Liverpool: Film & TV Walking Tour with Reel Stories & Local Guide

Summary

Walk Liverpool’s streets where movies came alive, hear real stories and see iconic film spots with a guide who’s lived it

You’ll follow a local guide through Liverpool’s real-life movie sets — from Williamson Square to Pier Head and St. George’s Hall — hearing behind-the-scenes tales and seeing familiar sights through new eyes. Expect unexpected trivia, old photos, city sounds, and stories only someone who’s lived here could tell you. It might change how you see Liverpool forever.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s where Batman chased the Joker — right there,” Gary said, pointing at a spot in Williamson Square that honestly just looked like any other bit of pavement until he started talking. I’d never thought much about Liverpool as a film city before this tour, but wow, you start to notice things — like how the light bounces off the old stone buildings, or how everyone seems to have their own little story about some shoot or another. The air smelled faintly of coffee and rain (classic), and there was this low hum from the fountain nearby that made it all feel a bit cinematic in its own way.

We wandered down Stanley Street and Gary stopped us by the Eleanor Rigby statue. He told us about two film locations just steps away — plus some weird trivia about the statue itself (I won’t spoil it). I tried to snap a photo but got distracted by an older couple arguing gently in Scouse over whether Tom Hardy had actually been here. Apparently he has. Mathew Street was next; you can’t go inside the Cavern Club on this walk, but Gary had these old photos from the 60s that made me wish I could time travel for one night. The street’s got layers — music, movies, people laughing outside pubs.

I didn’t expect Castle Street to look so familiar until Gary pulled out stills from some big movies filmed there. Suddenly it clicked — oh, that’s why it felt like New York in that one scene. We paused at Pier Head with its “Three Graces” skyline; seagulls yelling overhead, tourists trying to get selfies without getting photobombed. The wind off the Mersey tasted salty and sharp. Gary told us which Hollywood blockbusters used these buildings as stand-ins for Manhattan or even Gotham City (seriously), and shared little bits about what happened when cameras weren’t rolling — like Samuel L. Jackson supposedly falling for Liverpool food after a shoot.

By the time we reached St. George’s Hall, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with all these odd connections between films I’d seen and places I’d just walked past without thinking twice before today. There was something oddly comforting about hearing how locals ended up in background shots or how a tiny food company went global because of a scene filmed on those steps. I still think about that view over St John’s Gardens as dusk crept in — kind of felt like being backstage in someone else’s story for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Liverpool film location walking tour

• Start at Williamson Square
• Visit Stanley Street film sites and Beatles statue
• Walk down Mathew Street, see Cavern Club exterior
• Explore Castle Street film locations and landmarks
• Discuss the Strand and its cinema significance
• View the Three Graces at River Mersey
• See Royal Liver Building and film history
• Visit Exchange Flags, Martins Bank, and Town Hall
• Stop mid-way on Dale Street, learn Tom Hardy's favorite
• Explore William Brown Street's film heritage
• Conclude at St. George's Hall with behind-the-scenes tales

Top questions

How long is the Liverpool Film & TV walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 2.5 hours and covers around 2.6 miles through central Liverpool.

Who leads the Reel Tours Liverpool film location tour?

The tour is led by Gary Lunt, owner of Reel Tours and local film expert who has worked on productions in Liverpool.

Does the tour include entry into the Cavern Club?

No, you won’t go inside the Cavern Club during this walking tour but you’ll see its exterior and historical photos.

Is this Liverpool walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible and transportation options are also accessible nearby.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the walking tour.

What famous landmarks are included on this film location walk?

You’ll visit sites like Williamson Square, Stanley Street (Eleanor Rigby statue), Mathew Street (Cavern Club exterior), Castle Street, Pier Head (“Three Graces”), Exchange Flags, Dale Street, William Brown Street, and St George's Hall.

Will we see any Hollywood filming locations in Liverpool?

Yes, several stops feature locations used in major Hollywood films as well as independent productions filmed around Liverpool.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the route.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walking tour led by Reel Tours owner Gary Lunt — who shares personal stories from his work on local productions — plus visual aids showing scenes from films shot at each stop along your route through central Liverpool.