Destinations    Liverpool

Liverpool is fast becoming one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations. As the city builds on its growing reputation as European Capital of Culture 2008, Liverpool’s cultural offering is now getting the exposure it deserves. Liverpool’s history as one of the world’s great ports has left a remarkable legacy of art and architecture that gives it a distinctive look and unique atmosphere and the city boasts more theatres museums and galleries than any other UK city outside London. One of the world’s greatest sporting cities, it has horse racing at Aintree and Haydock, 40 golf courses, seven of which are championship standard, not to mention Liverpool and Everton Football Clubs. Famous as the birthplace of The Beatles, why not come along on your own magical tour of a city with a variety of cultural assets that are being touted as some of the finest in Europe.

For many people Liverpool means one thing - The Beatles! Check out the Wall of Fame outside the Cavern Pub, erected to acknowledge Liverpool as The Capital of Pop, or take a National Trust Tour to Forthlin Road and Mendips, the former homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

Visit The Walker, considered the national gallery of the north, it holds one of the greatest collections of fine and decorative art in Europe and has inspired and delighted visitors for 130 years while the Tate Liverpool is the UK’s largest modern art gallery outside London.

Shop! From the stylish, individual outlets at Cavern Walks where Vivienne Westwood recently opened her boutique to the exclusive Wade Smith, a famous Liverpool designer store selling Gucci and Prada – ‘Livercool’, as dubbed by Tatler magazine, is a shopping favourite with the stars, you never know who you might meet!

When Liverpool became a gateway to the world during the 18th century it inherited some of the most impressive architecture in Europe. Take a walk on Hope Street and visit a Cathedral at either end and don’t miss the Greco Roman splendour of St George’s Hall, the city boasts many beautiful buildings that represent it’s significant past.

Take a tour around Anfield and Goodison Park, the homes of the city’s two Premiership football teams, Liverpool and Everton. Alternatively you could experience what it’s like to ride a winner at the Grand National by taking a virtual ride round the world famous, hair-raising course at Aintree that has earned its own special place in sporting history.

Discover the incredible and colourful history of Liverpool as one of the world's greatest ports at the Merseyside Museum. Four floors of fascinating galleries explore the city’s maritime heritage. Then get the famous ferry across the Mersey to Birkenhead Park, the world’s fist public park and the model on which Central Park was designed.

Being home to the oldest Chinese community in Europe has meant a plethora of Chinese restaurants. One of the most impressive The Chung Ku is one of the most impressive, a purpose built restaurant with large glass windows commands an excellent panoramic view of the River Mersey and the menu features a range of mouth-watering delicacies.

Enjoy some cultural entertainment at the largest two-tier theatre in the UK, the Empire Theatre on Lime Street. This grade listed building hosts all the major touring productions, musicals and concerts with a capacity of 2,250.

Catch a movie and view digital media artwork at ultra trendy FACT, the foundation for Art and Creative Technology, the UK’s leading organisation for the commissioning and presentation of film, video and new media art forms.

Try a pint of ale from the huge variety on offer (700!) at Dr Duncan’s, a handsome pub, lovingly refurbished in authentic Victorian style, it lies at the heart of Liverpool's newly regenerated Queen Square area.