A VISITORS GUIDE The Open Championship 2006
to Wirral and England’s Northwest
24
Take a tour of Liverpool and Merseyside
39
The timeless beauty of Cumbria – The Lake District
Contents Your map of England's Northwest 2 Travelling to the Northwest 3 Location of Royal Liverpool Golf Club 3
The Open Welcome to Royal Liverpool Meet the Contenders Travelling to The Open 2006
22
Visit the venues where pop music began
6 8 10
Wirral Welcome to wonderful Wirral Hilbre Islands West Wirral & Birkenhead Port Sunlight & Outdoor Wirral Heritage and Culture Entertainment Places to eat and drink
12 13 14 16 18 20 22
Merseyside 'A Round' in Merseyside Featuring 18 of Liverpool and Merseyside's top attractions – from The Beatles Story to Knowsley Safari Park Places to eat, drink and stay
24
28
England's Northwest Introduction Lancashire & Blackpool Chester & Cheshire Manchester Cumbria – The Lake District Places to eat, drink and stay
29 30 33 36 39 42
England's Golf Coast Introduction Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale and Royal Lytham & St Annes Formby Ladies, Formby and Formby Hall Hillside, Southport & Ainsdale, Hesketh and West Lancashire
43
36
Canal Street: Thriving in Manchester
Caldy, Wallasey and Heswall DeVere, Mere and Silloth-on-Solway Windermere, Fairhaven and St Annes Old Links
44
A date in 2008
45
Liverpool Capital of Culture 2008 The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale 2008
46
47 48 49
50 52
“Hoylake, blown upon by mighty winds, breeder of mighty champions.” Bernard Darwin
W
elcome to Royal Liverpool Golf Club and Wirral. This year, the 135th Open Golf Championship is returning to Hoylake after an absence of almost 40 years – although this will be the eleventh time the Royal Liverpool Club has hosted arguably the greatest of the world’s major championships. We would also like to welcome you to the local area too. Wirral has a great deal to offer during your visit. Not only do we have our proud golfing history, we
can also boast a superb coastline and a rich cultural heritage, as well as the all important restaurants and bars to make your stay all the more enjoyable. Please make the most of this opportunity to discover a taste of what Wirral and England’s Northwest has to offer during your stay. We hope you will leave us with happy memories of a great event and a determination to return in the future. Doug Norval, chairman, RLGC Open Championship Committee
Can anyone stop Tiger Woods from winning back-to-back Open titles?
A
warm welcome to Wirral, and to this Vistors Guide 2006, a whistle-stop tour around the best that Wirral has to offer – its history, heritage, culture, music, sport and, of course, golf. You will already have noticed that the Open is being played against the spectacular backdrop of the Wirral coastline, and we hope this setting will inspire you to explore this picturesque part of England during your stay here. If you have a few days spare after the golf has finished, then let this guide point you in the right direction. Why not see the rest of Wirral’s highlights, such as West Kirby, the perfect base for bracing coastal walks, or the village of Port Sunlight, with over 800 listed buildings? Across the water lies Liverpool, a vibrant city with culture and history in abundance. Your guide contains all the information you need to find the best places to visit and the top restaurants and bars to wind down in. If watching the world’s best golfers has inspired you, you’re in the right place! England’s Golf Coast features almost 20 top-class courses within a few miles of Hoylake, and this guide tells you how to go about booking a round while you’re here. Hoylake has undergone a few changes for the 2006 Open, with the championship course beginning on the old 17th and 18th holes and finishing on the 16th. This means that the 1st hole, once described by Peter Alliss as “the most intimidating first hole in championship golf” becomes hole three of the Open. The RLGC believes that this will create the best possible Championship. The prospect of the world’s top golfers battling it out is a mouth-watering one. Royal Liverpool is proud to host one of the sport’s greatest occasions and we wish you a very pleasant stay.
Host of
The Open Championship 2006
00
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
7
THE CONTENDERS
Colin Montgomerie
Born: 23/6/63 Glasgow, Scotland ‘Monty’ became one of the first British golfers to go to a US college, attending Houston Baptist University. He won three important Scottish amateur tournaments before turning professional in 1988. He developed into Europe’s dominant force, winning seven consecutive Order of Merit titles between 1993 and 1999, and capped a heartwarming return to form with an eighth title last year, built upon a wonderful second-place finish at the Open at St Andrews behind Woods. Monty is, of course, one of the great Ryder Cup competitors, playing in seven Europe teams and having never been defeated in a singles match. He will be a firm favourite of the Royal Liverpool crowd in 2006.
Meet six of the men who aim to make history by winning The Open Championship at Royal Liverpool... Tiger Woods
Born: 30/12/75 Cypress, California, USA Born Eldrick Woods, but nicknamed Tiger as a child, Woods began playing golf aged three. He went on to win the Junior World Championship six times before turning pro in 1996. In 1999, he embarked on perhaps the greatest sustained period of dominance men’s golf has seen, winning 17 PGA Tour events in the following two years. In 2000 and 2001, he won four consecutive majors, a feat that he christened the ‘Tiger Slam’. A swing revamp tempered his supremacy, but in 2005 he returned to top form, winning the Masters and the Open, his 10th major. Credited with revolutionising the modern game in terms of athleticism and professionalism, Tiger is widely considered the heir to Jack Nicklaus.
Luke Donald Born: 7/12/77 Hemel Hempstead, England Donald took a golf scholarship at Northwestern University, winning the individual NCAA men’s title in 1999 and turning professional in 2001. In 2004, he won two European Tour events, the Omega European Masters and the Scandinavian Masters and was a member of the victorious European Ryder Cup team. In 2005, he broke into the top 20 of the World Golf Rankings and his win in the 2006 Honda Classic moved him into the top ten for the first time, confirming his status as one of world golf’s rising stars. Along with the likes of Greg Owen, David Howell, Justin Rose and Lee Westwood, Donald will front a strong home challenge.
Ernie Els Born: 17/10/69 Johannesburg, South Africa. As a child, Els was a true all-rounder, playing rugby, cricket and tennis as well as golf. From 14 he decided to focus on golf, coming to prominence in 1984 by winning the Junior World Golf Championship. He turned professional in 1989, and has won three majors, the US Open in 1994 and 1997, and the Open in 2002. Els is known as a true world golfer and regularly plays in Asia, Australasia and South Africa. Though he was injured for much of the 2005 season, he won the Dunhill Championship shortly after his return from knee surgery.
Phil Mickelson Born: 16/6/70 San Diego, California, USA Mickelson was a junior prodigy, and became the first left-hander to win the US Amateur title in 1990. The following year he won his first PGA Tour tournament whilst still an amateur, and 21 others followed before his victory in the 2004 Masters laid to rest the label of ‘best golfer who had not won a major’. A second big one, the USPGA, followed last year.
8
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
Retief Goosen
Into the swing: (clockwise from top left) Mickelson, Els, Montgomerie, Goosen, Donald and Woods are all expected to head the leaderboard, but who will take the 2006 Open glory at Royal Liverpool?
Born: 3/2/69 Pietersburg, South Africa Goosen’s amateur career was interrupted by a freak accident in which he was struck by lightning when he was 15, and perhaps understandably, since then not too much seems to have phased ‘The Goose’. He turned professional in 1990, and has since become one of golf’s most consistent players, winning at least one PGA Tour event every year since 2001 and taking the US Open twice, in 2001 and 2004. With both a game and temprament suited to the Open Championship, Goosen will be favoured by many as a fine chance this year.
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
9
Useful numbers Traveline Merseytravel +44 (0)870 608 2 608 www.merseytravel.gov.uk Wirral Tourism +44 (0)151 647 6780 www.visitwirral.com Merseyside Police +44 (0)151 709 6010 www.merseyside.police.uk Radio Merseyside http://www.bbc.co.uk/england/ radiomerseyside/95.8fm Transport Direct http://www.transportdirect.info Emergency Services 999
Getting around couldn’t be easier, so why not head for Liverpool when the golf is over?
Take in Wirral’s countryside charm, or make a game of it by booking a round of golf
...but Wirral offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy more fast-paced outdoor pursuits, too
THE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP 2006 T
he Open Championship is returning to Hoylake, and getting there to see the action couldn’t be easier. Hoylake is well served by Wirral’s public transport network, and organisers are advising spectators to leave the car at home to avoid delays and congestion. Extra trains are being laid on to get you to and from the course quickly.
Getting there: Call the experts Arrive refreshed and ready to watch the masters at work. Call Traveline Merseyside for bus, train or ferry timetables or details of the Park & Ride sites. Traveline staff can also advise you of delays on the roads and where to find the best tourist information. For all travel advice, call Traveline Merseyside on 08706 082608. Lines are open from 7am-8pm weekdays and 8am-8pm weekends and Bank Holidays. During the championship, lines open from 5am.
By train
Take the famous ferry ‘cross the Mersey
The easiest way to get to Royal Liverpool is by train. Hoylake is on Merseyrail’s Wirral Line (direction West Kirby), just 29 minutes from central Liverpool. During the peak sessions of
How England’s Golf Coast gets its name...
the Open Championship, trains will run to Hoylake from central Liverpool every 10 minutes, and every 15 minutes at all other times from 5.30am to 11pm. Return tickets cost £3.30 peak (before 9.30am and between 4-6pm) and £2.60 off-peak. If you are travelling off peak, try a Saveaway Ticket. Costing just £3.20, it is also valid on local buses, trains and Mersey Ferries. Tickets can be bought from any rail station on the national rail network.
(all other times) [e] comment@merseyrail.org Merseyrail City Line [t] 08456 008008 [t] 08456 045608 [e] assistance@northernrail.org National Rail services [t] 08457 484950 [w] www.nationalrail.co.uk If you need assistance, please give one hours notice on the Northern and Wirral Lines, and 24 hours notice on the City Line or National Rail services.
Passengers with disabilities
By road
Hoylake station is fully accessible but you are advised to ring the Mobility Helplines for advice on journeys from: Merseyrail Northern or Wirral Lines [t] +44 (0)151 702 2071 (9am-5pm, Monday to Friday) [t] +44 (0)151 702 2704
Drivers from North Wales: Join the M53 at Junction 12 and head towards Ellesmere Port. Drivers from the north: Leave the M6 at Junction 26 and join the M58 heading to Liverpool. At the end of the M58 follow signs for Wallasey via the
TRAVEL GUIDE the M56 towards Chester. Exit at Junction 15 and join the M53 towards Birkenhead. Follow the colour-coded signs to the Park and Ride sites. Drivers from the south: Leave the M6 at Junction 20a and join the M56 towards Chester. Leave the M56 at Junction 15 and join the M53 towards Birkenhead. Follow the colour-coded signs to the Park and Ride sites.
Parking
A healthier way to get to Royal Liverpool
Kingsway Tunnel. Go through the tunnel and join the M53. Follow the colourcoded signs to the Park and Ride sites. Drivers from the east: Leave the M62 at Junction 10 and join the M6 southbound. At Junction 20a take
Parking is restricted near Royal Liverpool and drivers should use the colour-coded Park & Ride sites, which costs £5, with a free shuttle bus. Drivers with a red ticket (booked), leave the M53 at Junction 1 and follow the red signs. Drivers with a yellow ticket (pre-booked), leave the M53 at Junction 3 and follow the yellow signs. Drivers who have not pre-booked,
20-23 July 2006 leave the M53 at Junction 2 or 3 and follow the blue signs. Disabled parking will be provided near the course. Ring Open Golf enquiries on 0151 551 6437.
onto the M53 at Junction 15 towards Birkenhead. Follow the colour-coded signs to the Park & Ride sites.
By air
Ring ahead to book a private hire taxi. Make sure the name of the company is displayed on the car and the driver has identification. You can hail a black Hackney taxi at the roadside or from a taxi rank without pre-booking. Hackney cabs are wheelchair accessible and drivers will help passengers with mobility difficulties.
