Whether you take the Ferry 'cross the Mersey, or a stroll down
Penny Lane, most visitors will find it difficult to explore
Liverpool without a song on their lips. From the twin cathedrals
with their striking views over the city to the historical, Grade 1
listed Albert Dock and its Beatles museum, there's plenty to see
and do.
An important maritime centre and industrial port, Liverpool was
one of the great cities of the United Kingdom in the Industrial
Revolution and much of its wealth came from its dominance in the
shipping of textiles, cotton, sugar and slaves. The city was
severely bombed in World War II and has struggled to get back on
its feet, seeing waves of prosperity and depression. The 1960s saw
the explosion of the Beatles and pop music, while the 1990s saw an
attempt to regenerate the rather dull urban centre.
Liverpool's waterfront is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and
the city has achieved World Heritage Status, joining Edinburgh and
Bath as the only UK cities to carry the honour. Since the
announcement of Liverpool as the European Capital of Culture for
2008, millions of pounds have been poured into further development
of the city, including the £920 million Paradise Street development
in the city centre.
Liverpool is a city of diversity and despite its struggles, it
boasts the most Georgian buildings in the UK, Europe's oldest
Chinatown, a number of striking Victorian buildings and plenty of
world-class attractions. The historical Albert Dock was restored in
the 1980s and is now one of the city's most popular attractions,
housing chic restaurants, bars, shops and museums, including the
Merseyside Maritime Museum and the Tate Liverpool. The city boasts
two world-class football clubs, Liverpool and Everton, and fans can
explore the grounds of their favourite teams. There is also plenty
of Beatlemania to satisfy fans, including the International Beatles
Week every August, and several Beatles-related museums and points
of interest.
The city plays host to plenty of other events, festival and
concerts, as well as the world's biggest steeplechase, the Grand
National, at Ainstree. There are also several fascinating museums,
beautiful parks and gardens, bustling markets and galleries to
explore. Whether a Beatles fan or not, Liverpool has much to offer
the visitor and it is no wonder that it has become one of the top
UK day trip destinations.
