Travel the UK by train: Liverpool to Brighton via London

Liverpool

Sitting on the UK's west coast, the city of Liverpool is a perfect mix of rich history and bustling modern day city life. Once the most important port city in Europe, Liverpool is also synonymous with many of the country's most famous icons, from footballers, to the Beatles. However, if you look beyond the obvious attractions there is a wealth of things to see. Follow our footsteps in this three step guide to the city.

1.Church of St Luke: Designed by John Foster and consecrated in 1831, the Church of St Luke stands as a reminder of the hardships and conflict that Liverpool experienced during the war, and is a monument to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice. This once fine church is now just a burnt out shell, the result of an incendiary bomb during the Liverpool Blitz. These days, many exhibitions are held in its grounds that span art, music and drama.

2. Lamb Banana: Certainly a strange attraction, and one that, at first, seems completely out of place. The lamb banana is an eye catching, head scratching statue by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo. The idea behind the piece was to warn about the dangers of genetically modified food, but it also coincides with Liverpool's historic traditions of exporting lambs and importing bananas. Ever since its first appearance in the city, the statue has built up a cult following and has become a real Liverpudlian Icon.

3. Cross the Mersey: The River Mersey is commonly crossed by ferry, but there is an option to cross the river by tunnel. There are three tunnels in total, but by far the most intriguing is the Mersey railway tunnel, which dates back to 1886 and was the first deep-level urban railway tunnel anywhere in the world. After an exhausting day round the city, visitors will be pleased to hear of the luxury of many Liverpool hotels.

London

Some 200 miles south and we reach the capital. Arguably the greatest city in the world, there are hundreds of unique, important and wonderful sights to see, as well as luxurious 5-star hotels in London. Sights such the London Eye and the Natural History Museum are visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists each year, but when exploring a city, it is nice to feel as though there is a little part of it that is all your own, and that you have stumbled across a little gem without a guide or a map. Here are selections of sights which won’t be overcrowded with tourists.

1. Sir John Soane's Museum: A bizarre mishmash of antiques and art, all collected almost two centuries ago by the architect Sir John Soane. The pieces are all on show in what was Soane's private residence on Lincoln Inn Fields. From sarcophagus to model masterpieces, the museum houses a wonderful collection and will not fail to astound and inspire all who visit it.

2. Kensington Roof Gardens: Sat atop what used to be the Derry and Toms building on Kensington high street, the Kensington roof garden is the biggest of its kind in Europe. The Gardens are open to the public and are divided into three different beautifully themed gardens, Spanish, Tudor and English woodland.

3. Highgate Cemetery: For visitors interested in history and politics, a trip to Highgate cemetery to view the resting place of Karl Marx is a highly recommended.

4. Regents Park and Regents Canal: Sightseeing can sometimes prove a costly activity, so any free outings will come as a welcome surprise, and there are none better than a long walk in Regents Park. Famous for being home to London Zoo, the park boasts wonderful gardens and the canal stretches for many miles in both directions, or cross the road and stride up Primrose Hill for a spectacular panoramic view of London.

Brighton

Just under an hour’s journey by rail and we arrive in one of the UK's most trendy and vibrant locations, Brighton. The youthful south coast town is packed with iconic sights such as Brighton Pier, the Pavilion and chic eateries and unique shopping areas like the Laines. All of these are just a stone’s throw from the famous pebble beach. The town has some fantastic bed and breakfasts and hotels, and by booking accommodation by HotelClub in Brighton, you can be certain of a great stay, during which you should make sure to try these off the beaten track adventures.

1. Devils Dyke: Located just outside the town centre, Devils Dyke is the perfect place to savour some of the areas fantastic natural beauty. It is very easy to get to and provides the perfect therapy after a long day walking around town.

2. St Helen's Church: The ancient parish church is the oldest building in Brighton. Records show that the area in which it is located, Hangleton, dates back as far as 1086. The church still has the original timber work in places, and has religious wall paintings dating back hundreds of years, as well as some very interesting headstones.

3. Beachy Head: The highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, Beachy Head is also one of the natural highlights of the entire British coast. Coupled with the famous red and white lighthouse below and the stunning sea views, seeing Beachy Head is a truly wonderful excursion.