Liverpool John Lennon Airport By public transport: Take the 500 Airport Xpress service to Liverpool city centre. At Liverpool Lime Street station, take the Wirral Line train to Hoylake. By car: Follow the A561 to Runcorn, follow signs for M56 to Chester then turn off at Junction 15 onto the M53 towards Birkenhead. Follow the colourcoded signs to the Park & Ride sites. Manchester Airport By public transport: Take the train to Liverpool Lime Street from Manchester Airport, change here for the Wirral Line train to Hoylake (direction West Kirby). By car: Follow the M56 to Chester, turn
Taxis
Cycling Hoylake has good connections to the National Cycle Network (visit www. sustrans.org.uk for details). Secure cycle parking is available on Hoylake Municipal Golf Course.
So much to see... so much to do... discover the joys of Wirral
WIRRAL
Wild & Wonderful
And enjoy the best of England’s green and pleasant land.
S
et between the rivers Dee and Mersey, Wirral protrudes into Liverpool Bay and the Irish Sea, a peninsula blessed with stunning natural splendour and a rich heritage. From refined golf courses to wild and unspoilt coastline, it is a uniquely charming region with plenty for the visitor to discover. The heart of Wirral is the town of Birkenhead. Once a powerhouse of the industrial age, its skyline is peppered with grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings, such as the Town Hall, the Central Library and the Williamson Gallery. Much of the remnants of the industrial age remain today, making Birkenhead a fascinating place to visit. But this modern and bustling town also boasts a magnificent park, fine theatres and great shopping. Go beyond the boundaries of the town and you will discover what Wirral is really all about. Winding country lanes criss-cross the verdant landscape, and lead from picture postcard villages to breathtaking clifftops, via ancient inns and magnificent country parks. Villages such as Thornton Hough and Port Sunlight are marvels of Victorian philanthropy and ambition. Port Sunlight has over 800 grade II listed buildings, including a top-class art gallery and is one of the most intriguing places in Britain to visit. Protected coastland parks dot the Wirral shore, preserving some of the finest coastal scenery in Britain. The area is a haven for many species of rare plants, migratory birds and even the odd seal or two. And with its many footpaths and cycle routes, Wirral is the place to indulge in healthy outdoor pursuits. Admire the rural landscape or seaside scenery at a sedate pace and breathe in a truly invigorating lungful of fresh country air, or a salty blast blowing in off the water. Wirral’s embarrassment of riches will both soothe and stimulate you. Enjoy the best of the peninsula by following our guide to the finest things to see and do on your visit.
12
www.visitwirral.com
Cycling on Wirral
The highways and byways of Wirral are the perfect place to get on your bike, with the many bridleways perfect for off-road adventure. Families can enjoy the Wirral Way, a 12-mile cyclepath along the course of an old railway line between West Kirby and Heswall. Pedal all the way from Liverpool to Chester along the Millennium Cycle Route; a scenic journey taking in such charming Wirral villages as Bidston, Brimstage and Thornton Hough.
Hilbre Islands
Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre Tel: +44 (0)151 648 4371 (after 10am, seven days a week) Nestling in the mouth of the Dee Estuary, the islands of Little Eye, Middle Eye and Hilbre are only accessible at low tide (check with the Wirral Country Park for advice). Take a return pony-and-trap ride across the sand and explore the islands or take advantage of their fantastic bird watching opportunities – Hilbre even has its own bird observatory. And you may be lucky enough to spot the grey seals which often frolic on the island’s sandbanks. www.englandsgolfcoast.com
00
West Wirral Great Shopping Hoylake and West Kirby offer an array of quirky, independent shops, distinct from the usual High Street stores. Hoylake’s Market Street and Quadrant are the places to head if you’re looking for bargains. Here you’ll find antique stores such as Mansell’s and Heritage; perfect places to uncover a unique souvenir or gift. Meanwhile, the Gerrard Gallery and the Originals Café are both fantastic places to pick up affordable art, often by local artists. If you’d prefer an edible souvenir of your time in Wirral, Sargeant’s in Hoylake is the place to go: the chocolatiers are commemorating the Open with golfthemed confectionary. Banks Road in West Kirby offers distinctive shops, such as Le Buzz gift shop and The Earth Collection, a ‘green’ clothes shop. An eclectic collection of boutiques line the rest of the street, from The Front Room, stocking unusual household items, to Paisley Emporiums, an artist’s store.
Birkenhead Priory & St Mary’s Tower
Priory Street, Birkenhead [t] +44 (0)151 666 1249/4010 [w] www.visitwirral.com Benedictine monks constructed this beautiful priory, Merseyside’s oldest building, in around 1150 and laid the foundations for Wirral’s development. Now fully restored, this is a charming place to visit and regularly plays host to concerts and performances. Whilst there, climb the tower of the nearby St Mary’s church, Birkenhead’s first parish church, which offers stunning views over the River Mersey and across to Liverpool’s waterfront.
The neighbouring seaside towns of West Kirby and Hoylake are blessed with many high quality bars, pubs and restaurants. With seafront views over the River Dee to North Wales, both towns offer the perfect setting for an appetite-whetting stroll along the promenade beforehand. A few miles down the Dee coast, the pretty village of Heswall is also home to numerous restaurants, again many of them providing diners with breathtaking views out over the estuary. Sheldrakes restaurant even offers terrace dining during the summer months, an ideal way to enjoy an al fresco meal with an unrivalled backdrop.
14
www.visitwirral.com
Flaybrick Memorial Gardens
Tollemache Road, Birkenhead [t] +44 (0)151 653 9332 [e] flaybrick.m.garden@ntlworld.com [w] www.flaybrick.com Explore the history of Wirral and Birkenhead by visiting the region’s notable residents who now lie in this Victorian cemetery. Flaybrick is set in 26 acres of exquisite landscaped gardens and is home to an arboretum, with Monkey Puzzle and Ornamental Cherry trees. Part of the cemetery is a flowering meadow, encouraging butterflies and making this one of Birkenhead’s most tranquil places.
Slatey Road, Birkenhead [t] +44 (0)151 652 4177 [e] williamsonartgallery@wirral.gov.uk [w] www.visitwirral.com Opened in 1928, the Williamson is the heart of the city’s museum network. It houses a permanent collection of work by local artists and craftsmen, including paintings, ceramics and pottery, and also hosts a large display of models recalling the region’s proud shipbuilding heritage. With plenty of temporary exhibitions, the museum always offers something fresh, leaving visitors feeling stimulated and sated.
West Kirby Marine Lake
West Kirby Marine Lake
Eating & Drinking
1 Taylor Street, Birkenhead [t] +44 (0)151 647 2128 [w] www.visitwirral.com In 1860, Birkenhead was the first town in Europe to adopt a tramway. Though it went out of service in 1937, you can still ride a restored tram from Woodside Ferry to Wirral Transport Museum, which houses a collection of restored trams, buses, vintage cars and motorcycles. The museum celebrates Birkenhead’s place in the history of mass public transport and is a wonderful place to learn about vehicles from a bygone era.
Williamson Art Gallery & Museum
For fans of water sports, this man-made saltwater lake is fast becoming a top destination. Home to the Wirral Sailing Centre, which offers courses in sailing, windsurfing and canoeing, it’s the ideal place to indulge your adventurous side. But the less energetic can also enjoy a leisurely stroll along the stretch of beach from West Kirby to Red Rocks at Hoylake and, at low tide, take a walk across the sands to Hilbre Islands. In the other direction, follow the beautiful coastline down to the villages of Caldy, Thurstaston or Heswall along the Wirral Country Park. It’s the perfect setting for a stroll in the sun and a spot of crabbing.
Wirral Country Park
The Dee Estuary
A natural crossroads for migrating birds, the Dee Estuary is a bird-watching site of worldwide significance. Over the winter months, the estuary provides sanctuary for numerous species of birds, including pin tail, teal and curlew. In order to protect its vital role, the estuary has recently been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. With as many as 24,000 wildfowl regularly populating the area, the estuary is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers in general. Head for the Dee coastline at West Kirby, or the villages of Heswall, Neston or Parkgate to enjoy the incredible spectacle at any time of the year.
Station Road, Thurstaston CH61 OHN [t] +44 (0)151 648 4371/3884 [e] wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk Opened in 1973, the Wirral Country Park was the first designated country park in Britain. Situated on the route of an old railway line along the Dee Estuary coast, the park offers a 12-mile footpath and bridleway and magnificent views over the surrounding terrain. The estuary is a crossroads for bird migrations and the park is a fantastic place to explore on foot, or even gallop along the beach on horseback. A visitor centre is located near the old Thurstaston station with bird hide, snack shop and rest rooms.
Birkenhead
Birkenhead Park
The Grand Entrance Birkenhead Park [t] 0151 652 5197 [e] birkenheadpark@wirral.gov.uk [w] www.visitwirral.com Birkenhead Park was Britain’s first public green space, and Sir Joseph Paxton’s design, featuring meadows, woodland and meandering lakes,
was the inspiration for many other municipal projects around the world, including New York’s famous Central Park. This verdant retreat includes a boathouse and Swiss bridge and is a fitting testament to the vision demonstrated by our Victorian forebears.
WIRRAL
Birkenhead Tramway & Wirral Transport
WIRRAL
other wirral highlights
Fort Perch Rock
Marine Promenade, New Brighton [t] +44 (0)151 630 2707 [e] fpr.ent@ntlworld.com [w] www.fortperchrock.co.uk Fort Perch Rock is a Napoleonic era coastal defence battery that now houses several exhibitions, including Luftwaffe Over Merseyside with a large collection of relics. Visit the nearby historic Fort Perch lighthouse, accessible across a moat at low tide.
Spaceport
Victoria Place, Seacombe [t] +44 (0)151 330 1333 [w] www.spaceport.org.uk The amazing Spaceport attraction takes you on a virtual journey to the farthest reaches of the universe. For a thrilling learning experience, visitors can try the high-tech exhibits, interactive displays and simulators, including the Space Dome ‘Oasis In Space’ show and the Space Explorer craft. Learn about Starchaser – Britain’s own commercial space exploration programme.
Brimstage Hall Craft Courtyard
Brimstage Road, Brimstage [t] +44 (0)151 342 3514/5382/4216 [w] www.brimstagehall.com In the heart of rural Wirral lies the idyllic village of Brimstage. The 12th century hall is home to a bustling craft centre offering unique and unusual gifts. The centrepiece is the
award-winning Voirrey Embroidery, a large needlework centre with a vast range of craft products, as well as courses and exhibitions. The hall also includes a small family farm with a play area, picnic area and tractor rides for youngsters, along with a wide selection of animals for kids to feed and groom. During the summer you can also lose yourself in the great Maize Maze.
Port Sunlight Village
Port Sunlight
16
www.visitwirral.com
Founded in 1888 by the Victorian philanthropist William Hesketh Lever, this purpose-built village was designed to house employees of his soap factory. Lever aimed to provide his workers with an enriching environment in which they would thrive. Built around the pillars of industry, art, charity and education, Lever’s architects created a living space that has spiritual, social and entertainment facilities all within easy reach, including the majestic Christ Church and the opulent Lady Lever Gallery with its stunning collection of 18th and 19th century paintings and furniture. Today, Port Sunlight is home to over 800 grade II listed buildings, and the Heritage Centre tells the story of the village and its community through old photographs, early film footage, a scale model of the village and copies of the original plans. There are also self-guided and guided tours of the village. From August 2006, the Heritage Centre will be replaced by Sunlight Vision, a new and eye-opening attraction which brings Lever’s philanthropic dream to life.
outdoor wirral One of Wirral’s greatest assets is its natural beauty. With sandy beaches, rolling rural landscape and country parks rich in flora and fauna; the peninsula is a charming place to explore. Its unspoilt coastline is amongst the finest littoral regions in Britain. The North Wirral Coastal Park protects and preserves this wilderness along a fourmile stretch of dunes and dune meadows. Built in 1763, the iconic Leasowe Lighthouse is the oldest brick built lighthouse in the country, and completes the charming seaside scene. Eastham Country Park sits atop cliffs on the east Wirral coast and offers spectacular views of the many birds that flock to the Mersey Estuary. On the northern tip of Wirral, the beautiful gardens of Vale Park in New Brighton descend to the Egremont promenade and radiate seaside splendour. Meanwhile, Wirral Country Park lies on the route of a disused railway line
which ran along the Dee Estuary coast. Opened in 1973, it was the first country park in Britain, and with 12 miles of footpaths and bridleway to explore, it is a magnificent place to revel in the great outdoors. Further inland, Arrowe Country Park features some 400 acres of open parkland and deciduous woodland, while Ness Botanic Gardens offers a beautifully curated 62-acre park. Ness Gardens was established by cotton merchant Arthur Kipley Bulley in 1898, and has been bequeathed to the University of Liverpool, who maintain them with an emphasis on research, conservation and public education. For an encounter with nature closer to the city, visitors should head for the Tam O’Shanter urban farm in the village of Bidston, within Birkenhead. The four-acre site has a wide selection of farm animals which are easily accessible to children and is wheelchair friendly.
