Best of British

Swap Paris for Liverpool
With more museums, art galleries and listed buildings than any other city in the UK, outside the capital, as well as boasting the acclaimed title 'European Capital of Culture' in 2008, Liverpool is a 'must see' destination for all culture vultures with the heart of the city and its vibrant waterfront listed as World Heritage sites.

Whether you're looking for art and culture, fine dining, river outings, stunning architecture, music or sport, you'll be hard pressed to find a better choice for a short city break either side of 'La Manche'.

Stay at the Liverpool Central Travelodge
Situated in the heart of the city.
Location: 25 Old Haymarket, Liverpool, L1 6ER

Stay at the Liverpool Docks Travelodge
Situated close to the vibrant docks with bars and restaurants on your doorstep.
Location: Brunswick Dock, Sefton Street, Liverpool, L2 4BH

A few highlights to include on a Liverpool city break:

Walker Art Gallery
Over 130 years old, the Walker Art Gallery is one of the finest art galleries in Europe and houses a world-class collection of art from the year 1300 to the present, including pieces by Gainsborough, Rembrandt and Poussin. It also houses the Tudor portraits of King Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.

There's no stuffiness here, however, with the dedicated children's area, 'Big Art: for Little Artists'. This is a vibrant and exciting multi-sensory experience where children explore art through a wide variety of activities inspired by the Walker's world-class art collections.
Location: William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL
More information: www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk

Take a trip down the Mersey
There's no better way to experience Liverpool and Merseyside than from the deck of the world famous Mersey Ferry. Learn about the city and the region's fascinating history, see its spectacular sights and discover its unique character.

The Liverpool waterfront is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site so there's even more reason to take a leisurely 50-minute River Explorer Cruise.
Location: Pier Head Ferry Terminal, Georges Parade, Liverpool L3 1DP
Timing: River Explorer Cruises depart hourly from Pier Head, Liverpool and from Seacombe or Woodside, Wirral
More information: www.merseyferries.co.uk or call 0151 330 1444

Liverpool Cathedral
Sir John Betjeman called it 'one of the great buildings of the 20th century' and the Cathedral's awesome scale and beauty never fails to make a lasting impression, together with, of course, the panoramic view of the city and beyond from its Tower.

It lays claim to many records. It is the UK's largest Cathedral, has the world's highest and heaviest peal of bells and the world's highest and widest Gothic arches.
Location: Liverpool Cathedral, St James Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ
More information: www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk or call 0151 709 6271

The Radio City Tower
Step out of the high-speed lifts on the upper level of St John's Beacon, and immediately you know you're somewhere totally unique. At a height of over 440ft (admittedly almost half the height of its famous Paris rival), but with comparable breathtaking views, the 'Radio City Tower' is without doubt a stunning spot to take in the city and its surroundings.
Location: St Johns Beacon, 1 Houghton Street, Liverpool L1 1RL
Opening times: Tours every Saturday and Sunday - 11am, 1pm, 2pm. Tuesday and Thursday evenings - 6.30pm and 8.30pm
Cost: Adults - £6, Students - £5 Children/senior citizens - £4
More information: www.radiocity.co.uk or call 0151 472 6822

The London Carriage Works
Go Parisian and spend a lazy afternoon people-watching from a waterfront cafe, then get dressed to impress for a meal at an exclusive restaurant. For fancy modern European food, the award winning '60 Hope Street' is highly recommended and there's also a real buzz surrounding the city's many new bars and restaurants; 'Room,' 'Lief' and 'Korova.

But if it's the creme de la creme you're after then try The London Carriage Works, the 2007 Best Restaurant Winner in The Mersey Partnership Annual Tourism Awards. Liverpool's best quality dining experience offers classic cuisine with a creative modern twist and the freshest local and organic produce.
Location: 40 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9DA
Timing: Open all year round
More information: www.hopestreethotel.co.uk or call 0151 705 2222