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Liverpool

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Forget the Beatles (ok, maybe not forget them, just put them to one side for a sec...), Liverpool has so much going for it that it would be a perfect weekend break even without the fab four providing the soundtrack. Full of character and undergoing some of the most amazing structural rejuvenation in Europe, Liverpool is as rich and varied a British city as any outside London.

And it’s an exciting time for the city. Chosen as the European Capital of Culture for 2008, following such cultural giants as Paris, Madrid, Florence and Prague, Liverpool has seen a metamorphosis over recent years to really make it worthy of the title. The city’s listed buildings – more than can be found in any English city outside London - have been revamped, new museums and galleries have been built, while many of the old warehouses and dock buildings have been given a complete facelift and are now full of buzzing bars, swanky shops and award-winning restaurants.

But the spirit of Liverpool will never change, thank goodness, and it’s still a place to sample great music, great dancing and fantastic people.

What to see?

Liverpool city centre is very easy to negotiate on foot, with all the best bits within walking distance of each other. But a good place to start is Albert Dock, definitely the city’s focal point since its facelift began. Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the docks are an un-ignorable reminder of Liverpool’s rich maritime history, despite their impressive 21st-century transformation (www.albertdock.com Tel: 0151 708 7334). Today, Albert Dock is the home of Tate Liverpool, the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London. Housed in a beautiful converted warehouse, this must-see is the home of the National Collection of Modern Art in the North (www.tate.org.uk/liverpool Tel: 0151 702 7400)

Albert Dock is also home to The Beatles Story, unsurprisingly Liverpool’s most popular museum. Telling the story of the most famous band in history through interactive displays, amazingly accurate reconstructions of The Cavern Club and Abbey Road studios, and lots and lots of memorabilia, it’s good fun (www.beatlesstory.com Tel: 0151 709 1963). For even more Beatle Mania (don’t try and hide, it will get you in the end...) you could try one of the many Beatle tours around the city. One of the best is, of course, the Magical Mystery Tour, which stops at some of the boys’ childhood homes, schools and places that inspired some of their most memorable songs like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field (www.cavernclub.org Tel: 0151 236 9091).

For a slightly more sedate diversion, visit the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Liverpool’s famously modern Catholic edifice. Soaring above the skyline, the dramatic exterior is nothing compared to the glorious stained-glass effects you can see inside – bathing the whole interior with a rainbow of lights and colours (www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk Tel: 0151 709 9222).

But for the ultimate in Liverpudlian experiences, you really need to catch the ferry ‘cross the Mersey. Follow in the footsteps of thousands of emigrants bound for America in the 19th century, oh, and Gerry with his Pacemakers, on the oldest ferry service in Europe. Seeing the Liverpool skyline, including the famous Liver Building and its Birds from the river is very special indeed (www.merseyferries.co.uk Tel: 0151 330 1444).

Or why not try?

The Everyman Theatre (www.everymanplayhouse.com Tel: 0151 709 4776)

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall (www.liverpoolphil.com Tel: 0151 709 3789)

Aintree Racecourse (www.aintree.co.uk Tel: 0151 523 2600)

Anfield Football Ground Tour (www.liverpoolfc.tv Tel: 0151 260 6677)

Around and about

Escape the city by travelling a short distance north, along the coastline, to the beautiful Formby Hills. This 500-acre National Trust property is said to be the fourth largest sand-dune system in Britain, and has great walks through miles of sand flats and the pine woods behind them. You might even catch a glimpse of the famous Formby red squirrels.

Even further north, about 19 miles from Liverpool city centre, is the genteel seaside resort of Southport.A recent £7 million restoration has transformed it back to its Victorian splendour and the panoramic views of the Sefton coast and North Wales are unmissable. And if you don't fancy walking, you can always take the one-of-a-kind Pier Tram to the Pier Pavilion (www.visitsouthport.com).

For a bit of a dual city break, it’s less than an hour by train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Picadilly. Read The Weekenders Guide to Manchester for the best places to eat and things to see once you’re there.

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