Getting There
Wirral’s principal road links include the M53 motorway, which runs along the length of the peninsula from near Chester and connects to the M56 and then the M6. Coach travel is possible to Liverpool’s Norton Street coach station, from where numerous Wirralbound connections await. Wirral is also connected to Liverpool at its northern end by two road tunnels under the River Mersey – one from Wallasey and one from Birkenhead. A third tunnel is used by the Merseyrail network which links Hoylake, West Kirby and other parts of Wirral to Liverpool’s Lime Street Station. Inter-city connections from here mean that Wirral can be reached in under three hours by train from London. The iconic ferry across the Mersey is still going strong and remains a great way to travel between Liverpool and Wirral. The nearest airports are Manchester International Airport and Liverpool John Lennon Airport.
WIRRAL
W
Heritage & culture
irral owes much to the legacy of the enterprising Benedictine monks who turned a lonely beech-lined headland into a vital trade artery by establishing the first ferry across the River Mersey. Their endeavours put Wirral on the map as part of the King’s highway in 1330 and sparked the development of Birkenhead and surrounding area. Their home was the beautiful Birkenhead Priory constructed in 1150, and later St Mary’s, Birkenhead’s first parish church. The town of Birkenhead came of age during the industrial revolution and it still boasts splendid 19th century buildings like the Town Hall in Hamilton Square (which houses Wirral Museum). Birkenhead Park and Flaybrick Memorial Gardens provide splendid Victorian-era sanctuaries from the bustling streets. The town’s industrial legacy has left plenty for visitors to experience. In 1860, it was the first town in Europe to adopt a tramway and you can still ride a restored tram between Woodside Ferry Terminal and the Wirral Transport Museum on Taylor Street. To complete the Wirral experience head out to the countryside. The peninsula’s winding lanes and picturesque villages provide a wonderful antidote to hectic city living. Thornton Hough typifies this rural idyll. Victorian industrialist William Hesketh Lever started work on this village in 1889 – the year after founding Port Sunlight – and visitors may stumble upon the local blacksmith toiling over hot iron, or cricket teams doing battle on the green. But Lever’s masterpiece work is the village of Port Sunlight. Founded in 1888, it was designed to house his soap factory workers, but with true Victorian ambition and philanthropy, Lever created a community complete with religious, social and cultural provisions. The 800 or so grade II listed buildings here are testament to Lever’s vision.
n Birkenhead’s elegant Hamilton Square (above) is a reminder of the town’s importance during the Victorian era n Learn about the lives of Wirral’s past residents at Wirral Museum located on Hamilton Square (left) n Discover local craftsmen working at the idyllic rural village of Thornton Hough (below left) n Or simply take in the charming landscape of rural Wirral (below)
n For a break from hectic pace of city life, where better than Wirral’s peaceful charm?
Port Sunlight was built to house workers from William Hesketh Lever’s soap factory
www.englandsgolfcoast.com www.englandsgolfcoast.com
00 00
entertainment Whether it’s the simple pleasures of the great outdoors, or more urbane entertainment you’re after, Wirral offers the visitor plenty of choice. For high-quality, high-brow action, head for the Pacific Road Arts Centre in Birkenhead. Once a storage warehouse, it has been transformed into a stateof-the-art performance and exhibitions space. The Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra perform here six times a year, but you are likely to catch visiting jazz or rock musicians at other times. Birkenhead is also home to the Little Theatre, on Grange Road West. The theatre offers a diverse programme of entertainment all year round, with performances also taking place in the charming Birkenhead Priory, which makes for a very special evening out.
New Brighton’s Floral Pavilion Theatre is a fantastic venue for traditional seaside entertainment, from music and comedy to pantomime. Throughout the summer months in particular, the venue serves up a full bill of popular variety shows. But if the outdoor lifestyle is your thing, Wirral’s country pubs are well worth visiting. The region has plenty of CAMRA affiliated pubs, where you can be sure of being served fine real ales, full of local flavour. Many also offer excellent food, and with a great reception from the locals guaranteed, it makes for a very merry night out. n For music or comedy, head for the towns of Birkenhead or New Brighton n And if you need a new outfit to go out, you’ll find all the shops you need in Wirral
n If it’s fast-paced thrills and spills you’re after, why not try a spot of sand yachting (above)? n But, with miles of coastline and beaches to enjoy, there’s something for all the family to do in Wirral
n Visit Wirral’s idyllic villages and towns, enjoy a spot of lunch and make friends with the locals
For more visitor information for Wirral contact or visit the Tourist Information Centre, Woodside Ferry Terminal Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 6DU [t] +44 (0)151 647 6780 [e] touristinfo@wirral.gov.uk
WIRRAL
Port Sunlight’s Lady Lever Gallery houses a fine collection of 18th and 19th century art
liverpool & merseyside
Wirral Listings If you’ve worked up a healthy appetite by breathing in the sea air, taking a stroll in the country, or simply watching the golf, Wirral has plenty of places to satisfy you...
Where to eat...
Hillbark Hotel (The Yellow Room Restaurant) Royden Park, Frankby [t] +44 (0)151 625 2400 [w] www.hillbark.co.uk Elegant restaurant offers English and continental haute cuisine.
Restaurants The Boulevard
Julian’s
Capitol Restaurant 24 Argyle Street, Birkenhead [t] +44 (0)151 647 9212 [w] www.capitol-restaurant.com Prize-winning restaurant serving traditional Chinese cuisine in an art gallery setting.
Casa Mia 1a Grange Road, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 1503 Friendly staff serve traditional Italian fare of a high standard.
Dining Room 107 107 Telegraph Road, Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 342 3420 Spacious restaurant with a modern international menu spread over two floors at Heswall’s old council building.
Fraiche 11 Rose Mount, Oxton Village [t] +44 (0)151 652 2914 Winner of the Northwest Restaurant of the Year 2005 Award (Good Food Guide), and hotly tipped to win a Michelin star in 2007.
Garretts 2a Bromborough Rd, Bebington [t] +44 (0)151 645 7199 [w] www.garrettsrestaurant.com Friendly and comfortable restaurant serving fresh dishes and local organic produce.
The Grove House Hotel (Oak Tree Restaurant) Grove Road, Wallasey [t] +44 (0)151 639 3947 [w] www.thegrovehouse.co.uk Candlelit, oak-panelled dining in beautiful surroundings at the Grove House Hotel.
Heswall Tandoori 52 Pensby Road, Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 342 8614
www.visitwirral.com
A whistle-stop tour around the UK’s most exciting and varied destination
The Jug & Bottle (La Casa Montana Restaurant) Mount Avenue, Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 342 5535 [w] www.the-jugandbottle.co.uk Authentic Spanish tapas bar with great views and hospitality.
22-24 Market Street, Hoylake [t] +44 (0)151 632 3344 Newly refurbished and decorated restaurant offers fine dining.
22
Heswall’s first Indian restaurant offers a range of dishes from India, Sri Lanka and Kashmir.
20 Birkenhead Road, Hoylake [t] +44 (0)151 632 6241 Fine dining with Wirral’s Chef of the Year in 2003.
Kuki’s Tapas Restaurant Enjoy fine food in beautiful surroundings on Wirral
119 Banks Road, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 3100 Spanish cuisine, all freshly cooked on the premises.
Enjoy fine food in beautiful surroundings on Wirral
Leasowe Castle (Portcullis) Leasowe Road, Wallasey [t] +44 (0)151 606 9191 [w] www.leasowecastle.com Restaurant specialises in English and French cuisine.
Lino’s Restaurant 122 Market Street, Hoylake [t] +44 (0)151 632 1408 Good food and fresh ingredients in elegant surroundings.
Ming Dynasty 19 Albert Road, Hoylake [t] +44 (0)151 632 0018 Restaurant has an extensive menu, with parties catered for.
Park Lodge Restaurant 28 New Chester Rd, New Ferry [t] +44 (0)151 644 5800 Cosy restaurant with friendly service, in a listed building.
Rendezvous 265-267 Wallasey Village, Wallasey [t] +44 (0)151 630 4104 Bold, contemporary decor with English and French cuisine.
Sevens Restaurant 7 Station Approach, Meols [t] +44 (0)151 632 0919 [w] www.sevens-restaurant.co.uk Prides itself on a pleasant atmosphere and superb food.
Sheldrakes Banks Road, Lower Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 342 1556 Good food, great scenery and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in an idyllic location on the banks of the River Dee.
Siam Thai Restaurant 101 Arrowe Road, Greasby [t] +44 (0)151 677 5719 Siam Thai offers delicious Thai dishes in pleasant surroundings.
Something Special 136 Ford Road, Upton [t] +44 (0)151 678 1167 A range of English and continental food served in an intimate candle lit setting.
Station Restaurant 24-28 Hamilton Street, Birkenhead [t] +44 (0)151 647 1047 From the same stable as Liverpool’s award-winning Ziba restaurant, the Station is situated in a restored, Regency building near Hamilton Square.
Surfers Restaurant 136-140 Banks Rd, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 1757 Good range of international cuisine served by friendly staff in an informal environment.
Terazz Restaurant 2 Grange Road, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 2333 A gastronomic oasis where everything is served “just so...”, says the Liverpool Daily Post.
Thornton Hall Hotel (The Italian Room Restaurant) Neston Road, Thornton Hough [t] +44 (0)151 336 3938 [w] www.thorntonhallhotel.com An AA rosette and two RAC
awards testify to its superb food.
lunchtime and à la carte at night.
Villa Jazz
Light bites
64-66 Grange Rd, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 0500 [w] www.villajazz.co.uk Contemporary brasserie-style menu, with live jazz music.
What’s Cookin 154-158 Telegraph Rd, Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 342 1966 [w] whatscooking@btconnect.com A family-friendly restaurant founded on quality and value.
Zucchini 107 Market Street, Hoylake [t] +44 (0)151 632 2277 Mediterranean-style menu in modern surroundings.
Pub Grub Fox & Hounds 107 Barnston Road, Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 648 7685 [w] www.the-fox-hounds.co.uk Traditional pub serving a menu of snacks and special dishes.
Seven Stars Inn Church Road, Thornton Hough [t] +44 (0)151 336 4574 [w] www.sevenstarswirral.co.uk Traditional country village pub serving traditional food.
The Wheatsheaf Inn Raby Mere Road, Raby [t] +44 (0)151 336 3416 Thatched cottage specialising in cask ale and serving pub food at
Koi 38 Banks Road, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 5444 Classy wine bar, with chic interior, close to West Kirby’s sea front and marine lake.
Sands Café Bar 8a Dee Lane, West Kirby [t] +44 (0)151 625 3986 Light lunches and afternoon teas in Mediterranean surroundings near West Kirby beach.
The Orange Tree Coffee Shop 250 Telegraph Road, Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 348 4808 Pleasant and spacious cafe with outdoor seating in summer. Simple, healthy food made fresh to order served by friendly staff.
More Wirral Attractions Arrowe Country Park Arrowe Park Road, Upton [t] +44 (0)151 677 7594 [e] wirralcountrypark@wirral.gov.uk Nearly 400 acres of beautiful park and deciduous woodland.
Eastham Country Park Ferry Road, Eastham [t] +44 (0)151 327 1007
Clifftop setting in east Wirral offers great views of the Mersey Estuary and its wildlife.
