Liverpool
I booked a train to Liverpool Lime Street station and armed with a map, headed off to explore the city of Liverpool.
I could not believe how much there was to see here, the home to some of Britain's best loved musicians, the Grand National, football teams and so much history.
Join me as I see as much of Liverpool as I could in one day.
I was surprised how modern and clean the station was, and as I left it, I was already in the city centre.
The sign posts everywhere, directing you to all of the attractions were excellent.
I walked down the main shopping streets with
all the usual high street shops, street stalls and
more up-market indoor malls including the Liverpool One.
I just loved this mirror I passed as I went through
one of the shopping malls, heading down to
the famous Albert Dock area.
The Albert Dock is the hub of the city, it is where everyone was heading for. There were
fairground rides, the arena, boat trips, so many museums and places of interest to visit.
Everywhere was clean and tidy, not once did I feel threatened. I never felt lost, it was a very easy place to navigate your way around.
The Albert Dock area is a UNESCO world heritage site, it was originally opened in 1846 and ceased to be a working dock in 1972. It has the largest collection of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK.
As well as the impressive old buildings, I loved the vintage vehicles - this was just one of the different ice cream vans.
I particularly wanted to visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum and learn about Liverpool's seafaring past.
As well as being free to get in, it was also home to the International Slavery Museum. So I didn't have to waste anytime in finding that one too.
There were many poignant quotations around the walls, and it certainly made you realise that it wasn't long ago that slavery was part of Britain's past.
Evidence can be found all over the city linking it back to the merchants that were involved in the slave trade - many streets are actually named after them and the places that they had travelled for their "cargo".
I was fascinated by this model of a slave ship and the African model which is in the photograph below.
Some areas were made to look like African villages, there were places for children to interact with items, and there were old artifacts from all over the world. I discovered so much about places other than Africa, that people were taken and sold into slavery.
There was a film show, where a lady described her life as a slave - it was very touching.
I can highly recommend a visit to the Slavery Museum - you will learn so much.
And it is free!
In another part of the same building, you find yourself in the Maritime Museum - and there are even more surprises in there.
There is lots of information about the history of shipping in Liverpool, and the companies that have made the city it is today. Cunard being one of these iconic companies.
The part that I enjoyed the most was the Titanic section.
As well as the huge model of the Titanic itself, there were numerous posters, photographs and large scale copies of newspapers of the day reporting on the disaster.
There is a small film theatre to sit and watch a show about the famous disaster, and it really felt like you were seeing footage you had never seen before.
Most people have seen at least one film about the Titanic, there have been so many - but this place was amazing.
This photograph from the bottom of the ocean is unbelievable, all the dinner plates were still stacked in rows ............ on the seabed!
Other interesting exhibits were items and stories to do with various wars.
I never realised torpedoes were so big!
There were many stories of maritime disasters both in the wars and in peacetime.
I just had to have a look through this periscope!
Then as you leave the building, you realise that one of the walls had been made to look like the outside wall of a ship - it was great.
There is a well stocked shop and cafe at the museum, where you can sit outside and admire the view - and what a beautiful view of Albert Dock.
Especially on a sunny day!
On the opposite side of Albert Dock, you find the Beatles Story.
There is a huge shop full of everything you could ever think of to do with the Beatles.
For more information - see their website
The waterfront on a calm sunny day is definitely the place to spend some time - with great views over the Mersey.
There are many statues and tributes all along the waterfront.
Here is Billy Fury posing for the crowds.
There are even "real" singers along the way!
I love this statue of an old work horse.
Past the Pier Head, you come to the most amazing buildings - Liverpool's Three Graces!
These are the Royal Liver Building (with the Liver Birds on the top), the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.
These beautiful listed buildings are also part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City.
Opposite the buildings, are the ferry terminals...................and there it was..............The Ferry On The Mersey!
I wasn't expecting it to be so multi-coloured though.
This is the memorial to the Titanic disaster.
It is a great place to spend a few hours, walking, enjoying the scenery and atmosphere, and having a bite to eat.
There is another Fab 4 experience and a cafe.
They are everywhere! The cafe at the Pier Head does the most fantastic ice creams though.
Next is the Museum of Liverpool - another place that is free to get in. What a fantastic place this is - you can spend hours there. There are film shows about the Beatles and Football, and so many attractions on three floors.
My favourite section on the ground floor showed Liverpool's colourful relationship with China, through trade over the last few hundred years.
Look up and there will always be something else to see - here you are reminded that the Grand National is run close by.
There are many exhibits depicting musicians and bands that have come from Liverpool - and there are so many.
If you need a rest, you can watch a film show about the Beatles or there are several shows that discuss early motion pictures and local cinemas.
I felt like I had been to the Beatles Story - there was so much to see; records, costumes, photographs - all sorts of memorabilia.
You mustn't forget the two great Liverpool football teams - Liverpool FC and Everton FC.
On the top floor, there are many models showing early life in the city as well as other cultures.
The views are brilliant too!
On the middle floor, there are old steam trains, as well as an original train that ran above the town. You can go and sit inside it - but only in the front section as there is a glass panel blocking the back off.
These people aren't real!
A view of the Oriental Section from above - showing the city of Liverpool by night here......................
...................and Hong King here.
More steam engines......................
and carriages.
Many more interesting things to see, to read, to learn and even to take part in - especially if you have children. They could even dress up in different costumes and so many exhibits are interactive - all very child friendly.
I can highly recommend anyone spending a good few hours at this brilliant museum.
The cafe is really close if you are in need of refreshments.
And just in front of the cafe are " The Boys", life size statues of the Fab 4.
It is quite hard to get a photo of them with no one else in the shot - everyone wants to stand next to them!
They really do look like they are just walking down the street don't they!
Back up towards the city again, and you pass the Town Hall - rather disappointing after the grandeur of the buildings down by the water front.
But then on the corner of Mathew Street, there is a building with statues of "The Boys" all around the front of it.
If you head down Mathew Street, you are in the Cavern Quarter of the city. This is were the famous Cavern is - where so many stars have been discovered.
There are Cavern Pubs and Cavern Clubs , and more places that mention the word cavern!
So many photo opportunities!
I was so surprised by this area - and would highly recommend you have a walk down this street.
You can't help but smile at everything!
There is music playing everywhere and everyone is so friendly.
But I think they all love "Their Beatles" more than anything - and you can't help but love them too.
Finally I headed to the Cultural Quarter, with St Johns Gardens, Wellington's Column and the Steble Fountain
St Georges Hall opposite the Railway Station is a very impressive building - there were several wedding parties arrive in the short time I sat people watching.
A final tip that you may find most useful :- I walked all around the city, but you can always get on the Hop On Hop Off Bus - it is only £9.00 per day.
See the website
I hope you enjoyed this day trip around Liverpool - The European Capital City of Culture.
Thank you,
Lynne
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