Balaji Ramachandran
We joined Ian’s Liverpool Free Walking Tour at 10:30 AM, expecting a standard city walk like the ones we’ve done in other countries. What we got instead blew our minds. Ian isn’t just a guide - he’s a lifelong Liverpudlian (Everton fan, but we’ll let that go - they have a new stadium after all) with an infectious love for his city and an endless supply of stories, and smiles. Over the course of more than three hours, Ian led us through Liverpool’s heart - from its historic streets to inside beautiful libraries and iconic old buildings we’d never have entered on our own. He wove history, humor, and local culture together effortlessly, making every stop come alive. We learnt about Liverpool’s industrial past, how it rebounded, its fractious relationship with the Crown, about the Beatles, and football, of course. What really set this tour apart, though, were the moments when Ian sang. Yes, sang - full verses of songs about Liverpool, each tied to the places we stood in. It was joyful, unexpected, and genuinely moving. Ian’s energy never waned - always walking briskly, cracking jokes, and sharing details that only someone who’s lived here for decades could know. By the end, we were both entertained and deeply touched by his pride for his city. If we have even half of Ian’s spirit and enthusiasm when we’re his age, we’ll consider ourselves lucky. A wonderful tour from start to finish - easily one of the best walking tours we’ve ever taken. Strongly, strongly recommend.
