Liverpool

Located in the mid-west of England, the city of Liverpool has long been famous for being the birthplace and inspiration of the Beatles. In recent years the redevelopment of the area has seen this once industrial port city blossom into a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination.

Many people from all over the world come to Liverpool in order to pay homage to the musical phenomenon of the Beatles. There are several excellent Beatles tours available that visit the famous sites that inspired the music, such as Strawberry Fields and Penny lane, as well as the venue where it all began, the Cavern Club.

Originally built in 1846 as a shipping warehouse, the Albert Dock area has been re-developed into a first class entertainment complex featuring bars, restaurants and museums. Albert Dock is home to the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in Britain and is well worth a visit.

The city can also lay claim to the largest Anglican cathedral in Britain. It also claims several other records, including: the world’s heaviest bells and the largest organ in the UK. As well as holding these records, Liverpool Cathedral has stunning views of the city available from the tower.

Art lovers should head for the Tate Liverpool Museum, which houses one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art outside of London. Interested visitors should check in advance for details of special exhibitions.

The purpose built Victorian village of Port Sunlight can be found about 30 minutes southeast of the city. The fairy tale village is home to a large collection of arts and crafts and well worth the drive. A shorter 10km drive will bring you to Speke Hall. This beautiful Tudor mansion dates from 1490 and is managed by the National Trust.

Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport is located about 12kms from the city centre. The airport offers mainly domestic flights to destinations within the UK, as well as some flights to continental Europe. The majority of international flights to the region fly into nearby Manchester Airport. You can either hire a car to get into the city centre or catch one of the many trains or buses.