flat and accessible.
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Bus
Numerous bus routes serve Liverpool city centre, stopping within a short walk of the Bluecoat Display Centre. Bus travel times vary depending on your starting point but typically range from 15 to 40 minutes from suburban areas. Check local timetables for service frequency and route details.
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Car
For drivers, nearby parking is available at Q-Park Hanover Street (about a 2-minute walk) and Q-Park John Lewis (around 6 minutes on foot). Parking fees typically range from £3 to £10 depending on duration. Note that city centre traffic and parking availability can vary, especially during peak hours.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby or exploring Liverpool city centre, walking to the Bluecoat Display Centre is easy and enjoyable. The area is pedestrian-friendly with flat terrain and clear signage. Walking times from major landmarks like Liverpool ONE shopping centre are approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
Bluecoat Display Centre location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bluecoat Display Centre
A Hub of Contemporary Craftsmanship Since 1959
The Bluecoat Display Centre has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s creative scene since its founding in 1959. It is nationally and internationally recognised for promoting contemporary craft and design, showcasing works from over 350 carefully selected craftspeople each year. This dedication to excellence in applied arts spans a wide variety of media, including ceramics, jewellery, textiles, glass, and wood. The centre’s mission is to elevate the appreciation of craftsmanship and design, supporting both emerging and established artists through exhibitions, education, and retail.A Curated Collection of Unique Handmade Works
Visitors to the Bluecoat Display Centre can explore an eclectic and ever-changing collection of handmade objects that combine traditional techniques with innovative design. The gallery shop offers a diverse range of products perfect for collectors and gift buyers alike, from finely crafted jewellery to bespoke ceramics and textiles. Each piece reflects the creativity and skill of the makers, making every purchase a meaningful support of contemporary craft culture.Setting and Atmosphere in the Heart of Liverpool
Situated at 50-51 College Lane within the historic Bluecoat Chambers, the Display Centre benefits from a central urban location that blends heritage with modern creativity. The atmosphere is welcoming and inspiring, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the tactile beauty of handcrafted art. The space complements the broader Bluecoat Arts Centre complex, known for its galleries, print studios, independent shops, and a tranquil secret garden.Engaging the Community Through Events and Education
Beyond retail and exhibition, the Bluecoat Display Centre actively engages the public with events such as talks, workshops, and maker demonstrations. These activities foster a deeper understanding of craft techniques and the stories behind the artworks. The centre also offers educational opportunities aimed at increasing public awareness and appreciation of contemporary applied arts, nurturing the cultural fabric of Liverpool.Accessibility and Visitor Facilities
The centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5:30pm, with Sunday closures. It is fully accessible with ramp and lift access, although it does not have on-site toilets. Visitors are encouraged to use the College Lane entrance. The nearby city centre location offers convenient access by public transport, with Liverpool Central and Lime Street stations within walking distance. Parking options include nearby Q-Park facilities.Supporting Contemporary Craft in Liverpool’s Cultural Landscape
As part of Liverpool’s vibrant arts scene, the Bluecoat Display Centre plays a vital role in sustaining contemporary craft infrastructure. It not only provides a platform for artists to exhibit and sell their work but also enriches the city’s cultural heritage by celebrating creativity and craftsmanship. Whether you are a dedicated collector or a curious visitor, the centre offers a unique window into the world of contemporary applied arts.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Coopers Building
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Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
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Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
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Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Cilla Black
0.4 km
Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
'The Great Escape' statue
0.5 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
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Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.6 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
Quirky Quarter
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Explore Quirky Quarter, Liverpool's vibrant hub of creativity, art, and culture, perfect for a unique tourist experience.
Tate Liverpool
0.6 km
Explore Tate Liverpool, where contemporary art meets the historic charm of the waterfront, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.6 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Queen Victoria - Equestrian Statue
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Discover the grandeur of the Queen Victoria Equestrian Statue in Liverpool, a stunning tribute to a historic monarch amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
Quaker Alley Murals
0.6 km
Explore Quaker Alley Murals in Liverpool, a vibrant outdoor art gallery showcasing stunning street art that reflects the city's rich cultural heritage.
Albert Dock Pride Sculpture
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A vibrant public artwork at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and the city’s rich maritime heritage.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.6 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
William Brown St
0.7 km
Explore Liverpool's rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and iconic music scene in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Bluecoat
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Liverpool's creative heart: where 300 years of history meets contemporary art and community.
Liverpool ONE
0.2 km
Liverpool ONE: The UK’s largest open-air shopping and leisure hub in the vibrant heart of Liverpool city centre.
Wolstenholme Square
0.2 km
Explore Wolstenholme Square in Liverpool, a vibrant cultural hub filled with art, food, and community spirit, perfect for every tourist's itinerary.
Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six
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An immersive prison‑themed cocktail experience where theatre and mixology collide in Cell Block Three‑Six.
Moonshine Saloon Liverpool
0.2 km
Discover the Wild West at Moonshine Saloon Liverpool, a unique cocktail bar and dinner theatre offering immersive experiences and dynamic performances.