Floral Pavilion Theatre Virginia Road, New Brighton [t] +44 (0)151 639 4360 [e] floralpavilion@wirral.gov.uk [w] www.floralpavilion.co.uk Hosts traditional seaside entertainment, comedy, music and variety shows.
Ness Botanic Gardens Neston Road, Neston [t] +44 (0)151 353 0123 [e] nessgds@liv.ac.uk [w] www.nessgardens.org.uk Established in 1898, Ness Gardens features 62 acres of beautifully-kept floral dsiplays.
Royden Park Frankby [t] +44 (0)151 353 0123 Open parkland features a steampowered model railway and arts and crafts fairs at weekends.
Tam O’Shanter’s Urban Farm Boundary Road, Bidston [t] +44 (0)151 677 7594 [e] mail@tamoshanter.fsworld.co.uk [w] www.tamoshanterfarm.org.uk Four-acre site, bringing farmyard animals to an urban setting.
Vale Park Vale Park, New Brighton [t] +44 (0)151 639 5798 Come and see the traditional bandstand in this small, but picturesque seafront park.
Walker Art Gallery
Cathedral City
William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EL [t] +44 (0)151 478 4199 [e] thewalker@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk [w] www.thewalker.org.uk
Metropolitan Cathedral Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ [t] +44 (0)151 709 9222 [e] met.cathedral@boltblue.com [w] www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk
In its illustrious 120 year history, the Walker Art Gallery has built up an internationally renown art collection, ranging from the 14th to 20th century. With an extensive refurbishment completed in 2002, the “National gallery of the North” has become a wonderful place to take in work by artists such as Rubens, Rembrandt, Poussin, Gainsborough and Hogarth. The collection is especially rich in European Old Masters, Pre-Raphaelites and modern British, so whatever your preference, there’s something for you.
Nicknamed ‘Paddy’s Wigwam’, the unusual Catholic cathedral was opened in 1967. The internal lantern tower is worth a visit alone. Free entry, but £3 donation requested. Anglican Cathedral St James Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ [t] +44 (0)151 709 6271 [e] info@liverpoolcathedral.org.uk [w] www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk
The world’s largest Anglican cathedral was completed in 1980, almost 80 years after its inception, and dominates the city’s skyline. It boasts the world’s highest gothic arches, largest organ and heaviest bells. Admission to tower, £4.25.
Pleasureland Southport
Marine Drive, Southport PR8 1RX [t] +44 (0)8702 200 204 [e] mail@pleasurelandltr.freeserve.co.uk [w] www.pleasureland.uk.com
Southport is the place to go for thrills – in particular Pleasureland Southport. With over 100 rides and amusement, it is one of the biggest in the country, and features the terrifying Traumatizer suspended rollercoaster, the amazing Space Shot tower ride and the Casablanca family entertainment centre. Adrenalin junkies, this is the place for you!
The Beatles The Beatles Story Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD [t] +44 (0)151 709 1963 [w] www.beatlesstory.com
The Beatles Story Experience, housed in Albert Dock’s Britannia Vaults, tells the history of the world’s most famous band. The museum features unique archive material and mementos from those who knew the ‘Fab Four’ best.
The Cavern Club Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE [t] +44 (0)151 236 1965 [e] office@thecavernliverpool.com [w] www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk
The Cavern Club, where the Beatles played their first gigs, is still a great live venue. Relive Beatlemania from 23-29 August, when the club hosts International Beatles Week.
Croxteth Hall & Country Park Muirhead Avenue East, Liverpool L12 0HB [t] +44 (0)151 228 5311 [e] croxtethcountrypark@liverpool.gov.uk [w] www.croxteth.co.uk
The ancestral home of the Molyneux family lies at the heart of a 500-acre estate that visitors can explore free of charge. The sumptuous residence has three attractions: the historic hall, Croxteth Home Farm and the Victorian walled garden, which offer an insight into how the hall functioned in its heyday.
FACT
88 Wood Street, Liverpool L1 4DQ [t] +44 (0)151 707 4450 [e] info@fact.co.uk [w] www.fact.co.uk
One of Liverpool’s newest attractions, FACT is a £10m complex showcasing cutting-edge media in stunning custombuilt surroundings. With galleries presenting exciting installations, video work often commissioned by the centre
24
www.visitliverpool.com
Another Place
Crosby Beach, Crosby L23 6SX
Artist Antony Gormley is perhaps best known for his ‘Angel of the North’ statue which dominates the skyline of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, but his more recent work, ‘Another Place’ is arguably even more impressive. Spread along 3km of shoreline, the piece features 100 life-size, castiron figures made from a cast of Gormley’s own body. The ghostly figures stare out to sea, giving off an aura of serenity and thoughtfulness. All facing in the same direction, the statues appear to be in the middle of some kind of ancient ritual, though the official explanation is that the work shows the sentiments associated with emigration – sadness mixed with the hope of a new future in another place.
Merseyside Maritime Museum
Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AQ [t] +44 (0)151 478 4499 [e] maritime@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk [w] www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime
Liverpool’s rich maritime heritage and the vital role the city played in the expansion of the British Empire is explored at this award-winning museum, located in renovated warehouses near the city’s Albert Dock. The museum’s extensive collection of maritime artifacts explain the city’s role in making Britain a leading seafaring nation, with ships leaving Liverpool for ports all over the world. It also tells the story of the city’s position as a major trading centre, including the transatlantic slave trade. A rewarding experience offers visitors a taste of life on the high seas.
itself, and three state-of-the-art cinemas, it is an ideal showcase for Liverpool’s Capital of Culture credentials. The centre also boasts an excellent café and a trendy bar where visitors can sample a variety of refreshments.
St George’s Hall
Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JJ [t] +44 (0)151 707 2391
Situated opposite Liverpool’s Lime Street station, St George’s Hall offers travellers an impressive vista upon their arrival in the city. St George’s was originally built in 1854 as a law court and was a fitting testament to Liverpool’s prosperity and international standing in the 19th century. Charles Dickens was a regular visitor here, holding many readings in the Small Concert Hall. Now among the finest neo-classical buildings in Europe, St George’s Hall stands at the heart of the modern city, both geographically and emotionally, and is an essential part of any tour of Liverpool city centre.
Aintree Racecourse
Aintree, Liverpool L9 5AS [t] +44 (0)151 523 2600 [w] www.aintree.co.uk
Home to the world’s most famous steeplechase, the John Smith’s Grand National, Aintree is one of horse racing’s most prestigious
courses. Just five miles from central Liverpool, Aintree attracts up to 150,000 for the John Smith’s Grand National but has plenty to offer on non-racedays too. Visitors can enjoy the John Smith’s Grand National Experience attraction and sample the action behind the scenes.
LIVERPOOL & MERSEYSIDE
‘A round’ in Liverpool & Mersey side
The golf might be behind you, but there’s plenty more to do in Merseyside. So why not stick around and visit 18 of the area’s top attractions... and a 19th watering hole, naturally!
LIVERPOOL & MERSEYSIDE
Albert Dock
Liverpool L2 7SU [t] +44 (0)151 708 8854/7334 [e] enquiries@albertdock.com [w] www.albertdock.com
Opened in 1846, Albert Dock soon became the hub of the thriving port and a trading centre for cargo arriving from across the British Empire. Major redevelopment has seen the area become an awardwinning tourist attraction, housing some of Liverpool’s best museums as well as a host of cafés, bars and restaurants. The Albert Dock is the best place to begin any sightseeing tour of the city.
World Museum Liverpool
William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN [t] +44 (0)151 478 4393 [e] themuseum@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk [w] www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml
Speke Hall
The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD [t] +44 (0)151 427 7231
The historic half-timbered Speke Hall dates back to 1490, though it has been added to many times since. The Great Hall and priest hole date back to Tudor times, the discreet Oak Parlour shows the Victorian desire for privacy and the plasterwork is from the Jacobean era. There’s also a fullyequipped restored Victorian kitchen and servants’ hall, offering ‘behind the scenes’ insight into Victorian life, and ornate gardens to discover outside.
Following a £35m refurbishment, Liverpool Museum has changed its name to World Museum Liverpool to reflect its new identity. New exhibits have been added, such as World Cultures and the Bug House, and previous exhibits have been given more gallery space, such as the Clore Natural History Centre which has doubled in size. The upper horseshoe gallery, closed since the Blitz ravaged the original museum, has also been reopened. With free admission and so much to see, you’ll want to go back again and again.
World of Glass
Chalon Way East, St Helens WA10 1BX [t] +44 (0)870 011 4466 [w] www.worldofglass.com
Just a few miles outside Liverpool lies the town of St Helens, famous for glassmaking. The Pilkington Glassworks was founded here in 1826, and is still going strong today. At the World of Glass Museum, you can learn how glass is made and watch live demonstrations of the spectacular art of glassblowing.
Tate Liverpool
Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB [t] +44 (0)151 702 7400 [e] liverpoolinfo@tate.org.uk [w] www.tate.org.uk/liverpool
www.visitliverpool.com
Gerry and the Pacemakers’ song Ferry ‘cross the Mersey will be ringing in your ears as you set foot on deck, but you’ll soon be discovering the delights of Merseyside from an unrivalled viewpoint aboard the famous ferries, traversing the river between Wirral and Liverpool. Every cruise features a commentary pointing out the landmarks along the way and you can stop off at Seacombe aquarium, or enjoy afternoon tea at the Edwardianstyle café at Woodside. An essential part of any trip to Liverpool. Prescot Road, Knowsley L34 4AN [t] +44 (0)151 430 9009 [e] safari.park@knowsley.com [w] ww.knowsley.com/safari
Enjoy all the thrills of the wild from the safety of your own car at the pioneering Knowsley Safari Park, located just eight miles from Liverpool city centre. A five-mile trip around the 450-acre park offers unrivalled close-up views of the park’s majestic animals roaming in the wild, including lions, tigers, rhinos and elephants. Don’t forget to fill up on petrol though!
Anfield Road, Liverpool L4 0TH [t] +44 (0)151 260 6677 [w] www.liverpoolfc.tv
26
Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1DR [t] +44 (0)151 330 1444 [e] info@merseyferries.co.uk [w] www.merseyferries.co.uk
Knowsley Safari Park
This award-winning Tate satellite is one of the largest galleries of contemporary art outside London and is housed in a converted warehouse in the Albert Dock. Tate Liverpool’s collection covers art from 1900 onwards and features pieces in a wide variety of media that will stimulate and engage visitors. With tours, talks and lectures available too, you’ll soon get to grips with the most puzzling modern artworks. Admission is free and there’s also a café and shop.
Liverpool Football Club
Liverpool is England’s most successful club, winning the league championship title a record 18 times. A recent barren spell was ended in spectacular fashion in 2005, when they returned to the top of European football by winning the Champions League. Visitors to Anfield can tour the trophy room, dressing rooms and players tunnel. Don’t forget to touch the legendary ‘This is Anfield’ sign while you’re there!
Mersey Ferries
Knowsley’s lions prepare for an afternoon nap
The Philharmonic Pub 36 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BP [t] +44 (0)151 707 2837
It’s thirsty work visiting 18 of Merseyside’s top attractions, so the 19th is a special treat sure to revive the weary traveller. The Philharmonic Pub has been a traditional watering hole for generations of Liverpudlians and, situated opposite the Philharmonic Hall (above), is a favourite with theatre-goers. With its wooden panels and cosy lounge suites, “the Phil” feels more like an exclusive country club than a pub. It also has the most ornate gents toilets in Britain, so make sure you spend a penny before you leave!
The rest of
Merseyside Listings So, now you’ve been around the top 18 places in Merseyside, and stopped off at the Philharmonic, you may be looking for somewhere to rest...
Places to stay... Hope Street Hotel 40 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9DA [t] +44 (0)151 709 3000 “One of the UK’s best new hotels,” said The Times, and they weren’t wrong. Contemporary interior design meets 19th century elegance and refinement in the perfect city centre hotel.
