Claim to Fame:
The Beatles, of course, and Mersey Beat musicians of the 1960s like Gerry and the Pacemakers. More recently, Elvic Costello, Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Atomic Kitten have all been 'Scousers (Liverpudlians).
On a more sober note, Liverpool's early fortunes were made in the slave trade, making it a moving and important place to visit for anyone interested in this aspect of history.
In 2008, Liverpool celebrates a whole year as European Capital of Culture. with all kinds of events, exhibitions and performances.
Population facts:
- About 447,000 people and growing
- 10,863 people per square mile
Location:
Liverpool is located on north side of the River Mersey in England's Northwest, about 216 miles from London. It is about three miles up river from Liverpool Bay, part of the Irish Sea, and is further sheltered from oceanic weather by the penninsula known as The Wirral.
Climate:
Liverpool's sheltered position makes its climate somewhat milder than other northern English cities. Summers are moderately warm - rarely hot- and winters cold and wet. The average winter temperature is 42°F though it can fall below freezing. It sometimes snows in January and February.
Nearest Airport:
Liverpool is served by two airports:
- John Lennon Airport 8 miles from the city center, for Irish and European destinations. Flyglobespan has just launched a New York service.
- Manchester Airport linked by rail to Liverpool is one of England's major international gateways.
Principal Train Stations:
Liverpool Lime Street Station is the main, intercity rail station. Local Rail services arrive and depart from:
Local Transportation:
Indulge in Beatlemania:
- Take in The Beatles Story
- Go on a Magical Mystery Tour
- Visit John and Paul's childhood homes
- Groove at The Casbah and The Cavern Clubwhere it all began.
- Stay at The Hard Days Night Hotel, set to open in 2008.
Five More Cool Things to Do:
- Take a Ferry Cross the Mersey.
- Explore Liverpool's maritime history in its UNESCO World Heritage Site Dock Front and its fabulous Merseyside Maritime Museum.
- Remember the Abolition of Slavery in the British Empire by visiting the International Slavery Museum, opening August 23, 2007, or following the Slavery History Trail.
- Visit The Tate Liverpool, the North's hippest art gallery.
- Step back in time at Speke Hall, the most famous Tudor mansion in England - and right outside the city center.
Best Bistro:
60 Hope Street, 60 Hope Street, Liverpool L1, 9BZ. Telephone: +44 (0)151 707 6060.
Liveliest Salsa Bar
Alma da Cuba St. Peter's Church, Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BH +44 (0)151 702 7394
Online Maps
Liverpool Maps and Liverpool Guides to Buy Direct
- Michelin Northern England and The Midlands, with Liverpool City Plan
- Liverpool A to Z
- Liverpool (Pevsner Architectural Guides)
