Blackburne House
Historic Georgian mansion transformed into a women's empowerment centre on Liverpool's celebrated Hope Street.
A Grade II-listed Georgian mansion on Hope Street in Liverpool's historic quarter, Blackburne House is a landmark centre dedicated to women's empowerment and education. Originally built in the 1780s as a private residence, it became the first girls' school in Liverpool in 1844 and now operates as a training and resource centre offering wellness sessions, empowerment programmes, and a bistro café. The building showcases stunning period architecture with ornate oak staircases, high ceilings, and decorative windows, blending 18th-century grandeur with modern facilities.
A brief summary to Blackburne House
- Blackburne Pl, Liverpool, L8 7PE, GB
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- The building features multiple levels connected by stairs, so wear comfortable footwear. Wheelchair access is limited due to the historic layout, though staff are willing to assist visitors with mobility considerations.
- Visit the bistro café for seasonal refreshments while exploring the building's architectural features. The café is open to all visitors, not just programme participants.
- The ornate oak staircase and high ceilings are particularly photogenic—arrive during daylight hours to capture the natural light filtering through the decorative windows.
- Hope Street itself is worth exploring; the surrounding area features two cathedrals, galleries, and independent shops within easy walking distance.
- Contact ahead if you have specific accessibility requirements or wish to learn more about the building's history and current programmes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Multiple bus routes serve Hope Street and the surrounding Georgian Quarter. Services 1, 3, 5, and 14 stop near Blackburne House with journey times of 10–20 minutes from Liverpool city centre depending on traffic. Single fares cost approximately £1.75–£2.50. Services run frequently throughout the day, with reduced frequency in evenings and Sundays.
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Train
Liverpool Lime Street railway station is approximately 1.2 kilometres away, a 15–20 minute walk or a short bus journey. From the station, take buses 1, 3, or 5 towards Hope Street. Train fares vary by origin; typical regional journeys cost £5–£15 for standard day returns.
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Car and Parking
Street parking is available on Blackburne Place and surrounding roads, though spaces are limited and subject to resident permit restrictions during certain hours. The former school playground now operates as a car park adjacent to the building, offering paid parking at approximately £1–£2 per hour. On-street parking typically costs £1.50–£2.50 per hour, with restrictions varying by zone.
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Walking
Hope Street is highly walkable from Liverpool city centre, approximately 1 kilometre away via a 15–20 minute walk through the Georgian Quarter. The route is flat, well-lit, and passes through a vibrant cultural district with shops, galleries, and cafés. Accessible pavements throughout, though some Victorian-era streets have uneven surfaces.
Blackburne House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Blackburne House
A Georgian Mansion with Layers of History
Blackburne House stands as a striking Grade II-listed building completed between 1785 and 1790 as a country residence for John Blackburne Junior, who served as Mayor of Liverpool in 1788. The original structure occupied what is now the south wing facing Blackburne Place. The house represents the wealth and influence of the Blackburne family, whose fortune derived from salt refining and merchant trading in 18th-century Liverpool. When first constructed, the building was surrounded by open countryside, but as Liverpool expanded as a major port, urban development gradually transformed the surrounding landscape. The architectural design reflects the aspirations of the Georgian era, with grand proportions and refined detailing characteristic of the period.Transformation into an Educational Institution
In 1844, the house underwent a pivotal transformation when George Holt, a cotton merchant and abolitionist, purchased the property and opened Blackburne House Girls' School—the first dedicated girls' school in Liverpool. Holt established the school in memory of his youngest daughter, Emma Jane, who died in 1842 at age seven. The school's Latin motto, "Born not for ourselves alone but for the whole world," reflected Holt's progressive values and commitment to women's education. The institution opened with remarkable success, enrolling 260 senior girls and 45 infants in its first quarter. Annual fees were five pounds ten shillings for senior girls and two pounds eight shillings for younger pupils. The school remained a fee-paying institution until 1905, when Liverpool City Council assumed overall control while preserving its independent Board of Governors.Architectural Splendour and Interior Design
