A handsome early Georgian building (1717) that was originally a charity school for poor boys — and is the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool. Since 1908 it has been an arts centre — Britain's oldest — with galleries showing contemporary art, performance spaces, artist studios, a bookshop, garden and a popular café.
The architecture alone is worth the visit: a Queen Anne style courtyard building, tucked behind School Lane just off the main shopping area, with a peaceful inner garden that is one of the centre's quieter spots. The exhibition programme is usually thought-provoking and free.