The Bluecoat: Liverpool’s Historic Arts Centre
Liverpool’s oldest building and UK’s first arts centre, blending 300 years of history with vibrant contemporary creativity.
The Bluecoat, located at 8 School Lane in Liverpool, is the city’s oldest building and the UK’s first arts centre. Originally built in 1717 as a charity school, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub featuring contemporary art exhibitions, independent shops, a café, and a renowned garden. The Grade I listed building blends historic architecture with modern creative spaces, hosting year-round events that celebrate Liverpool’s artistic heritage and innovation.
A brief summary to The Bluecoat
- 8 School Ln, Liverpool, L1 3BX, GB
- +441517025324
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-5 pm
- Thursday 11 am-5 pm
- Friday 11 am-5 pm
- Saturday 11 am-5 pm
- Sunday 11 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Visit the Bluecoat’s garden café for a relaxing break with homemade meals and drinks in a historic setting.
- Explore the independent shops inside the Bluecoat for unique handmade gifts, vintage records, and house plants.
- Check the Bluecoat’s event calendar for free exhibitions, workshops, and performances to enrich your visit.
- Allow time to appreciate the building’s historic architecture and its blend with modern art spaces.
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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Public Transport
Take Liverpool’s Merseyrail to Liverpool Central station, a 10-15 minute walk from The Bluecoat. Frequent train services run from surrounding areas, with tickets typically costing £2-£5.
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Bus
Several city centre buses stop within a 5-minute walk of The Bluecoat, including routes 10, 17, and 86. Bus fares range from £2 to £4 depending on distance and operator.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services like Uber can drop you directly at 8 School Lane. Journey times vary from 10 to 25 minutes from Liverpool Lime Street station, costing approximately £5-£10.
The Bluecoat location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about The Bluecoat
Origins as a Charity School and Architectural Heritage
The Bluecoat dates back to 1716–17, making it the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool and a significant part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Initially established as a charity boarding school for poor children, it was founded by Reverend Robert Styth and Bryan Blundell, a sea captain and twice Mayor of Liverpool. The building was completed in 1725 and served as a school for two centuries. Its distinctive architecture, now Grade I listed, reflects early 18th-century design and has been carefully preserved through various restorations.Transformation into the UK’s First Arts Centre
After the Liverpool Blue Coat School moved to a new location in 1906, the original building’s future was uncertain. In 1907, the Sandon Studios Society, a group of artists seeking to invigorate Liverpool’s cultural life, took over the space. They were soon joined by industrialist William Lever, who purchased the building in 1910. Despite challenges including potential demolition after Lever’s death in 1925, a successful fundraising campaign led to the establishment of the Bluecoat Society of Arts in 1927, securing the building as a centre for the arts. This marked the Bluecoat as the UK’s first dedicated arts centre, a title it proudly holds.A Hub for Artistic Innovation and Community Engagement
Throughout the 20th century, the Bluecoat became a focal point for avant-garde and contemporary art in Liverpool. It hosted pioneering exhibitions, including early UK showings of artists like Monet, Picasso, Matisse, and Van Gogh through the Sandon Society. The Bluecoat Display Centre, founded in 1959, was one of the country’s earliest craft galleries. More recently, a major restoration and expansion completed in 2008 added a contemporary arts wing, coinciding with Liverpool’s year as European Capital of Culture. Today, the Bluecoat offers a dynamic programme of exhibitions, workshops, performances, and community projects that foster creativity and inclusivity.Distinctive Features and Visitor Experience
Visitors to the Bluecoat can explore its striking historic interiors alongside contemporary gallery spaces. The centre houses independent shops selling handmade gifts, vintage records, and house plants, alongside a popular café known for homemade meals. Its legendary garden, open year-round, provides a tranquil spot for relaxation amid the bustling city centre. The Bluecoat’s commitment to diversity and accessibility is evident in its welcoming atmosphere and wide-ranging events programme catering to all ages and backgrounds.Legacy and Cultural Significance
The Bluecoat stands as a testament to Liverpool’s rich cultural heritage and ongoing artistic innovation. Its survival through threats of demolition and transformation from a charity school to a vibrant arts centre reflects the city’s resilience and dedication to the arts. The building’s role in introducing groundbreaking art to Liverpool and supporting local artists has cemented its place as a cultural landmark. It continues to inspire creativity and community engagement, making it a vital part of Liverpool’s identity.Future Directions and Community Impact
The Bluecoat remains committed to evolving as a centre for contemporary art and culture. It actively supports projects that extend beyond its walls into the local community, aiming to broaden access to creative resources. Its values emphasize dynamism, inclusivity, reflection, and challenge, ensuring that the Bluecoat not only preserves its historic legacy but also fosters new artistic expressions and social impact for future generations.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
0.3 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
0.3 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Cilla Black
0.3 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
0.6 km
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.