The building's interior reveals exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. A magnificent oak staircase carved with shallow steps greets visitors upon entry—designed specifically to accommodate the long dresses worn by women in the Victorian era. Soaring ceilings throughout the building create an impression of grandeur and light, complemented by tall windows decorated with ornamental filigree and fitted with window seats. In 1874, architect William Ithell Mason expanded the structure by adding a north wing and central tower, further enhancing its visual presence. Outside the building, decorative concrete blocks carved to resemble suitcases evoke the property's history as a boarding school. These architectural elements combine to create an environment that balances historical authenticity with functional elegance.Educational Legacy and Notable Alumni
For over 140 years, Blackburne House served as the Liverpool Institute High School for Girls, educating generations of young women who went on to achieve prominence in public life. Notable former pupils include Edwina Currie, a Member of Parliament; actress Tina Malone; and journalist Gillian Reynolds, who received an MBE in 1999 for her services to broadcasting. The school successfully navigated the Second World War, evacuating to Colwyn Bay in 1939 before returning the following year with air raid shelters installed. The building miraculously escaped the severe bombing that devastated much of Liverpool during the conflict. The school celebrated its centenary in 1944 with an open day and continued operating until 1986, when changing educational policies and reduced investment led to its closure.Modern Regeneration and Contemporary Purpose
After remaining unused for six years, Blackburne House underwent extensive regeneration and reopened in 1994 as a transformed community and training centre. In 1995, the restoration project won recognition from the Royal Institute of British Architects, acknowledging the quality of the conservation work. Today, the building retains its original architectural charm while incorporating modern facilities designed for comfort and accessibility. The centre now operates as a hub for women's empowerment, offering wellness sessions and empowerment programmes exclusively for women, alongside a bistro café open to all visitors. The building was granted the Freedom of the City in recognition of its contributions to women's development and community wellbeing. A vibrant Old Girls Network connects former pupils across the globe, preserving institutional memory through reunions, coffee mornings, and collaborative archiving of school photographs and memorabilia.Location Within Liverpool's Cultural Quarter
Situated on Hope Street in Liverpool's Georgian Quarter, Blackburne House occupies one of Britain's most distinguished addresses. Hope Street was voted Britain's Best Street in 2012, celebrated for its architectural beauty and cultural significance. The street is home to two major cathedrals, acclaimed restaurants, independent retailers, and a thriving arts scene. This location places Blackburne House at the heart of Liverpool's cultural and educational heritage, surrounded by institutions and venues that reflect the city's historical importance and contemporary vitality.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Huskisson Memorial
0.3 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.4 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.4 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Chinese Arch
0.4 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
Red Brick Market Liverpool
0.9 km
Discover the eclectic charm of Red Brick Market in Liverpool, a hub for local crafts, delicious street food, and vibrant community events.
Friends of Williamson's Tunnels - FoWT
1.0 km
Explore Williamson's Tunnels in Liverpool, a historical marvel revealing the city's Victorian past through its fascinating underground network.
The Bluecoat
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant art scene at The Bluecoat, Liverpool's oldest art center, showcasing contemporary exhibitions and cultural events.
St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery
1.1 km
Discover breathtaking views of Liverpool from St Johns Beacon Viewing Gallery, an iconic landmark blending history, culture, and stunning panoramas.
Coopers Building
1.1 km
Discover Coopers Building, a striking early 20th-century landmark that enriches Liverpool’s historic Church Street with timeless architectural charm.
St George's Hall
1.2 km
Explore the stunning St George's Hall in Liverpool, a historical landmark showcasing majestic architecture and cultural richness, perfect for every traveler.
Queen Victoria - Equestrian Statue
1.2 km
Discover the grandeur of the Queen Victoria Equestrian Statue in Liverpool, a stunning tribute to a historic monarch amidst a vibrant city backdrop.
