Back in Liverpool
Not been back to Liverpool, where I was born, for many years. www.visitliverpool.com
Three of us, and two dogs, stayed in an AirbnB Gorgeous Home. Free Parking. Walk Everywhere in Georgian Quarter, which is around Liverpool University and between the two cathedrals. (I was always amused that the street linking Anglican and Catholic cathedrals is called “Hope Street”). We had the top floor to ourselves in this beatiful home. A four part BBC2 programme “A House Through Time” was based in Falkner Street and we were a few doors away in Georgian architecture that Hitler had not destroyed as was most of the city in 1941.
Our smashing Australian host, Chris, explained the recent popularity of the area and filming at his place next month for Amazon Prime. It is a beautiful area, and listed buildings all around.
We had the dogs with us, and walked them in St James Gardens, which is the valley around the magnificent Anglican Cathedral. They quarried the stone there to make the cathedral. There is a spring and much history, including “promenade ramps” for funeral processions years ago.
The University had expanded throughout the area, and down towards town another University, John Moores, has added to the “Education Quarter”. So much has developed in the area, and thankfully, mostly in taseful architecture. Lots of restaurants to enjoy. Not many advertise being “dog friendly”, yet many are. We went to Philharmonic pub (Philharmonic Dining Rooms) where James Corden and Sir Paul McCartney had a “secret gig” in June 2018. They had good pub food and were dog friendly. The staff were so very friendly, although you can say that of all the people we met. The Quarter Italian restaurant was recommended by our hosts, and was dog friendly. Superb food and great staff.
Beach and Gormley Statues
The dogs needed a good run so we headed to the beach out in Crosby, famous for Gormley Statues“Another Place” (photo c Sefton Council) where 
they ran on the beautiful sand, then ran back to the iron statues wondering who they were. Good fun. The drive from where we stayed took us along the iconic waterfront before hitting the less beautiful dock road then to Waterloo and Crosby suburbs. Easy enough journey. The cruise ships come in at the Pier Head and it is busy around the Beatles statues for photos and then to Cavern, etc. It is so vibrant around there and the Albert Dock, it is easy to spend days just there. It is also a city of parks with Sefton Park not far out of town, on the way to Penny Lane.
Liverpool Shopping
Lots of shops and the big centre at Liverpool One. Scouse humour has the Everton shop in there call “Everton Two” so the address reads Everton 2, Liverpool 1. There are major shops, shopping centres, markets, etc. as there has always been in Liverpool. The whole area is famous for the night life of pubs, bars and clubs. It is the friendliness that really sells it. Our host Chris relayed some anecdotes of how warm the people have been to him a stranger to the city.
So Much More
The city has boomed as a tourist location and no wonder as there is so much to do and see. Cultural capital, birthplace of The Beatles and UNESCO world heritage site, Liverpool has world-class attractions, a proud sporting history and beautiful outdoor spaces – making it the perfect location for a UK city break. Most of all, it’s the people. Friendly and full of fun. That’s never changed.
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