September 9, 2007
Some reasons to visit Liverpool, UK
Liverpool is very much in the spotlight at the moment. The often overlooked UK city celebrates its 800th birthday this year, and next year the city has been voted European Capital of Culture. Liverpool is in good company – past holders of this title include Paris, Florence, Madrid and Prague.
Unless you’re a big Beatles fan, you may not think a visit to Liverpool sounds very exciting. However, Liverpool has a proud seafaring legacy, reflected in its fascinating maritime museum and thriving waterfront, an exciting bar and club scene, and some of the best shopping in the North of England.
And whereas most cities are content with just one cathedral and one world class soccer team – Liverpool has two of each. Even if it is not football season, Liverpool Football Club offers a guided tour of its famous soccer stadium and a visit to the impressive trophy room.
If you are going to Liverpool to follow in the footsteps of the Beatles, there is plenty to see. Your first stop should be Matthew Street, a narrow alleyway in the center of town, and the site of the famous Cavern Club, where the Beatles first performed. Matthew Street has several pubs and used record shops as well as a themed shopping mall.
The other major Beatles attraction is a museum called ‘The Beatles Story’ which chronicles the group’s rise with displays of old movie clips, memorabilia and music. You can also take one of several guided bus tours which take you out into the Liverpool suburbs to see the houses the Beatles lived in, where they went to school and the inspirations for many of their famous songs.
In addition to all this, if you happen to be in Liverpool next year, the city has over 70 special events organized so far, including concerts art exhibitions and films. One of the highlights promises to be the start of the Tall Ships Race, featuring around 300 replicas of old-fashioned sailing ships which takes place in July 2008.
And a few miles up the coast from Liverpool, the world’s greatest golf championship – the British Open - takes place at Royal Birkdale, from July 17 to 20th. If you are planning to attend, start saving up - daily admission tickets seem to cost at least $140!
Guest entry by Mancunian
Personal note - Liverpool sounds really great - I wonder if we can add it to this England vacation plan.
Posted by James Trotta at September 9, 2007 12:14 PM | TrackBack
I think Liverpool is so much fun, although the whole area of Merseyside also has a lot to offer, Formby beach is an untouched beauty, Knowsley Safari is packed ready for a wild adventure. And not to mention the City Docks, it is an area of highclass dining, shopping, bars and the local art galleries will blow you away...not to mention the overload and varied types of theatres and places of entertainment and music! I Love Liverpool.
Posted by: Dawn Cameron at September 10, 2007 12:13 PMI was there back in September of 2005, and it was great. I got to see where the Beatles grew up and lived. Definitely take the Beatles tour, it takes you directly to all the places that were associated with the Beatles. That way you don't have to search and hunt on your own, they take you right to all these places. I would recommend it to everyone.
Posted by: markheater at September 11, 2007 2:42 PMAs the author of the aforementioned vacation plan, I heartily endorse Liverpool. It's not at all out of your way if you stop by on the journey from Oxford to York. A word of warning - many of the museums & attractions close at 5 or 6 on weekdays, so if you're just making a brief stop, be sure to do so during the daylight hours!
Posted by: Hannah Garbacz at September 13, 2007 3:54 PM