Scarisbrick Hotel 239 Lord Street, Southport PR8 1NZ [t] +44 (0)1704 543000 Ideally located on Lord Street, Scarisbrick offers distinguished accommodation within an easy stroll of Southport’s shops, restaurants and bars.
The Liverpool Racquet Club Hargreaves Buildings, 5 Chapel Street, Liverpool L3 9AG [t] +44 (0)151 236 6676 A sumptuous city centre hotel, with individually decorated rooms. Guests also have access to gym and spa facilities.
Best Western Alicia Hotel 3 Aigburth Drive, Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 3AA [t] +44 (0)151 727 4411 Housed in a restored cotton merchant’s house, the Alicia is an undeniably charming and homely hotel. Winner of Merseyside’s Hotel of the Year in 2004.
Restaurants... The London Carriage Works Hope Street Hotel, 40 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9DA [t] +44 (0)151 705 2222 With striking contemporary dining rooms; the London Carriage Works is Liverpool’s hottest new restaurant. Head chef Paul Askew’s cuisine offers a modern spin on classic dishes, using local organic produce.
Warehouse Brasserie
60 Hope Street
30 West Street, Southport PR8 1QN [t] +44 (0)1704 544662 Holder of two AA rosettes and a Michelin Bib Gourmand, the Warehouse Brasserie serves fine local produce, cooked to chef Marc Verite’s exacting standards. Former diners include top chef Gordon Ramsay.
60 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BZ [t] +44 (0)151 707 6060 Since opening in 1999, brothers Gary and Colin Manning have quickly established 60 Hope Street as one of Liverpool’s top restaurants. The exciting menu offers modern European fare.
The Pan-American Club
Queen Anne Street, Southport PR8 1EH [t] +44 01704 500522 Tucked away in a quiet corner of Southport’s town centre, Forge Brasserie is an elusive treasure. Housed in a former blacksmith’s, enjoy top quality fish, seafood and steaks cooked to perfection. Choose your own dinner as it swims by in the lobster tank.
Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AD [t] +44 (0)151 702 5831 This sleek and stylish waterfront bar is not just great for top notch cocktails, but also serves the best of regional American cuisine and an authentic deli-café menu during the day.
Ziba 5 Chapel Street, Liverpool L3 9AG [t] +44 (0)151 236 6676 The Ziba restaurant at the Liverpool Racquet Club hotel offers exciting twists to classic cuisine. The modern British menu well suits the hip décor of the refurbished Hargreaves buildings and should satisfy the most demanding visiting gourmand.
ENGLAND’S NorthWest Lancashire & Blackpool Chester & Cheshire Manchester Cumbria – The Lake District
Forge Brasserie
Alma de Cuba Seel Street, Liverpool L1 4BH [t] +44 (0)151 702 7394 Liverpool’s hottest new restaurant is wowing diners with its incredible setting – a converted church – as well as a meaty Latin American menu. Steak, game and seafood feature heavily, but there’s also a bar menu of lighter bites and tapas.
Hope Street: ‘One of the UK’s best new hotels’
Bars & Pubs... The Golf Bar 12 Tithebarn Street, Liverpool L2 2PJ [t] +44 (0)151 255 1919 Fancy a quick round of golf while sightseeing in Liverpool? Then the Golf Bar is the place to go. With two state-of-the-art golf simulators, you can play the world’s top courses, improve your game with expert tuition from the bar’s own professional, or just eat, drink and relax.
Thomas Rigby’s 23-25 Dale Street, Liverpool L2 2EZ [t] +44 (0)151 236 3269 This award winning gastro-pub is the perfect place to enjoy good, honest cooking alongside a fine selection of beers and real ales, including eight cask ales and over 30 different beers from around the world.
Baby Cream
Alma de Cuba: Latin American dining in the heart of Liverpool
28
www.visitliverpool.com
Atlantic Pavilion, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AE [t] +44 (0)151 702 5826 The famous Cream club brand has re-established itself in the heart of Liverpool with a super sleek late bar, serving great eats, fantastic drinks and fresh beats. By day it’s a cool and trendy bar, and by night it’s the place to be spotted in.
Doctor Duncan’s St Johns Lane, Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1HF [t] +44 (0)151 709 5100 A haven for real ale enthusiasts, this Cains brewery pub features up to 700 guest ales a year. A handsome Victorian pub in the Queen Square area of the city centre.
The Bold Arms, 59 Botanic Road, Churchtown, Southport PR9 7NE [t] +44 (0)1704 228192 An excellent traditional pub in a charming 17th Century Southport suburb. CAMRA award-winning, you can guarantee the Bold Arms’ fine selection of real ales are always in top condition.
The Pumphouse The Colonnades, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AA [t] +44 (0)151 709 2367 Once housing steam-driven hydraulic pumps that powered machinery around the Albert Dock, The Pumphouse is now a fantastic waterfront venue in which to enjoy a beer.
Bottle and Glass Inn St Helens Road, Rainford WA11 7QT [t] +44 (0)1744 882712 Enjoy both imaginative and traditional pub meals and excellent ales in this charming, unspoilt country inn.
30 33 36 39
Lancashire & Blackpool England’s red rose county offers a wealth of great experiences, from lively Blackpool, the UK’s number one resort, to the tranquil Forest of Bowland, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Discover a place steeped in heritage and legendary folklore which has helped to fashion the unique charm and character of the area.
Pleasure Beach, Blackpool Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool
Enjoy Lancashire’s rural charms in one of its many beautiful hamlets
For thrills and spills, head to Pleasure Beach, Blackpool
The thrills of the Pleasure Beach
L
The Victorian founder of Pleasure Beach, Alderman William George Bean aimed to create an amusement park which would “make adults feel like children again”. Now home to the Pepsi Max Big One, the tallest, fastest roller coaster in Europe, Pleasure Beach has certainly lived up to that aim. With almost 150 rides including the thrilling Valhalla, the world’s largest dark ride, Beaver Creek, a six acre themed children’s area and quality eating places in which you can unwind, Pleasure Beach is one of the UK’s top attractions and the setting for truly spectacular live shows, such as Eclipse and Hot Ice.
Lancaster Castle
Sunset on Blackpool beach
Open daily 10am-5pm;
Samlesbury Hall
adult £4.00 child £2.50
Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Preston PR5 0UP
The city’s focal point since
[t] +44 (0)1254 812010 [e] enquiries@samlesburyhall.co.uk [w] www.samlesburyhall.co.uk
it was a Roman garrison, Lancaster Castle dominates
The distinctive black and white exterior of the 14th century Samlesbury Hall makes it a stunning building. Conceived by Gilbert de Southworth in 1325, the hall reflects the evolution of social mores and religious practice. It is reputed to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Dorothy Southworth, yet still attracts 50,000 visitors a year! The Hall is also host to many special events, exhibitions and regular antiques fairs. Beware of the ghosts at Samlesbury Hall!
the horizon. The castle and
highlights
priory were founded in 1093, and part of this Norman section remains intact today. Martin Mere: a peaceful and tranquil retreat
Martin Mere Wild Fowl & Wetlands Centre Fish Lane, Burscough
The castle was substantially added to during the 14th Century and earned the nickname John O’Gaunt’s castle. Having served as both
[t] +44 (0)1704 895181 [e] info.martinmere@wwt.org.uk [w] www.wwt.org.uk
a castle and a prison in its
Get closer to nature and discover more about conserving Lancashire’s wildlife-rich wetlands at the 360-acre Wild Fowl and Wetlands Centre at Martin Mere. A peaceful and tranquil retreat from the bustling city, Martin Mere is home to thousands of migrating and native birds. Owned by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust, Martin Mere runs nature-themed activities for families every weekend and throughout the week during the school holidays, as well as a programme of evening talks and guided walks.
history. It was here that the
time, the site has a chequered
infamous Pendle Witches were tried and put to their deaths and a visit to the castle’s dungeon is enough to send shivers down the spine!
▲
Visit Blackpool’s famous tower and, if you’re feeling brave, take a trip to the top
ancashire is a wonderful county of contrasts. From rolling green countryside, breathtaking coastlines, to historic places with a colourful past, Lancashire and Blackpool offer a great experience come rain or shine. Blackpool, the UK’s number one resort, includes the famous ‘Golden Mile’ and Pleasure Beach – a metropolis of fun with over 145 rides and attractions, from thrilling white-knuckle rides to a children’s theme park. This year the Hot Ice Show celebrates its 70th anniversary at the Pleasure Beach Arena. The famous Blackpool Tower offers seven floors of indoor entertainment including live music and dancing. Do not miss the ride to the top of the Tower with its glass-floored ‘walk of faith’, 115 metres (380 feet) above ground! Further down the coast is the delightful resort of Lytham St Annes and the famous Royal Lytham St Annes Golf Course, host of the 2006 Women’s Open in August. Inland lies England’s newest city, Preston. Here the beautiful game is brought to life at the National Football Museum. The world’s most famous football museum includes the official FIFA collection and interactive displays. Northwards, the historic city of Lancaster dates back to Roman times and is worth visiting for its castle, notorious for the Pendle Witches trial in 1612. Lancaster’s Williamson Park features the imposing Ashton Memorial, which dominates Lancaster’s skyline. In July and August the park hosts a promenade play, with actors guiding their audience around the park. For those longing for peace and quiet, the largely undiscovered countryside of the Forest of Bowland and the unspoilt Ribble Valley offer a welcome retreat from everyday life. The picturesque villages of Pendle, set amidst rolling countryside, offer a walker’s paradise. Above all, you’ll find the warmest of welcomes, founded on a genuine interest in people and the notion that nothing is too much trouble for a welcome guest.
[t] +44 (0)870 444 55 66 [e] info@bpbltd.com [w] www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.co.uk
Chester & Cheshire
Lancashire
Nestled between the hills of North Wales and the peaks of Derbyshire, Cheshire is a quintessentially English county. One of only three palatine counties, who gained near-sovereignty under William the Conqueror, it has long been a place of character, whose heritage is preserved in its picturesque towns. The charming Little Moreton Hall
Wile away the day at Wycoller Country Park
Wycoller Country Park Pepper Hill Barn, Trawden, Colne BB8 8SY
[t] +44 (0)1282 870253 In the 15th century, Wycoller was a sheep farming and weaving community, but the introduction of power looms led to the village’s decline and virtual abandonment. Wycoller Hall has links with the Bronte family and was frequently visited by Charlotte. The surrounding area was designated a Country Park, with two visitors centres, restored woollen looms and miles of stunning walks in beautiful countryside. Visit the Clam Bridge over a brook in the village. Over 1,000 years old, it is a designated ancient monument.
32
Lytham Windmill: a landmark in the charming seaside resort
Lytham & St Annes In contrast to bright and lively Blackpool, just a few miles along the coast lie the beautiful resorts of Lytham and St Annes. Here you can enjoy peaceful parks, beautiful gardens and admire the old half-timbered buildings. Close to Lytham’s seafront promenade is the famous Lytham Green and Windmill. Nearby St Annes is a traditional seaside town with a Victorian pier, gardens and entertainment for all ages, including the world famous Royal Lytham golf course.
www.visitlancashire.com
Getting there Lancashire has excellent links to the national road network, with the M6, M55 and M65 motorways all providing quick and easy access to the area from all other parts of Great Britain. The area also has good rail links, with Preston and Lancaster railway stations located on the West Coast main line which runs between London and western Scotland. From Preston, branch lines run west to Blackpool and the Lancashire coast, and east towards the Lancashire towns of Blackburn and Burnley. If you’re heading for Blackpool, the town’s bus and coach station is on Talbot Road, within easy walking distance of Pleasure Beach. Blackpool International Airport serves the area and is located two miles away from the town centre. There are regular flights to and from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and the Isle of Man.
Preston’s Harris Museum, art in a spectacular setting Inside the Harris Museum
Preston
Preston is England’s newest city, the recently-awarded city status a recognition of its illustrious history. Preston also boasts some fine Georgian and Victorian buildings, including the grade I listed Harris Museum and St Walburge’s church, but is also home of the National Football Museum, featuring the Hall of Fame and the FIFA collection. With over 20,000 items on display, it’s the best collection of football memorabilia anywhere in the world.
