Liverpool is a compelling and fascinating city; a compact central area provides good transport links to the rest of the region. If you are fanatical about sport or fancy a sporting chance at the races, if you want some culture or prefer to go clubbing, explore some heritage sites or experience some musical delights, this is the place to be! A visually spectacular city, it guarantees visitors a warm and friendly welcome.
Aigburth: The arty student quarter otherwise known as Lark Lane is a very trendy and bohemian area with fabulous bars and restaurants. Enjoy a slap up Sunday breakfast at Keith’s Wine bar, and walk it off in nearby Sefton Park. Alternatively head in the opposite direction to Otterspool Promenade, where you can watch the world and the ships sail by. Popular with families and lonesome kite fliers.
Aintree: Famous for top quality horse racing and of course the Grand National. A new attraction at Aintree is the Grand National Experience – an interactive all year round display, historical tour and simulator ride. Aintree offers a motor racing circuit, archery, clay pigeon shooting, quad biking and golf. Shopaholics do not despair, there is a huge retail site a short distance from the racecourse.
Allerton: A pleasant leafy suburb, mainly a residential area, which in recent years has become a very popular eating quarter. The main stretch of Allerton Road has the big high street names and is a good alternative to shopping in the city centre. Entertainment is plentiful, a cinema, lively bars and excellent restaurants are all situated in the area. The district attracts tourists who come to visit the infamous Penny Lane and 20 Forthlin Road, the former home of Paul McCartney, which is now open for guided tours. If landscaped spaces are more appealing, visit Calderstones Park, a beautifully maintained expanse of green fields, exotic greenhouses, Chinese gardens and huge play area.
Anfield: Strictly one for Liverpool Football supporters; apart from the stadium and Stanley Park there is not much else to see. Nevertheless, football supporters will be in their element with the museum and tour centre that’s available. Sit in the home dressing room, walk through the tunnel and feel the thrill of the Kop; the museum is open daily.
Childwall: A quiet neighbourhood, well worth a visit due to the friendly pubs, and exceptional food that can be found in Owens restaurant. The area has two beauty spots, Black Woods and Childwall Woods, perfect for taking the children on a nature trail. The Church of all Saints in the conservation area is Liverpool’s only remaining medieval church.
Chinatown: On the outskirts of the city centre sits a spectacular gateway to Europe’s oldest Chinatown. The magnificent 44ft high arch – the largest in Europe – was erected by a team of Shanghai workers to mark the Chinese New Year celebrations in February 2000; the staggering cost of £220,000 gives you some idea how magnificent it looks. The area has a mass of good restaurants and supermarkets.
City Centre: Great for a shopping expedition, lots of variety but compact enough to see what’s on offer in one day. The main pedestrian area and two indoor shopping centres, Cavern Walks and Clayton Square have a wide range of stores and specialised designer outlets. Nightlife in the city centre is buzzing, and the choice of venues can be overwhelming. The Cavern Quarter around Mathew Street has some great pubs and excellent restaurants. If you want to eat out the only problem is what to choose: Russian, Spanish, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Portuguese or Japanese, there is something to suit every palate.
An abundance of fine architecture and culture are visible throughout the city centre. The grandeur of St Georges Hall, two Cathedrals, the Museum and the Bluecoat Centre, are just a few examples. Theatres, music venues and comedy clubs are all within walking distance. Albert Dock, a major attraction on the waterfront, can be found on the outskirts of the central shopping area, along with the Mersey Ferries and the tunnels.
Edge Hill: Not much to see on the surface, but underneath lies a totally different story. Around 1820 Joseph Williamson – the mole of Edge Hill – built a kingdom of underground tunnels and caverns. The tunnels are believed to include complete houses and an 80ft long banqueting suite. Robert Stephenson, the great railway engineer came across the incredible sight, while extending Lime Street station. By Christmas 2000, it is hoped that the first two tunnels will be accessible to the public, fully furnished with shop, bar and guided tours.
Speke: A busy commercial area of the city and home to Liverpool Airport; just seven miles from the city centre, this is the UK’s fastest growing regional airport and offers excellent facilities. Not far away is a series of industrial and retail parks that contain a wide range of DIY superstores. One of England’s great historic houses, Speke Hall (1490), is set in its own glorious grounds, this popular attraction offers an insight into several eras and the added bonus of lovely woodland walks.
Toxteth: Once habited by wealthy shipping merchants, it lapsed into a rather run down neighbourhood in later years. Today, regeneration projects are making vast improvements to this multi-cultural district and the true magnificence of the buildings is visible once again. Europe’s best example of Moorish Revival architecture can be seen at the Princes Road Synagogue.
Walton: Home to Everton Football Club, Goodison Park. Sign up for a stadium tour or just enjoy the game. If you are feeling brave enough, wander down to County road after the match and savour a pint in one of the many pubs heaving with the football masses. The Riverside Diving Centre is located here.
West Derby: Predominately a residential area, which is set around the historic Croxteth Hall, it boasts beautiful grounds, a Victorian home farm and walled kitchen gardens. A further attraction opening soon is the Casbah Coffee Club; experience the unique atmosphere of Liverpool’s first beat club, the birthplace of the Beatles.
Woolton: A quaint village that has retained its original style and is awash with listed buildings. It houses a small but busy shopping area and has a good selection of pubs and restaurants; the fabulous Woolton Redbourne Hotel is situated on the outskirts of the village. A popular attraction for children is Clarke’s Gardens a quiet park, with horses, goats, rabbits and geese.