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.
William Brown St
0.6 km
Explore Liverpool's rich maritime history, vibrant culture, and iconic music scene in this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Quirky Quarter
0.6 km
Explore Quirky Quarter, Liverpool's vibrant hub of creativity, art, and culture, perfect for a unique tourist experience.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
0.6 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Tate Liverpool
0.6 km
Explore Tate Liverpool, where contemporary art meets the historic charm of the waterfront, creating an unforgettable cultural experience.
World Museum
0.6 km
Explore the World Museum in Liverpool, where history, science, and culture come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences for all ages.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
0.7 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
Nelson Monument
0.7 km
Discover the Nelson Monument in Liverpool, a tribute to Admiral Horatio Nelson and a gateway to the city's maritime history.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bluecoat Display Centre
0.0 km
Discover Liverpool’s vibrant hub for contemporary craft, showcasing unique handmade art from over 250 talented makers since 1959.
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.
Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six
0.2 km
An immersive prison‑themed cocktail experience where theatre and mixology collide in Cell Block Three‑Six.
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.
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.
Clayton Square Shopping Centre
0.2 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mathew St
0.3 km
Experience the legendary Mathew Street, Liverpool’s iconic music hub and birthplace of Beatlemania, alive with history, live music, and vibrant culture.
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.
Cosy Club
0.1 km
Stylish British dining with vintage charm and all-day menus in the heart of Liverpool’s vibrant city center.
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.
Villa Romana - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of Liverpool at Villa Romana.
Hanover Street Social
0.2 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.
Salt House Tapas
0.2 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas in a lively, historic Liverpool setting with generous portions and vibrant atmosphere.
Smoke & Dough
0.2 km
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
0.2 km
Vibrant Latin American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's premier shopping destination.
Churrasco Steak House - City - Liverpool
0.3 km
A vibrant Liverpool steakhouse blending South American flair with British quality steaks and interactive dining in the city centre.
Down the Hatch
0.3 km
A vibrant vegan basement bar and restaurant in Liverpool offering generous plant-based dishes and creative cocktails in a lively, dog-friendly setting.
Amalia - Italian Restaurant Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality at Amalia, Liverpool’s beloved family-inspired Italian restaurant in Campbell Square.
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.
Casa Italia
0.3 km
A Liverpool institution since 1977, serving hearty pasta, wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian desserts in a lively, retro setting on Stanley Street.
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.
Bleu Prints
0.2 km
Stylish clothing boutique in Liverpool's vibrant L1, curating unique apparel and accessories for fashion-forward urban explorers.
Oliver Bonas
0.2 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
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
0.2 km
Discover unique Liverpool keepsakes and exceptional service at this friendly souvenir shop in the heart of the city.
The Liverpool Gift Shop
0.2 km
Discover authentic Liverpool souvenirs and memorabilia in the heart of Williamson Square, open daily for all fans and visitors.
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
0.3 km
Discover authentic Liverpool memorabilia and Beatles-inspired souvenirs in the heart of the city’s historic Whitechapel district.
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
0.3 km
Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
Beat That
0.3 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.
LFC Official Club Store
0.3 km
Discover authentic Liverpool FC merchandise and immerse yourself in the club’s vibrant spirit at the heart of Liverpool city centre.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
0.3 km
Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
Resurrection
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Liverpool's legendary streetwear haven: vintage roots, branded edge, tattoos, barber, records, and café vibes on bohemian Bold Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Brass Monkey
0.1 km
Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Present Company
0.1 km
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
0.2 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
0.2 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
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
0.3 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Rubber Soul
0.3 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
MOLOKO
0.4 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.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.4 km
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.
The Slaughter House
0.5 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
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 Alchemist Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Ex-Directory
0.6 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Popworld - Liverpool
0.1 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.2 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.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.2 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
Modo, Liverpool
0.2 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
Baa Bar Liverpool
0.3 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.
Aura
0.3 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Flares - Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
Playground Liverpool
0.4 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.
Ink Bar Liverpool
0.4 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.4 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
Mambo Club Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
Mansion Nightclub
0.4 km
Liverpool’s vibrant nightclub with the UK’s largest LED ceiling, laser shows, and a dynamic party atmosphere in the city centre.
BrooklynMixer
0.4 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.
EBGBS
0.5 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.
Heebie Jeebies
0.5 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Lively
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
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
- Day Trip
- 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