▲
highlights
Beautiful hills and extensive views are all part of the Lancashire countryside
C
lusters of charming villages dot the rural landscape, adding to the wonderful views across rolling pastures and rugged hills. There are vivid colours in the county’s country gardens, and fine local food served up in warm and ancient inns. It’s a heady mix that harks back to a gentler age, and it’s sure to revitalise the world-weary. But the delights of Cheshire are not limited to the countryside. One of Europe’s most historic cities, Chester is an animated and vibrant place which since Roman times has been an important centre of England’s Northwest. Chester retains a unique character, with a glorious two-mile ring of medieval and Roman city walls providing unrivalled views of the city’s heritage. Take in the elegant Tudor and Victorian buildings within the walls, the unique raised arcades known as ‘The Rows’ and the iconic Eastgate Clock. Chester also boasts a majestic cathedral that dates back to 1250 and features an unusual stand-alone bell tower. Just beyond the city walls, the historic Chester Racecourse attracts crowds of thousands to many of its prestigious horseracing events, including the famous Chester Cup. Bustling Chester soon gives way to hedgerowed lanes and tranquil canals which wind their way through Cheshire’s verdant countryside; inspiration to novelists such as Elizabeth Gaskell and Lewis Carroll, whose ‘Cheshire Cat’ brought worldwide fame to the area. The county’s rural heartland is complimented by former industrial centres such as Macclesfield and Northwich. Charming Knutsford retains some narrow cobbled lanes meandering between the antique shops, inns and boutiques of King Street, making it a delightful place for a stroll. And just outside the town visitors can take in the splendour of Arley Hall and Gardens, once home to Napoleon III.
www.visitchester.com
33
Chester & Cheshire Chester’s iconic Eastgate clock
Arley Hall and Gardens
Anderton Boat Lift
Great Budworth, Northwich [t] +44 (0) 1565 777353 [w] www.arleyhallandgardens.com Rich in history and beauty, Arley offers award winning gardens and a beautiful Victorian Jacobean Hall. Marvel at the breathtaking double herbaceous border, the giant llex columns, and explore the Victorian Rootree and delightful woodland and nature trails. Other attractions include a plant nursery, working farm and adventure playground. Arley Hall’s gardens are one of Cheshire’s ‘Gardens of Distinction.’
Chester
No visit to the the Northwest would be complete without a trip to this wonderfully preserved city which typifies a certain idea of Englishness. The historic gem of the area, Chester offers not only magnificent heritage, but also great restaurants, shopping and entertainment – whilst also hosting a wide range of special events in and around the city throughout the year. Chester welcomes everyone to the city, even their traditional rivals from across the Welsh border – an ancient law states that any Cestrian may shoot a Welshman with a longbow if he loiters within the city walls after sunset. A more English a place you will not find!
Explore the awardwinning gardens at Arley Hall
Beeston Castle Tarporley, Cheshire CW6 9TX [t] +44 (0)1829 260464 Perched on a rocky crag, Beeston Castle dominates the Cheshire plain and has perhaps the most spectacular views from any castle in Britain. Built in 1225 by Ranulph de Blondeville, the fourth Earl of Cheshire, upon his return from the Crusades, the near-impregnable Beeston Castle stands as an impressive show of power. Its history is rich, including a stint as a parliamentary stronghold during the English Civil War, and visitors to the English Heritage maintained ruins can learn more at the on-site Beeston Castle offers museum. superb views over Cheshire
Werbergh Street, Chester
Chester Zoo Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH [t] +44 (0)1244 380280 [e] reception@chesterzoo.co.uk [w] www.chesterzoo.org One of the finest zoos in Europe, and Britain’s largest zoo outside London, Chester Zoo is a fantastic destination for families. The 110 landscaped acres that make up the park each have plenty to discover, including recently arrived giant komodo dragons, the largest lizard in the world.
34 www.visitchester.com
Chester Cathedral St Werburgh Street, Chester CH1 2HU [t] +44 (0)1244 324756 [w] www.chestercathedral.com There has been a church on this site for over 1,000 years. Originally a Saxon Minster, then rebuilt as a Benedictine Abbey, this magnificent building has been the Cathedral of the Diocese of Chester since 1541. The Cathedral houses one of the most complete medieval monastic complexes in the country. It also features intricately carved Quire stalls, which are almost 800 years old and are considered to be the finest in Britain. A digital audio ‘Guideport’ tour is included in the admission fee.
Visit Chester’s magnificent Cathedral
Cheshire’s Historic Retreats
Lift Lane, Anderton [t] +44 (0) 1606 786777 [w] www.andertonboat lift.co.uk England’s only working boat lift provides a vital link between the River Weaver and the Trent & Mersey Canal. Constructed in 1875, the lift comprises two large watertight tanks each capable of holding two full length narrowboats. Hydraulic rams then raise the tanks the 16 metres from the river to the canal. It is a staggering engineering feat and an inspirational sight to take in on a canal-side stroll.
In a county with so rich a history it’s no wonder visitors can choose to stay in some very distinctive hotels. Chester’s Mill Hotel in Milton Street is housed in the 1830 Griffiths Cornmill building. Just outside Chester, De Vere Carden Park Hotel and Spa provides luxury and leisure in a 17th Century, 750-acre estate. Nunsmere Hall Hotel, a Victorian country house in Oakmere, is surrounded by a stunning 60-acre lake. Rookery Hall Hotel near Nantwich meanwhile, is a picture of Georgian refinement.
Tatton Park
highlights
From the ancient beauty of Chester to the meres and gardens of Tatton Park, there’s something for all the family in Cheshire…
Getting there
Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6QN [t] +44 (0)1625 534400 [w] www.tattonpark.org.uk
All coach parking in Chester is now
Tatton Park has plenty to offer visitors in its majestic 1,000-acre site. Set within beautiful parkland, the centrepiece of the estate is the vast mansion, a neo-classical triumph and home to artwork by Canaletto and Anthony van Dyck. The mansion’s grounds feature numerous ornate gardens and the Old Hall, a working 1930s farm, a children’s play area and speciality shops, as well as an impressive deer park. Each July, the park hosts The Tatton Park Flower Show, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, one of the largest shows in Britain. Tatton Park’s gardens are one of Cheshire’s ‘Gardens of Distinction’.
Bridge, Chester Castle and the River Dee.
centralised at the Little Roodee Coach and Car Park located next to Grosvenor Chester’s railway station is located about 10 minutes walk from the town centre – a stroll from the station down City Road and along Foregate Street will take you directly to the Eastgate clock. Chester is also well served by major road links, including the M53 motorway from Liverpool and Wirral, the M56 motorway Enjoy the splendour of the National Trust’s beautiful Tatton Park
towards Manchester and the A55, which runs along the North Wales coast to Llandudno and Holyhead.
www.visitchester.com
Manchester
Urbis
M
00
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
anchester was the most important industrial city in Europe in the 19th century, inspiring the saying, “What Manchester does today, the rest of the world does tomorrow.” But after World War II, heavy industry went into decline and the city was forced to adapt. Thankfully Manchester has re-emerged and is once again a world-class city for sport, culture and entertainment. The XVII Commonwealth Games that took place in 2002 proved the catalyst for the city’s lastest and most impressive spate of urban renewal. New sporting facilities and architectural developments, including the Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry arts centre were created and are now an integral part of the cityscape. Elsewhere, the bustling Gay Village on Canal Street is an atmospheric quarter with a thriving café culture and lively nightlife, which continues the city’s unrivalled reputation. It was here in the early 1980s that modern club culture was spawned. The city has a fine reputation for other types of music, too, and both the Hallé and BBC Philharmonic Orchestra reside here. Manchester is also a sports mad city, and Manchester United are one of the world’s biggest clubs, packing crowds of 67,000 into Old Trafford stadium. Across town, rivals Manchester City are now housed in the impressive City of Manchester stadium, built for the Commonwealth Games. If you prefer shopping, you won’t be disappointed, Manchester has a reputation as a shopper’s paradise. Trendy King Street is lined with designer stores and is pedestrianised for easy access. Exchange Square is home to upmarket stores including Harvey Nichols and Selfridges and is at the heart of the redeveloped city centre. For independent shops, the place to head is the Northern Quarter, where you will find boutiques packed with products by up-and-coming designers and an array of offbeat bars.
Manchester Art Gallery Mosley Street, Manchester M2 3JL [t] +44 (0)161 235 8888 [w] www.manchestergalleries.org Recently given a £35m facelift, the Manchester Art Gallery is home to six centuries worth of fine art dating back to classical times. The collection includes Pre-Raphaelites, as well as other great works of the Victorian era. Meanwhile the Gallery’s wealth of decorative pieces form an internationally renowned history of craft and design.
A jaw-dropping hi-tech structure that houses a centre dedicated to exploring urban living and the cities of the present and future. Urbis challenges ideas relating to urban development and aims to educate visitors on some of the social and environmental issues facing city-dwellers and townplanners alike. It is a modern attraction featuring a whole series of interactive exhibits to immerse yourself in. Catch the breathtaking views of the city from Le Mont restaurant on the top floor and check out some of the art exhibitions on view here, too.
Manchester’s Asian population forms a vibrant
part of the city’s community. The Rusholme area of the city, located near Manchester’s two main universities, is the place to
discover some of the culinary treats they bring. Wilmslow
Road is popularly known as the “Curry Mile” – a name
Urbis: challenge the way you see the city
it earns thanks to a stretch
of over 50 curry houses and The Lowry is a stunning element of the city’s cultural life
kebab shops, thought to be the largest concentration of Asian restaurants outside the Indian sub-continent. Discover a wealth of tempting smells and tastes and exotic things to see and buy.
The Lowry Pier 8, Salford Quays M50 3AZ [t] +44 (0)870 787 5780 [e] info@thelowry.com [w] www.thelowry.com The Lowry is an eye-catching addition to the Salford cityscape. A state-ofthe-art gallery and theatre, it is a landmark of the redeveloped quays and a stunning addition to Manchester’s cultural facilities. The gallery houses a permanent collection of works by LS Lowry, while the two theatres, the Lyric and the Quays, host a variety of performances including the Opera North series of events.
Canal Street is the heart of Manchester’s thriving Gay Village
Canal Street The bustling heart of Manchester’s gay community is Canal Street, located in the city centre. Once a string of pubs catering for canal workers, the area fell into decline during the 1960s and was only rejuvenated by the influx of gay and lesbian revellers. The confident community has turned Canal Street into a thriving area of pubs, clubs and restaurants, which now form the largest Gay Village in Europe.
▲
Grand buildings, like the Manchester Art Gallery serve as a reminder of the city’s proud industrial past
Rusholme’s Curry Mile
Cathedral Gardens, Manchester M4 3BG [t] +44 (0)161 605 8200 [e] info@urbis.org.uk [w] www.urbis.org.uk
highlights
Urban colossus is the description that best fits Manchester. In its journey from 19th century powerhouse to 21st century inspiration, the city has never felt more vital and alive than it does at this moment. In shopping and in sport, in culture and in clubbing it seems to do everything well – and with an innate sense of style.
Cumbria – The Lake District
Manchester Manchester has a worldwide reputation mainly for its sporting connections, but also for museums and cultural life
Perhaps the most beautiful part of the British Isles is Cumbria’s spectacular Lake District. Here you’ll find 16 major lakes and meres nestling between the steep slopes of England’s highest mountains. The burbling waterfalls and beautifully preserved stone-built villages lend the area a feeling all of its own.
Old Trafford Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0RA [t] +44 (0)870 442 1994 [e] tours@manutd.co.uk [w] www.manutd.com
With rolling hills and spectacular waters, the Lake District offers England’s most beautiful scenery
Dubbed “The Theatre of Dreams” by Sir Bobby Charlton, Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium is an impressive arena, befitting one of the game’s wealthiest and most glamorous teams. Guided tours of the stadium are available and include a visit to the trophy room as well as the club museum, where you can see exhibits on the great moments and players in the club’s history. The most exciting part of the tour though is the chance to see behind the scenes. Take in the dressing room and experience the sensation of running down the players tunnel, emerging to the roar of the crowd.
