Visiting Merseyside

Liverpool is a city of great maritime and cultural heritage, having been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture in 2008, with the famous Pier Head Waterfront being a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004.

The city is also renowned for being the birthplace of a wide range of popular musicians including The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Frankie goes to Hollywood, Echo and the Bunnymen and many more.

Liverpool is home to the world-renowned Grand National Steeplechase and hosts two of the Premiership's biggest football teams as well as, not one, but two majestically different Cathedrals.

After much redevelopment, the centre now boasts an array of fabulous new shops, a selection of new restaurants and hotels. For more ideas on what to see and do, go to: www.visitliverpool.com

Beyond Liverpool centre, Merseyside boasts award-winning beaches and coastal walks, as well as stunning parks and botanic gardens to blow away the bright lights of the city.

With 22 miles of coastline, stretching from Bootle in the south to the Classic Resort of Southport in the north, Sefton has something for everyone from modern business and industrial centres to fun and relaxing leisure destinations, modern attractions and Victorian heritage.

Set between the River Mersey and the Ribble Estuary the borough extends out to Maghull in the east, neighbouring Liverpool and West Lancashire. The town of Crosby has shot to fame in recent years as home of the incredible Another Place artwork by Antony Gormley. The series of “Iron Men” stretch out across Crosby beach looking out to sea in what has become an internationally acclaimed visitor attraction.

Sefton is also home to one of the biggest and most successful shipping ports in the world, The Port of Liverpool, with cargo departing and arriving from around the globe 24 hours a day. Find out more about Sefton by visiting: www.visitseftonandwestlancs.co.uk

Just 20 miles north of Liverpool is Southport. With its beautiful beaches, unspoilt coastline, superb choice of restaurants, world-glass golf courses, family attractions and vibrant events programme it’s a place not to miss. Explore more at: www.visitsouthport.com

Head to Wirral by road, rail or ferry and discover its beautiful coast and countryside with rural walks, cycle routes and beaches. Go to: www.visitwirral.com for more information.