Liverpool is one of England's biggest cities and is famous for several things - the River Mersey (and its ferries), the Beatles and the distinction of being European Capital of Culture in 2008 - to name but a few. Worldwide, it is arguably the most famous British city outside of London.
Situated on the north bank of the River Mersey, Liverpool began its development from a small riverside village in 1700 and became one of the UK’s major trading cities that rose to prominence during the 17th and 18th centuries. Built on the back of a booming economy, Liverpool boasts many impressive sites including the Albert Dock, the Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building; the latter was built with ostentatious displays of wealth as a sign to those entering the city via the Mersey that Liverpool was a magnificent city and a great place to do business.
But what makes Liverpool so unique is its people: Liverpudlians, like the city itself, are a bold and brash bunch that are fiercely proud of their regional identity. Typified by an instantly recognizable accent, true Liverpudlians speak ‘Scouse’, a dialect distinct from its North Yorkshire neighbors that’s recognized and imitated the world over. The city’s most famous sons are undoubtedly The Beatles and the city attracts many visitors who come to follow the trail of the Fab Four from their humble beginnings to international stardom as the world’s first super band.
And it is impossible to talk about Liverpool without talking about football; divided in to two camps – either the blue of Everton or the red of Liverpool, both teams play in England’s top Premiership league and, male or female, young or old, it seems like the entire city is passionate about the sport. The red half of the city had extra reason to celebrate in 2005 when Liverpool were crowned champions of Europe after overturning a 3-0 deficit to beat AC Milan on penalties in the Champions League Final in a spectacular game that’s still fondly talked about around the city’s bars.
The city's Gay Quarter can be found around Stanley Street/Cumberland Street/Eberle Street and Victoria Street. It is well worth the visit and is as vibrant and cosmopolitan as you would expect from a major British city.
Culture
Liverpool has an abundance of local attractions. After all, it has not been awarded the distinction of being European Capital of Culture in 2008 for nothing!
Liverpool boasts two cathedrals which are major attractions in their own right. The Anglican Cathedral and the Metropolitan Cathedral are fine examples of internationally recognised architecture.
Many gems of the National Museums Liverpool fall within the heritage site. The refurbished World Museum Liverpool and Walker Art Gallery are housed in this part of town, while the Tate Liverpool an Merseyside Maritime Museum have their homes on the waterfront, at the Albert Dock, alongside the unmissable Beatles Story.
Equality
Liverpool's Gay Quarter, around Stanley Street in the city centre, has seen massive investment over the last few years, and there has been an increase in gay bars and clubs. Liverpool City Council recently announced plans to partially pedestrianise the Gay Quarter at night, in an attempt to improve the night time leisure experience of the area. With becoming European Capital of Culture this year, it really is focusing on some of its minority communities.
To many local people it is better than Manchester - for its bars, restaurants, clubs, etc. Nightclubs elsewhere around the city are amongst the best and most vibrant in the UK, and clubs such as Society on the other side of town also have a large gay following. This is symptomatic of the cosmopolitan and gay friendly nature of the city in general. The local newspaper giant, The Liverpool Echo, also has a weekly gay column.
Every November, for three weeks, Liverpool's gay arts festival 'Homotopia' brings a touch of pink to the city and takes place in theatres, galleries, and other venues around the city centre. The city also has a successful gay film festival of its own called 'Outsiders'.
Travel Information
Getting around Liverpool is a breeze. There are a number of ways of getting around the local area, from the various train and bus routes heading into the city and around the local area to the historical Mersey Ferries which still carry both tourists and commuters across the river today.
Getting There By plane:
John Lennon Airport is one of the UK's oldest airports. Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport is located 13km (8 miles) southeast of the city center. Facilities at the airport include disabled access, car rental, currency exchange offices, ATMs, bars, restaurants, shops, prayer room and baby care facilities. Passengers can take advantage of the Halewood Executive Lounge with complimentary newspapers and refreshments as well as desks and Internet access. There’s a tourist information center in the main concourse where staff can assist with booking accommodation as well as provide information on the city’s attractions. There are also cycle lockers which are free of charge and allocated on a first come first served basis and are securable with a returnable deposit.
Located off the A561 on Speke Hall Avenue, the airport is easily accessible by car and is signposted from the M6. There is no railway station actually at the airport but Garston and Hunts Cross stations are nearby and easily reached by taxi. A regular express bus service runs between the city center and the airport and there is also a service with a drop off/collection at Garston railway station.
Getting There By Road:
Liverpool is easily accessible via road and is signposted from the M6 and the M62 if traveling from the south and the M58 if traveling from the north.
Getting There By Rail:
Lime Street station is the city’s main railway station located in the northeast of the city center.
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