Destination liverpool uk sites and activities

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Scousers, which is the rather affectionate nickname by which natives of Liverpool are known - are quick to point out that their city has much more to offer visitors than just being the birthplace of the Beatles. Liverpool also has a proud seafaring legacy, reflected in its fascinating maritime museum and thriving waterfront, a vibrant bar and club scene, and some of the best shopping and nightlife in the North of England. And whereas most cities are content with just one cathedral and one world-class soccer team C Liverpool has two of each. Liverpool has also proudly been nominated as European capital of culture for 2008.

But it is to follow in the footsteps of the worlds most famous pop group that most tourists visit Liverpool, and there are plenty of attractions. The first place to visit if you are a Beatles fan is Matthew Street, a narrow alleyway in the center of town, and the site of the famous Cavern Club, where the Beatles first performed. The Cavern has been reconstructed and still offers live music nightly. The names of some of the legendary groups that played there over 40 years ago are inscribed into bricks set into the wall. Matthew Street also offers a Beatles themed shopping center, several pubs and used record shops; its great place to stroll and people watch.

The other must-see Beatles attraction is a museum called The Beatles Story which chronicles the groups rise in displays of memorabilia, music and old movie clips. There are 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. Several pubs in the center of Liverpool also claim to be the regular drinking places of the Beatles back in their early days.

Liverpool is no longer the important port it once was, but 150 years ago it was one of the largest ports in the world and from where millions of immigrants set out for the new world. A good place to explore the citys maritime past is the historic waterfront area, known as the Pier Head. The Pier Head is dominated by the famous Liver building, topped by two mythical liver birds that gave the city its name; legend has it that if the birds fly away, the city will crumble. Across the street, you can still see the distinctive building that was the headquarters of the White Star Line, the owners of the ill-fated Titanic. You can catch a ferry across the Mersey - in the words of the 60s song - for a wonderful view of one of the most famous waterfronts in the world.

From the Pier Head, its a few minutes walk to the Albert Dock, a vast 19th century brick warehouse that once stored grain and other commodities. The huge structure has been saved from demolition and transformed into shops, bars and apartments. Close to the Albert Dock are several major museums C the Museum of Liverpool Life, the Northern branch of Londons Tate art gallery, and the Maritime Museum. The Merseyside Maritime Museum offers a fascinating look at Liverpools rise and fall as a major port, and also has a permanent exhibition on slavery, as well as several detailed scale models of famous ships.

Liverpool is one of the few cities in the world to boast two cathedrals C aptly situated at either end of Hope Street. The Metropolitan cathedral is a striking modern building; while the Anglican cathedral C one of the largest in Europe - is built in a more traditional stone style. The Anglican cathedral has a truly dramatic setting C perched high above the city offering spectacular views over the River Mersey to North Wales. Behind the cathedral is a deep valley with secluded pathways where you can wander about and look at the graves of many ships captains. The Anglican Cathedral has a program of local arts and cultural exhibits, as well as a gift shop and a pleasant caf.

Liverpool nightlife is second only to London. The city offers a great selection of nightclubs, live theater and restaurants. But it is the historic and atmospheric pubs that the city is most famous for. The city center boasts some wonderful Victorian pubs, complete with ornate furnishings and elaborate wood paneling. The Philharmonic pub is worth a visit for the dcor alone C the toilets there are said to be the most ornate in England. Liverpools Chinese community even has their own pub, where last orders for drinks are announced in Chinese.

Liverpool takes its football seriously. A visit to the hallowed stadiums of the citys two soccer clubs, Liverpool and Everton, is almost a pilgrimage. 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 lucky enough to be in Liverpool when either team is playing at home watching a soccer game with the enthusiastic fans is one of lifes great sporting experiences.