Shiverpool
0.2 km
Experience Liverpool’s haunted history with Shiverpool’s award-winning ghost tours blending thrills, laughs, and captivating storytelling.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
0.3 km
A compact, purpose-built nightlife square in Ropewalks — bars, clubs and heated terraces that keep Liverpool’s evenings buzzing until the small hours.
Clayton Square Shopping Centre
0.3 km
A compact, light-filled shopping arcade in central Liverpool — ideal for essentials, coffee and a quick stop near Lime Street and Liverpool Central stations.
Ropewalks
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s Ropewalks: a vibrant blend of maritime heritage, creative arts, eclectic dining, and lively nightlife in the city’s independent quarter.
Metquarter Liverpool
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s stylish Metquarter, where luxury boutiques, curated shops, and vibrant dining create a sophisticated city centre shopping experience.
Liverpool Playhouse Theatre
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool Playhouse Theatre offers intimate performances in a classic proscenium arch setting at the heart of Williamson Square.
St Johns Beacon
0.3 km
Liverpool’s tallest tower offering panoramic city views, rich history, and a vibrant broadcasting hub in the heart of the city.
Williamson Square
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s lively Williamson Square, where historic theatre meets vibrant city life in a welcoming urban oasis.
Chavasse Park
0.3 km
A serene urban park at Liverpool ONE, renowned for festive cheer, community events, and a welcoming green escape in the city centre.
The Jacaranda
0.3 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and live music at The Jacaranda, a historic pub in Liverpool, known for its musical legacy and lively social scene.
Essential places to dine
Turtle Bay Liverpool Hanover St
0.1 km
Vibrant Caribbean jerk and cocktails in central Liverpool's most colourful, energetic dining destination.
Ropewalks Bar And Kitchen
0.1 km
Stylish and welcoming, Ropewalks Bar And Kitchen serves hearty British and international dishes in Liverpool’s vibrant city center.
Cosy Club
0.1 km
Stylish British dining with vintage charm and all-day menus in the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant city center.
Hanover Street Social
0.1 km
Lively modern brasserie in Liverpool serving seasonal British classics and renowned Sunday roasts in a warm, social atmosphere.
Bread Street Kitchen & Bar - Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes in a stylish, lively brasserie setting at Liverpool ONE’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar.
Albert's Schenke
0.2 km
Experience authentic Bavarian hospitality with hearty Alpine dishes and a vibrant beer hall atmosphere in Liverpool’s city center.
Villa Romana - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool at Villa Romana.
Salt House Tapas
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Experience authentic Spanish tapas in a lively, historic Liverpool setting with generous portions and vibrant atmosphere.
Smoke & Dough
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Interactive BBQ dining in Liverpool One where you grill premium meats at your table, paired with vibrant cocktails and a lively city terrace.
Las Iguanas - Liverpool
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Vibrant Latin American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's premier shopping destination.
Churrasco Steak House - City - Liverpool
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A vibrant Liverpool steakhouse blending South American flair with British quality steaks and interactive dining in the city centre.
Amalia - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
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Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality at Amalia, Liverpool’s beloved family-inspired Italian restaurant in Campbell Square.
Down the Hatch
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A vibrant vegan basement bar and restaurant in Liverpool offering generous plant-based dishes and creative cocktails in a lively, dog-friendly setting.
Wreck Bistro
0.3 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
The Exchange Restaurant
0.3 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal menus and scenic park views at Hilton Liverpool City Centre’s premier restaurant.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Utility
0.1 km
Independent Liverpool gift shop specialising in quirky, design-led presents, cards and small homewares with a friendly, well-curated atmosphere.
Urban Outfitters
0.1 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Liverpool, a vibrant hub for style and culture in the city centre.
Oliver Bonas
0.2 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
Bleu Prints
0.2 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.2 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
Liverpool Souvenirs and Gifts
0.3 km
Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
Beat That
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Unearth retro gems at Beat That, Liverpool's quirky vintage haven on Concert Street, blending punk edge with timeless thrift treasures in the Ropewalks buzz.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
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Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
COW Liverpool
0.3 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
Menkind
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Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
Scouse Bird Shop (inside Boutique 56 & online)
0.3 km
Discover cheeky Liverpool gifts and local charm at Scouse Bird Shop, nestled inside the stylish Boutique 56 hotel on Stanley Street.
Beats of Liverpool
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Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
Resurrection
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Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
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Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
House Of Gifts
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A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brass Monkey
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Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Present Company
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Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Motel Bar
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A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
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Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
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Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Soho Bar Liverpool
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Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
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Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
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Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Rubber Soul
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Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
MOLOKO
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A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
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Liverpool's ultimate cocktail spot in a historic building—2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and three floors of festive vibes for groups and celebrations.
Bar Bodega
0.5 km
Liverpool's underground disco den: Ibizan house beats in a brick cellar nightclub, pulsing late into the night with cocktails and private party vibes.
The Slaughter House
0.5 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Salt Dog Slim's
0.6 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
