Once a mighty port city and cornerstone to Britain’s rise in the Industrial Revolution, Liverpool has come a long way during its 800 year history. Birthplace of the Beatles, home to a legendary soccer team, full of vibrant culture and nightlife, and dotted with sites of historical interest, Liverpool offers layer upon layer for the visitor to explore.

And with Liverpool officially serving as European Capital of Culture 2008, there’s never been a better time to discover not only the myriad charms of the city itself, but the vibrant countryside and towns that surround it. To the north is the gorgeous countryside of the Lake District, to the east, the inspiring heritage city York, and to the south, the Roman city of Chester, to name but a few of the fascinating areas you’ll come across in this varied region.