Liverpool

Famous for its museums, maritime history and of course its music, there’s more to Liverpool than the ferry cross the Mersey...

Visit

Liverpool boasts more museums and art galleries than any other UK city outside of London. But the must-see attraction for any music fan is The Beatles Story.

Located at the Albert Dock, this award-winning exhibition will take you back to the Swinging Sixties as you remember the fab four. Marvel over special memorabilia, exclusive photographs, original instruments, handwritten lyrics, interviews and impressive replica rooms as you journey from their humble beginnings to their height of fame. You’ll also find the largest selection of official Beatles merchandise in the world, should you fancy splashing out on memorabilia! While at the docks, you won’t want to miss the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Submerge yourself in Liverpool’s historical seafaring past with its ship models and full-sized vessels, as well as colourful maritime paintings, posters and films – plus a genuine lifejacket worn by a survivor of the Titanic. You’ll also find the humbling International Slavery Museum on the third floor and the fascinating National Border Force Museum in the basement.

Escape the hustle and bustle with a visit to the leafy, 200-acre Sefton Park, where the jewel in the crown is undoubtedly the Palm House. This stunning three-tiered Victorian glasshouse is full of trees and luscious, exotic flora from all over the world.

■ The Beatles Story, adult tickets from £16.95. Call 0151 709 1963 or visit www.beatlesstory.com

■ The Maritime Museum, adult tickets from £15.65. Call 020 8858 4422 or visit www.rmg.co.uk

Eat

Worked up an appetite? Tuck into a hearty meal at the city’s most popular steakhouse, Cowshed. If you’ve got room, indulge in a slice of banoffee cheesecake – you won’t regret it! Fancy elevenses? Pop into Cuthbert’s Bakehouse and choose from a selection of traditional cakes, light lunches and afternoon tea in this cosy, wood-furnished tea shop.

■ Cowshed Liverpool, 0151

708 7580

■ Cuthbert’s, 0844 245 8612

Stay

Let the Beatles theme continue into the evening with a stay at the Hard Day’s Night Hotel. This Grade II listed building is set in the heart of Liverpool’s ‘Beatles Quarter’ and combines luxury with memorabilia, with 110 rooms individually furnished with specially commissioned Beatles-inspired artwork.

■ Double rooms from £79. Call 0151 236 1964 or visit www. harddaysnighthotel.com