Liverpool Capital of culture

Arrive

Intercity services run from major towns and cities into Liverpool Lime Street Station which is served by operators including Virgin Trains (website: www.virgintrains.co.uk) and London Midland Trains (website: www.londonmidland.com). The journey from London takes less than three hours.

easyJet (website: www.easyjet.com) and RyanAir (website: www.ryanair.com) are the main airlines operating out of John Lennon International Airport.

Why now?

Liverpool has been nominated European Capital of Culture 2008 (website: http://liverpool08.com), an accolade which coincides with the city's renaissance as a centre for art, music and performance. A full calendar of events kicks off from 11 January including concerts, exhibitions and sporting events.

See

Liverpool's two cathedrals are stunning structures, entirely different but equally appealing. The Anglican Cathedral, (website: www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk), a thrusting neo-gothic building, is joined by the upturned funnel of the 1960s Metropolitan Catholic Cathedral (website: www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk), whose circular interior is suffused with soft, blue light from modern stained-glass windows.

The Royal Liver building on the waterfront, capped by its iconic Liver birds, is best viewed from a ferry (see below) and is a symbol of the city's commercial history. It's one of the earliest examples of a reinforced concrete construction in the UK and echoes the art deco skyscrapers of New York or Chicago.

Do

The northern branch of the Tate Galleries has found a worthy home at Tate Liverpool (website: www.tate.org.uk/liverpool), situated within the historic Albert Dock. 

Visitors can take in the impressive modern collection here and then explore the story of the Fab Four at the colourful and sweet-sounding Beatles Story (website: www.beatlesstory.com), also at the dock.

But if you really want to penetrate the soul of Scouse culture, take to the water and a ferry ‘cross the Mersey for far-reaching views of the docks and the city beyond (website: www.merseyferries.co.uk).

Night Out

Liverpool's large student population, musical muscle and devotion to a good night out have sealed its reputation as a year-round party town. Its most famous club night is Cream (website: www.cream.co.uk) at Nation, one of the first ‘super clubs' to ply grinning clubbers with Balearic beats and good vibes.

For less synthesised rhythms head to the famous Cavern Club (website: www.cavernclub.org), on Mathew Street, a replica of the Beatles' alma mater and still a great venue for live bands.

Did you know?

The term ‘Scouser' comes from ‘Scouse' - a stew consisting of boiled meat and veg.