'The Great Escape' statue
1.2 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
1.2 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
1.2 km
Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
William Brown St
1.2 km
Explore Liverpool's rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and iconic music scene in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Unmissable attractions to see
"A Case History" by John King
0.1 km
Stacked concrete suitcases honoring Liverpool's legendary citizens on Hope Street's historic Georgian pavements.
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts
0.1 km
A historic Grade II listed performing arts university in Liverpool, founded by Paul McCartney, blending rich heritage with cutting-edge creative education.
Ye Cracke
0.1 km
Historic Liverpool pub famed for its Beatles connections, cozy multi-room layout, and traditional cask ales in the heart of the Georgian Quarter.
Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
0.2 km
Experience world-class music and stunning Art Deco elegance at Liverpool’s iconic Royal Philharmonic Hall on Hope Street.
Unity Theatre
0.2 km
Historic and vibrant political theatre in Liverpool offering intimate performances and a strong community spirit since 1936.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
0.2 km
Historic Grade I-listed pub on Hope Street offering classic British dishes, exquisite Victorian-Baroque interiors, and a warm Liverpool welcome.
Georgian Quarter
0.2 km
Historic elegance meets vibrant culture in Liverpool’s Georgian Quarter, a charming neighborhood of classic architecture and creative spirit.
The Oratory
0.2 km
A solemn Greek Revival chapel in Liverpool, The Oratory stands as a timeless tribute to Victorian funerary art and architecture.
St James Memorial Cemetery
0.3 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic St James Memorial Cemetery—a serene Victorian park born from a quarry, blending rich heritage with tranquil urban green space.
Liverpool Masonic Hall
0.3 km
Historic Liverpool Masonic Hall on Hope Street: A majestic hub of Freemasonry and culture blending tradition with vibrant community life.
St James Mount And The Gardens
0.3 km
Historic gardens and tranquil green space beneath Liverpool Cathedral, blending quarry heritage, Victorian cemetery remnants, and a natural spring.
Church of England Cathedral of the Diocese of Liverpool
0.3 km
Explore Britain’s largest cathedral, a monumental Gothic masterpiece with breathtaking interiors and panoramic city views atop its iconic central tower.
Liverpool Cathedral
0.3 km
Britain’s largest cathedral, a red sandstone giant with soaring vaults, stained glass and panoramic city views from its tower.
Everyman Theatre
0.3 km
Liverpool’s Everyman Theatre: Where bohemian heritage meets innovative theatre in an intimate, iconic setting on Hope Street.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
0.4 km
A towering granite pyramid on Rodney Street, this tomb blends Victorian grandeur with ghostly legends of a gambler’s eternal wager.
Essential places to dine
The Quarter
0.0 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
The London Carriage Works
0.1 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
The Art School Restaurant
0.2 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
Roski Restaurant
0.3 km
An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Chamber 36 City Centre
0.4 km
Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Cowshed Liverpool
0.4 km
A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Maray Bold Street
0.5 km
Discover vibrant Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates with bold flavours and plant-based options in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
The Italian Club
0.5 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street at The Italian Club.
La Finca Eivissa
0.5 km
Experience the vibrant spirit of Ibiza with fusion tapas, cocktails, and live DJs in the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Mowgli Street Food Bold Street
0.6 km
Experience authentic Indian street food bursting with bold flavors in a lively Liverpool setting on Bold Street.
Alma De Cuba
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Cuban culture and cuisine in Liverpool’s stunning former St Peters Church, blending historic charm with lively dining and entertainment.
Greek Taverna Bold Street
0.6 km
Experience authentic Greek cuisine and vibrant Mediterranean hospitality in the heart of Liverpool’s Bold Street.
Almost Famous Liverpool
0.7 km
Big, messy burgers and loud, fun vibes in a graffiti-covered diner on Liverpool’s Parr Street.