Experience the thrill of a visit to Manchester United’s famous Old Trafford stadium
Wayne Rooney: one of England’s rising stars
Getting there
38
Imperial War Museum North highlights the legacy of war
Imperial War Museum North Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1TZ [t] +44 (0)161 836 4000 [w] www.iwm.org.uk/north The award-winning and dramatic £28m building designed by renowned architect Daniel Libeskin, comprises three “shards” of aluminium, representing conflicts on land, sea and the air. The interior is designed to disorientate and unsettle its visitors with its complex design and sloping floors. The museum features an emotive exhibit called The Big Picture, which takes over the main exhibition hall every hour. The lights are dimmed and projections and sounds fill the space, remembering the legacy of war.
www.visitmanchester.com
By road
By tram
The coach station is just west of Piccadilly station and served by many operators, including National Express. The main road links are the M56, M61, M62 and M66 motorways and the M60 orbital motorway. Visitors can jump on one of the many free Metroshuttle buses that operate throughout the city centre, though the centre is easily manageable on foot.
The Metrolink tram network is a great way to explore the city’s suburbs, including The Quays, home to many top attractions. Just hop on at one of the many tram stations in the city centre. Day Saver tickets are available for unlimited travel throughout the day for both the bus and tram.
By rail
Manchester is well connected to the national rail network. Mainline services from the south stop at Piccadilly, whilst train routes from places further north originate at Manchester Victoria. Regional services to Liverpool, Blackpool, Leeds and Sheffield depart from Oxford Road station.
▲
highlights
Manchester Airport is located 10 miles south of the city and is served by frequent trains to and from Manchester Piccadilly, running approximately every 15 minutes.
M
easuring around 30 miles from top to bottom, and a similar distance from the coast to the inland town of Penrith, the Lake District National Park was established in 1951 to protect the unique character of the area. It is the largest national park in England, and contains its highest peak, Scafell Pike, at 3,000 feet above sea level. The U-shaped valleys which radiate out from Scafell Pike are a legacy of the last ice age; their vast grooves were carved out by shifting glaciers up to 1,000 metres thick. These valleys, which today are home to beautiful lakes, give the Lake District its distinctive natural beauty and breathtaking views. The startling scenery has inspired generations of artists, writers and musicians to the area, all drawn by the Lake District’s mystical romanticism. The most notable of these are William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, as well as the much-loved Beatrix Potter. The steely expanses of water that flash from behind concealing bracken-brown slopes form a captivating display sure to make any visit a memorable one. Although the many towns and villages in the Lake District can be reached by road, to truly appreciate the surroundings why not try one of the many outdoor pursuits available, such as hiking, mountain-biking, swimming or angling? This is why the Lakes attract visitors from around the globe, keen to enjoy the area’s unspoilt beauty. Just outside the boundaries of the park, a visit to the city of Carlisle is recommended. Carlisle lies just 10 miles from the Scottish border and has changed hands so often in the past that it has a distinctly celtic flavour, quite separate from the rest of England. Kendal is a fine market town, also worth a visit. And don’t forget to try some of the town’s famous mint cake – it got Ernest Shackleton across the Arctic and will easily get you across town!
www.golakes.co.uk
39
Cumbria – The Lake District With England’s highest peaks and largest lakes, Cumbria has a special character all of its own. Whether you prefer an energetic hike in the hills or a leisurely boat trip along the lake, there are plenty of ways to take in the spectacular views
Borrowdale Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick One of the most visually impressive prehistoric monuments in Britain, Castlerigg Stone Circle is an undeniably powerful place. Against a spectacular mountain backdrop, 38 hunks of local slate, weighing up to 16 tons, stand proud in a circle 33 metres in diameter. A further rectangular configuration sits within the circle, and historic accounts speak of additional stone arrangements outside the circle, now sadly lost. The circle probably had an astronomical or time-keeping function when it was erected in around 3200 BC and many stones appear to have been aligned with various lunar and solar positions. Explore St Mary and St Michael, Cartmel
Church of St Mary & St Michael, Cartmel
Windermere
40
www.golakes.co.uk
Cavendish Street, Cartmel, Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria LA11 6PU [t] +44 (0)15394 47997
Windermere from on high
This 12th century priory church is a rare reminder of the wealth of the medieval Church. Spared by King Henry VIII during the Reformation, it is the only substantial remnant of that era to survive to this day and an unrivalled example of a medieval monastic place of worship. A distinctive diagonally-crowned tower sits atop the church whilst within the light and spacious Norman interior climaxes at a splendid chancel. The immaculate misericords and tombstones are well worth investigating.
Hill Top Farm Near Sawrey, Ambleside LA22 0LF [t] +44 (0)15394 36269 This delightful 17th Century farmhouse was once home
Enjoy a gentle walk along the beautiful Borrowdale valley
Carlisle Castle Castle Way, Carlisle CA3 8UR [t] +44 (0)1228 625600 [w] www.historic-carlisle.org.uk North of the Lake District lies the historic city of Carlisle, once the last line of defence against marauding Celts. This legacy lives on in the town, which boasts not only semi-intact city walls but an impressive castle. Originally a wooden Normanstyle motte and bailey fortification, the defences were consolidated with a stone keep from 1122AD. The robust building has enjoyed a colourful history, changing hands many times over its 900-year lifetime, but has remained relatively unscathed. The castle is now maintained by English Heritage, and visitors can learn more about Mary Queen of Scots, who was imprisoned here, and discover such oddities as the “licking stones” – where parched Jacobite prisoners kept themselves alive by licking the water dripping on the castle walls, if only until they were taken to the gallows. Carlisle Castle is also home to the Border Regiment Museum, which relates the history of Cumbria’s County Infantry Regiment, the Border Regiment and the King’s Own Royal Regiment. It is a fitting tribute to these illustrious regiments and a reflection of the castle’s vital martial role throughout its long history. Carlisle Castle has remained relatively unscathed to this day
The breathtaking vistas at Winderemere are a timeless attraction
England’s largest lake is 10-and-a-half miles long and reaches depths of up to 65 metres. Though numbers may describe Windermere’s size, they cannot do justice to the breathtaking vistas that can be experienced on a sunny day. Millions of visitors each year are enthralled by the lake’s charms – taking a boat cruise, swimming in its waters, or enjoying picnics and walks on its shores. The picturesque lakeside town of Ambleside is the perfect place to pick up a steamer and take in the beautiful surroundings at a leisurely pace.
Sometimes referred to as “Cumberland Borrowdale” to distinguish it from the Borrowdale in Westmorland, this valley is considered by many to be the Lake District’s prettiest. It runs north from the heart of the Lakes carrying the River Derwent into the serene and stunning Derwent Water. The wooded slopes of the majestic Sca Massif flank the valley and provide wonderful hill-walking terrain for intrepid visitors. The nearby market town of Keswick, once home to poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, has plenty of accommodation on offer.
to author and illustrator
Getting there National Express coaches connect London and Manchester with Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick and Kendal Local buses serve many popular destinations in the Lakes and Cumbria, including Borrowdale, Cartmel, Hawkshead and Carlisle. Stagecoach are the biggest bus operator in Cumbria and offer an Explorer ticket allowing unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses available for £7.50 for one day and £18 for four days. A popular route is the Lakeslink 555 serving Lancaster, Kendal, Windermere, Ambleside, Grasmere, Keswick and Carlisle. Trains for Cumbria leave the West Coast mainline at Oxenholme, north of Lancaster, for the branch line service to Kendal and Windermere. Carlisle and Penrith are also easily accessible by local and mainline rail services.
Beatrix Potter fans will enjoy a visit to her Hill Top cottage
Beatrix Potter, whose books have enthralled many generations of readers. Hill Top was the inspiration for many of her Peter Rabbit books and has been
highlights
Castlerigg Stone Circle: Prehistoric monument or an early version of the clock?
maintained exactly as Potter left it. However due to its size, it fills up quickly in the summer months, so plan your visit carefully.
england’s golf coast
Northwest listings Looking to extend your stay in the Northwest? Fancy a night on the town or somewhere to wine and dine? Want to know the best spots to enjoy a great night out and a traditional warm welcome from the locals? Here are just a selection of the best places...
Places to stay... Combermere Abbey Cottages Combermere, Whitchurch, Shropshire SY13 4AJ [t] +44 (0)1948 662876 Breathtaking self-catering accommodation at this lovingly restored 12th century abbey. Separate bijou cottages in the abbey’s former stable block provide a unique and luxurious place to stay, within easy driving distance of the Northwest.
The Green Bough Hotel 60 Hoole Road, Chester CH2 3NL [t] +44 (0)1244 326241 The premier small luxury hotel in Chester offers unrivalled elegance in this historic city. The hotel even boasts a beautiful roof terrace to wile away the summer evenings, gin and tonic in hand.
Walker Ground Manor Hawkshead, Cumbria LA22 0PD [t] +44 (0)15394 36219 This 16th century house at the heart of the Lake District offers attentive and cosy bed and breakfast in a stunning setting. Rooms are lovingly decorated to an exceptional standard.
Lancaster House Hotel
Green Lane, Ellel, Lancaster LA1 4GJ [t] +44 (0)1524 844822 A custom-built hotel and leisure resort offering top notch facilities and classy accommodation. An excellent base for exploring the Lake District and the Northwest.
The River Restaurant: British-inspired dishes, but with a modern twist
Royal Liverpool, Royal Birkdale, Royal Lytham & St Annes Formby Ladies, Formby, Formby Hall Hillside, Southport, Hesketh, West Lancashire Caldy, Wallasey, Heswall De Vere, Mere, Silloth Windermere, St Annes, Fairhaven
Malmaison Gore Street, Manchester M1 3AQ [t] +44 (0)8453 654247 Located in Manchester’s bustling Piccadilly area, the distinctive Malmaison offers boldly designed rooms in what was once a 19th century warehouse. A sophisticated destination.
The Waterhead Hotel Ambleside, Cumbria LA22 0ER [t] +44 (0)15394 32566 Located half a mile outside Ambleside, The Waterhead has a spectacular location right on the banks of the sublime Windermere, the Lake District’s largest lake. Elegance and comfort in an unrivalled setting.
Restaurants Seniors Fish Experience 106 Normoss Road, Blackpool FY3 8QP [t] +44 (0)1253 393529 One of Britain’s finest purveyors of fish and chips. All Seniors’ fish comes straight off the boat that day, before being filleted and fried in a light and crispy homemade batter. The perfect accompaniment to a day out at the seaside.
Simply Heathcotes Jackson Row, Deansgate, Manchester M2 5WD [t] +44 (0)161 835 3536 One of chef Paul Heathcote’s stable, Simply Heathcotes in Manchester provides the finest quality modern British cuisine, served in an unpretentious setting. A great place to enjoy classic food.
The River Restaurant
50 Dearmans Place, Chapel
Combermere Abbey cottages offer an ideal base for visitors to the region
Wharf, Manchester M3 5LH [t] +44 (0)161 827 4000 The distinctive contemporary lines of the Lowry Hotel are reflected in the River Restaurant’s exciting menu, which serves British-inspired dishes and highly original and tasty fusion creations.
Upstairs at the Grill 70 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LA [t] +44 (0)1244 344883 Decadence is the key word here. Rich decoration, lavish menus and wine list, and a well-stocked humidor provide diners with an evening of pure self-indulgence.
Gilpin Lodge Country House Hotel Crook Road, Windermere, Cumbria LA23 3NE [t] +44 (0)15394 88818 This superb country house boasts a Michelin star for its excellent cuisine. Its four dining rooms are all sumptuously appointed and you can enjoy an exquisite meal and service at this fine establishment.
Bars & Pubs
Panacea 14 John Dalton Street, Manchester M2 6JR [t] +44 (0)161 833 0000 Eye-catching design, exquisite cocktails and an inspired menu in one of Manchester’s top bars.
Bar Lounge: the stylish and modern way to relax in Chester
Bar Lounge 75 Watergate Street, Chester CH1 2LB [t] +44 (0)1244 327394 A stylish bar/restaurant in a charmingly traditional pub.
