Liverpool

Liverpool is one of England's most distinctive and proudly self-aware cities — a place whose extraordinary music heritage (The Beatles changed the world from here in the 1960s), passionate football culture (Liverpool FC and Everton) and history as the UK's most important Atlantic trading port give it an identity that looms larger than its size. The Albert Dock, a Victorian dock complex magnificently restored on the waterfront, is the physical centre of the tourist experience: the Beatles Story museum, the Tate Liverpool and the Merseyside Maritime Museum are all here. The World Museum and the Walker Art Gallery on William Brown Street are both excellent and free. The Metropolitan Cathedral and Liverpool Cathedral — representing the Catholic and Anglican traditions — sit at opposite ends of Hope Street, forming one of England's most extraordinary civic compositions. The Beatles heritage is everywhere, from the Cavern Club (reconstructed) on Mathew Street to the childhood homes of Lennon and McCartney in the suburbs (English Heritage guided tours). The LIPA (Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, McCartney's old school) is open to visitors. Liverpool One is a large modern shopping area, but the Baltic Triangle and the Georgian Quarter are more interesting for independent culture. Liverpool is considerably cheaper than London and genuinely warm. The Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, the oldest UK philharmonic orchestra, performs regularly at the Philharmonic Hall.