Language: English
Currency: Pound Sterling
Time Zone: GMT
Tipping: 10 to 12% is usual for hotels with 10 to 15% being usual for restaurants. In each case, it is not necessarily added to the bill. If a service charge has already been added, no further tip is required.
The Beatles are what most people primarily associate with Liverpool and who can blame them, but there's certainly more to the city than it's biggest exports. Having undergone considerable rejuvenation since its industrial revolution days, the city clinched the title for European Capital of Culture in 2008 aided by its chic, reformed Albert Dock that lures a cool 5 million visitors per year. Liverpool's future is looking bright: it is one of only three cities in the UK to be granted World Heritage status.
With more Georgian architecture than any other city in the UK, a world-famous waterfront with the highest concentration of listed city buildings and monuments outside London as well as an array of exciting attractions, coach trips to Liverpool are on the rise. Stroll through the modern Tate Liverpool for innovative, interesting art before brushing up on Liverpool's seafaring heritage at the Merseyside Maritime Museum.
It goes without saying that as well as return coach travel and accommodation in a good 3 or 4* hotel in or close to the city, most coach holidays to Liverpool will incorporate a Beatles orientated tour either as an inclusion or option, and a journey on the legendary "Ferry 'Cross the Mersey" is usually the order of the day. Grand National race ground Aintree is also close, offering fun-fuelled trips to the greatest steeplechase event in the horse racing calendar.
Things to do
There's a lot going on in this lively city, but here's our pick of the best and most atypical things to see and do:
Ferry cruise on the river Mersey
This is one of the best ways to see the waterfront and Liverpool skyline, as well as being such an icon of the city. Not only do you get to see the sights but you also have a commentary explaining the history on all places.
Albert Dock
Make sure you have time to visit Liverpool's number one visitor attraction – The Albert Dock. Here you will find a number of museums, shops and restaurants all located on the beautiful waterfront setting. Take a walk around the dock and admire the interesting architecture of the buildings.
The Beatles Story
If you're interested in finding out more about the "Fab Four" and their journey to fame and fortune then this modern museum is a must see! The audio guide helps to bring to life all of the Beatles stories and features a lot of their music.
Museum of Liverpool
This recently opened museum offers you an insight into the history of Liverpool up to the present day. There are also great views of the Albert Dock and River Mersey from the top of the building.
Tips & Advice
To help you have an enjoyable holiday in Liverpool, take a look at these useful tips and advice provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO):
Health and Travel Insurance
British Citizens are advised by some of our tour operators to have travel insurance before going on a tour or holiday, even if it happens to be in your country of residence. As a British citizen you will be entitled to free emergency health care on the NHS.
If you are visiting England from outside the United Kingdom and fall ill or are involved in an accident and are from any member of the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can obtain free or reduced cost treatment with The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Comprehensive travel insurance is advised for all other nationals planning on visiting the England.
If you need to contact the emergency services whilst in England simply dial 999 or 112 to ask for an ambulance.
Crime
Most destinations are generally trouble-free, however as with all places that you are not familiar with, keep an eye on your belongings and if necessary lock them away somewhere safe back at your hotel if possible. Keep an eye on everyone in your party and do not go off with people you do not know. Buy your own drinks and keep sight of them at all times. Be aware of your surroundings and don’t venture off on your own.
Local Laws and Customs
Queuing is a British Institution - jump a queue at your own risk!
Drug offences will carry penalties in the UK, so avoid getting involved with anything whilst in England. Please note the narcotic plant Khat/Qat is legal in the UK, but is not in a majority of other countries so never try to export this when leaving the UK.
If you are visiting from outside of the United Kingdom, it is wise to check customs requirements before you travel. If you are planning to bring alcohol, tobacco or souvenirs into the country, you need to be familiar with the UK's custom laws. For those people coming to the UK from the EU, you are allowed to bring an unlimited amount of most goods for your own use without paying tax or duty.
However, if you are travelling to the UK from outside of the EU, you are given an allowance of how much alcohol, tobacco, perfume, souvenirs and other goods. If you go above this allowance you may have to pay tax or duty. It is worth checking the HM Revenues and Customs website before you travel.
Entry Requirements
When travelling between the UK, Northern Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man in most cases an official form of identification such as a Driver's License will be ok. However, some airlines will insist you show a passport so check before you travel.
If you are travelling to England from Australia, Canada or the USA, you must have a valid passport for at least three months beyond the length of your stay. EU nationals need to have either a valid passport or identity card.
Visas for the UK are not required by those travelling from Australia, Canada, USA or EU for stays of up to six months.
Any other nationality looking to visit the UK must contact the local embassy to check visa requirements.
Tourist office
To find out more about visiting Liverpool, check out Liverpool's official tourism website at visitliverpool.com