The Bluecoat — Attraction in Liverpool

So... this was previously a 4 star! Not anymore following our experience yesterday! Went to baby book club which is great, and then stayed for food in the bistro (2nd floor) as we have done every week the club has been running... They put up ALOT of resistance to opening the baby change on 1st floor to myself and to other mums in our group! Picture us standing there with a crying baby who needs changing! We couldnt understand this as the club is for babies!! Staff tryed telling us it had been double locked and we had to go to the ground floor when other staff had opened it earlier that day! After repeatedly asking it was opened with annoyed huffs! We ordered cake and coffee as we have done weekly and have been able to take advantage of the deal! Well... the staff yesterday said it was a deal for downstairs and would only do it this once as we had been given it before! The plates werent cleared from the table despite us being there for a while! Last week we also asked for cream to go with the cake, were told yes by one staff, another said they didnt have any, then another brought it over no questions asked... very disjointed! Could you not be bothered? Credit to a few staff members, one older lady and 'Stan' who goes out of his way on previous weeks to give great service! But the most of the ones we had the displeasure of yesterday need to find a job they enjoy! Also... fyi... the toilets upstairs are ALWAYS dirty and bins in toilets smelly! Maybe they are forgotten about by the cleaners... maybe thats why they wouldnt open the baby change... one less room to clean/bin to empty? These wouldnt be nice if you had a wedding there! After coming for weeks for the book club i am considering not going back, unless the nice staff are on! Thanks for ruining our...

The Bluecoat is one of Liverpool’s true cultural treasures. Tucked away in the heart of the city, it continues to surprise and inspire with its ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events. As someone who loves exploring new perspectives through art, I find The Bluecoat consistently delivers something thought-provoking, refreshing, and relevant.

What brings me the most joy is the diversity of exhibits it hosts—each visit offers something different, whether it's contemporary visual art, performance, or installations that challenge the way we see the world. It’s a place that embraces both emerging and established voices, encouraging conversation and reflection through creativity.

The fact that The Bluecoat has been doing this for so many years only adds to its charm. It’s a place with a rich history that never feels stuck in the past. Instead, it evolves, adapts, and continues to champion innovation in the arts while remaining open and accessible to everyone.

The building itself, with its mix of historical architecture and modern elements, is the perfect setting for such dynamic programming. Whether you’re popping in for a quick look or spending the afternoon, The Bluecoat invites you to slow down, engage, and see the world a little...

300 year old 'Bluecoat' (the pupils wore Bluecoats) School started by a Reverend for children and now an Art Gallery, Cafe, Shop's and Exhibition Centre.

The end of the day for us so just went in for coffees and a quick look, definitely a place to come back to.

Accessibility: mainly good, flagged path and ramp into the main entrance (electronic doors) avoiding the cobble stones. Ramps internally and a lift to the upper floors. Toilet on the ground floor for disabled. Some historical areas outside had steep steps up.

Cafe: nice selection of cafe food, including for veggies.

Garden Courtyard: with seating and tables looked inviting and relaxing.

Exhibitions: we did not have time to go round, going in just for a coffee, what I did see looked interesting. Opportunities for students to display their work, including a young Yoko Ono in years gone by.

Shops: we did not have time to go in as the end of the day for us.

Staff: very friendly and helpful.

Toilets: up a ramp on the ground floor, maybe others on the other floors but...