Wreck Bistro
0.7 km
A warm, inventive British bistro in Liverpool’s Ropewalks, blending seasonal ingredients with creative flair in a relaxed, inviting setting.
Restaurants Liverpool
0.7 km
Authentic Italian cuisine meets Liverpool’s creative Baltic Triangle in a stylish, welcoming setting perfect for casual daytime dining.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
0.3 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
69A
0.5 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
The Hippy Hole
0.5 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
0.6 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Utility Gift Store
0.6 km
Quirky gifts and unique designs on Liverpool's Bold Street – your indie haven for Moomin magic, scented candles, and cards that say it best. Dog-friendly delight.
Gift Insanity
0.7 km
Discover Liverpool’s most delightful gift shop, where quirky and unique treasures await every occasion on St James Street.
Resurrection
0.7 km
Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
Beat That
0.7 km
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.
COW Liverpool
0.8 km
A compact Bold Street vintage haven where curated retro clothes, approachable staff and frequent one-off finds reward close, unhurried browsing.
Unique Fashion Boutique
0.8 km
Discover exclusive ladies' fashion and accessories in a cozy Liverpool boutique known for personalized style and unique collections.
Ingraved Alternative Gift Store
0.9 km
Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and art in Liverpool’s vibrant Red Brick Market at Ingraved Alternative Gift Store.
The Liverpool Crystal Shop
0.9 km
Discover shimmering crystals and healing gems in Liverpool's edgy Red Brick Market, where Baltic Triangle creativity meets earth's ancient energies.
Bleu Prints
0.9 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Rebellious Fashion
1.0 km
Discover trendy, affordable women's fashion in Liverpool’s vibrant Houghton Street boutique with extended weekday hours and a youthful style vibe.
St Johns Shopping Centre
1.1 km
Explore the vibrant St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool for a unique shopping experience with diverse stores, dining, and entertainment options.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Liverpool Arts Bar
0.3 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
The Pen Factory
0.3 km
Industrial-chic bistro bar on Liverpool’s Hope Street with seasonal small plates, lively atmosphere, and a popular beer garden.
The Font
0.4 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
Red Door
0.4 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
Berry and Rye
0.4 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
The Oracle
0.4 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Salt Dog Slim's
0.4 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
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.
MOLOKO
0.6 km
A music-led cocktail bar in the Old Stables with a beer garden, late DJs and an over-25s disco energy for evening socialising.
The Lime Kiln - JD Wetherspoon
0.7 km
Affordable ales and hearty meals in a historic warehouse pub at the pulse of Liverpool's nightlife district—daytime calm meets evening energy.
Soho Bar Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's neon-charged party hub in Concert Square: cocktails by day, club beats by night, perfect for epic nights out.
Hobo Kiosk
0.8 km
Liverpool's tiniest, quirkiest pub: vintage chaos, craft pours, and community vibes in the Baltic Triangle's creative heart.
Botanical Garden
0.8 km
A plant‑filled, seasonal outdoor bar in the Baltic Triangle specialising in gin, street food and relaxed live music under festoon lights.
The Duck and Swagger
0.8 km
Cozy Baltic Triangle pub serving hearty scouse, all-day brekkies, and local ales in multi-roomed splendor—Liverpool's welcoming hidden gem.
Kazimier Garden
0.8 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Blue Angel Nightclub
0.4 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Cool It
0.5 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Pure Nightlounge
0.5 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Heebie Jeebies
0.6 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
0.6 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
BrooklynMixer
0.6 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.6 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Aura
0.7 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.7 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Modo, Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.8 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
Supper Club at Blundell Street
1.0 km
Liverpool's ultimate supper club: fuel up on hearty meals, then dance the night away to drag shows, tributes, and non-stop hits near Echo Arena.
Playground Liverpool
1.2 km
Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Scenic
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Minimalist Designs
- Art Deco Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