Water Witch The Tow Path, Aldcliffe Road Lancaster LA1 1SU [t] +44(0)1524 63828 This popular canalside pub is renowned for its location and real ales. The restaurant also provides top notch food.
Mason’s Arms Strawberry Bank, Cartmel Fell, Cumbria LA11 6NW [t] +44 (0)15395 68486 Sup real ale at this atmospheric lakeland inn overlooking the beautiful Winster Valley.
Courses key 1 Royal Birkdale 2 Royal Liverpool 3 Royal Lytham & St Annes 4 Formby 5 Southport & Ainsdale 6 Hesketh 7 Formby Hall 8 Formby Ladies 9 West Lancashire 10 Caldy
11 Heswall 12 Wallasey 13 De Vere Carden Park 14 Mere 15 Windermere 16 Silloth-On-Solway 17 St Annes Old Links 18 Fairhaven 19 Hillside
44 45 46 47 48 49
19
Royal Liverpool
Formby
[t] +44 (0)151 632 7772 [e] bookings@royal-liverpool-golf.com [w] www.royal-liverpool-golf.com
[t] +44 (0)1704 872164 [e] info@formbygolfclub.co.uk [w] www.formbygolfclub.co.uk
Royal Liverpool’s links might have been reconfigured for The Open Championship 2006, but one thing remains: the test of golf is as demanding as the day the layout was extended to 18 holes in 1871. Known throughout the golfing world as Hoylake, the links here are by turn beautiful and uplifting – but when the weather turns, they can be awe-inspiring and a little soul-destroying, too. The test of great course is usually to take a look at its champions: both Walter Hagen (1924) and Bobby Jones (1930), two of the sport’s iconic players, won Open Championships here. Under the guidance of course architect Donald Steel, the course has been lengthened and tweaked to present a magnificent, 21st century challenge to the new breed of power player. This unrivalled mix of old and new completes the revival of one of the country’s most spectacular venues.
A challenging links course set in a magnificent pine forest, Formby is one of the Golf Coast’s top courses. The wind from the Irish Sea provides a formidable challenge, with play varying from day to day. In the early 1970s, construction of new docks in Liverpool altered the course of the Mersey and the shoreline near the eighth and ninth greens was eroded away, so it new holes were constructed. Formby has made its name as a major venue for womens’ golf and has an independent course, Formby Ladies Golf Club, within the boundary of the main course (see below). The dunes around the club are a designated conservation area and have been declared a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Despite its exposure to the elements, the course is in magnificent condition all year round, with firm greens and excellent fairways that add up to a wonderful challenge of golf.
Classic courses to play on England’s Golf Coast Three Royal courses, 16 other top courses, set among sand dunes and pine trees, along 150 miles of beautiful coastline – that’s why the Northwest has earned the epithet of ‘England’s Golf Coast’
Formby Ladies [t] +44 (0)1704 873493 [e] secretary@formbyladiesgolfclub.co.uk [w] www.formbyladiesgolfclub.co.uk
Founded in 1896, as an independent club within the Formby Golf Club, Formby Ladies course is set amongst the pine trees and sand dunes of the Sefton Coast and provides a wonderfully varied challenge. It measures just 5,374 yards, but with heather covering much of the rough, most holes are well protected. Though the course is just a few yards from the Irish Sea, glimpses of it are rare until you reach a series of elevated tees, all offering excellent coastal views. The surrounding sand dunes house a range of rare plants and wildlife, with two of only three known crowberry plants on this stretch of coastline.
Royal Birkdale [t] +44 (0)1704 567920 [e] secretary@royalbirkdale.com [w] www.royalbirkdale.com
Royal Birkdale is, for many, simply the greatest course to have staged the Open Championship. The quality of its Champions, which include Peter Thompson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson, attest to that. Birkdale Golf Club was formed in 1889, and the the course has hosted no less than eight Open Championships, and the Ryder Cup on two occasions. The Open returns to Birkdale in 2008, when once more this famous course will offer a tantalising challenge to the game’s greatest players.
Formby Hall
[t] +44 (0)1704 875699 [e] golf@formbyhall.fsnet.co.uk [w] www.formbyhall.fsnet.co.uk
Royal Lytham & St Annes [t] +44 (0)1253 724206 [e] bookings@royallytham.org [w] www.royallytham.org
Officially opened by the Marquis of Lorne in 1898, Royal Lytham & St Annes is a true links course, with sandy soil and the wind blowing in from the Irish Sea. Indeed that wind is so strong that some of the
44
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
trees on the course permanently lean sideways. The only major championship course to open with a par three, the holes around the turn are the key to many of the best birdie opportunities. The run home is particularly demanding, making for some thrilling climaxes, and a stern challenge to players of every standard. The Victorian clubhouse is also an historical haven for lovers of the game.
Having been transformed from marshland to a picturesque parkland course in 1996, Formby Hall is a relatively new arrival on England’s Golf Coast, but it has already been a venue for the PGA European Challenge Tour in 1999-2001. The course presents a formidable challenge, with the distance from the championship tees a lengthy 7,048 yards.
Formby Hall also features a colonial style clubhouse with an impressive fountain. With great fairways and manicured greens, it has already built a reputation as one of the top championship courses in Europe. The PGA has bold plans to create the first national amateur golf academy here, with a nine-hole golf course, a two-tier floodlit driving range and an indoor putting green. This should ensure that Formby Hall remains one of the best golf complexes in Europe.
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
45
Caldy [t] +44 (0)151 625 5660 [e] secretarycaldygc@btconnect.com [w] www.caldygolfclub.co.uk
Hillside
[t] +44 (0) 1704 567169 [e] secretary@hillside-golfclub.co.uk [w] www.hillside-golfclub.co.uk
Hillside’s dunes and pine tree location lends it a quiet and enduring charm. Though it has staged many great championships, Hillside remains, for some, the best course never to
have staged the Open itself. The club was founded in 1911, taking its name from the farm on the site. In 1923, a new 18-hole course was constructed with an improved layout unveiled in 1967. Hillside combines a sporting challenge with a lovely setting, and two elevated tees on the back nine offer spectacular views over the Irish Sea.
Southport & Ainsdale
Hesketh
[t] +44 (0)1704 578000 [e] secretary@sandagolfclub.co.uk [w] www.sandagolfclub.co.uk
[t] +44 (0)1704 536897 [e] bookings@heskethgolfclub.co.uk [w] www.heskethgolfclub.co.uk
Affectionately known as ‘S&A’, Southport & Ainsdale has been in its present location since 1925. The holes are so well tailored to the rugged links landscape that the US magazine Golf World described it as “the best-designed course in the UK”. Nearly all of the features first laid out by James Braid have been retained, and S&A is now a wonderful challenge of golf capped by its 16th hole, Gumbley’s, famous for the railway sleepers incorporated into the fairway. The course hosted both the fourth and sixth Ryder Cups (the fourth won by Great Britain with the last putt, the sixth by the USA), and S&A is now a regular host of qualifying competitions for the Open Championships. Walter Hagan was the perhaps the first legendary golfer to play S&A when he appeared for an exhibition in 1926 (the event poster still hangs in the clubhouse), and since then Henry Cotton, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and even Sean Connery have all competed here!
Set amongst imposing Victorian villas in a prosperous suburban area of Southport, Hesketh offers golfers of all levels a unique challenge. Half of its holes thread through sand dunes and the rest border the beautiful Ribble Estuary. Hesketh’s clubhouse dominates the south bank of the river, its clock tower a striking local landmark. The combination of links and parkland holes have made Hesketh a natural choice to hold qualifying competitions when the Open is played at nearby Royal Birkdale. The course is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest, lying next to a nature reserve with seabirds and other wildlife.
Founded in 1907 by Jack Morris, nephew of the pioneering Old Tom Morris, Caldy was designed in 1930 by five-times Open Champion James Baird as a glorious 18-hole cliff-top links and heathland course, with breathtaking views over the River Dee. Caldy has seen significant investment over recent years, with many of the tees and greens brought up to USGA standards. Caldy Golf Club has also been a keen supporter of Ladies’ golf and the Caldy Classic competition played a role in the development of the WPGA European Tour. Dale Reid and Laura Davies went on to enjoy success on tour having won the Caldy Classic.
Wallasey [t] +44 (0)151 691 1024 [e] wallaseygc@aol.com [w] www.wallaseygolfclub.com
Founded in 1891, Wallasey has been described as ‘The Diamond in the Dunes’, not only for its superb location overlooking the Irish Sea, but also for a challenging course with a special place in golf history. During qualifying for the 1930 Open at Hoylake, Wallasey member JAA Berrie painted a portrait of the winner, Bobby Jones. It was the only portrait Jones liked enough to sign, and it still hangs in the clubhouse today. Jones commissioned a replica for the clubhouse at Augusta, too. Dr Frank Stableford first developed the stableford system of scoring at Wallasey, and the first game using the method was played here in 1932. Set on undulating fairways and sand dunes, Wallasey’s final four holes are among the toughest you’ll find, in particular the 18th – a magnificent hole on which to finish a round.
West Lancashire [t] +44 (0)151 924 1076 [e] golf@westlancashiregolf.co.uk [w] www.westlancashiregolf.co.uk
Founded in 1873, West Lancashire Golf Club is one of the ten oldest clubs in England, boasting an illustrious history. Situated in natural seaside terrain, this links course measures 6,862 yards, with some 11 holes over 400 yards. With greens on plateaux and others concealed in hollows, as well as areas of danger lurking in its rough and sandy wilderness, it is a course of contrasts. It has been used as an Open qualifying course, including for the 2006 Open at Hoylake. In 1976 at an Open qualifier, four young talents hinted at the impact they would make on the game: Sandy Lyle, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam.
46
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
Heswall [t] +44 (0)151 342 1237 [e] dawn@heswallgolfclub.com [w] www.heswallgolfclub.com
Broad and spectacular vistas of the Dee Estuary and the Welsh Hills beyond make Heswall one of the UK’s most beautiful courses. Wirral Country Park crosses the
gently sloping land on which the first layout was crafted by Jack Morris (nephew of Old Tom) in 1902. Heswall hosted the English Seniors Amateur Championship in 2002, and this year welcomes the boys and girls competing in the Junior Open Championship, which takes place in the same week as the Open Championship itself.
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
47
Windermere
De Vere Carden Park
[t] +44 (0)1539 434550 [e] windermeregc@btconnect.com [w] www.windermeregolfclub.net
[t] +44 (0)1829 731600 [e] cardenpark.golf@devere-hotels.com [w] www.devere.co.uk
Few golf courses can boast such a magnificent location as Windermere. Situated in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, the club has an unrivalled view of Lake Windermere and the rugged fells that surround it. Established in 1891 as a nine-hole course, Windermere soon blossomed into an 18-hole course, as members flocked to the picturesque site. The historic club has undertaken a comprehensive rebuilding of the greens to USPGA standards, with work to be completed by June 2006. The improvements to a course affectionately known as a “miniature Gleneagles” bring toplevel golf to the heart of the Lake District.
Set on a stunning 750-acre estate in gently undulating Cheshire countryside, the De Vere Carden Park resort offers unrivalled facilities. There are three distinct and challenging courses. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and his son Steve, the 7,045-yard Nicklaus course is the jewel in Carden Park’s crown – a “thinking man’s” layout with the emphasis firmly on course management. It is perhaps for this reason that Carden is set to stage a PGA Seniors Tournament in 2006. Carden also boasts the 6,824-yard, par 72 Championship Cheshire course, the Azalea nine-hole course and extensive training and practice facilities.
Mere [t] +44 (0)1565 830155 [e] enquiries@meregolf.co.uk [w] www.meregolf.co.uk
Mere’s celebrated parkland course was designed by Open champions George Duncan and James Baird in 1934. The legendary Baird, five times Open Championship winner, is widely credited with the invention of the dogleg; and this creativity, which he also demonstrated with his similar designs at
Gleneagles, is abundantly displayed at Mere. The 6,817-yard course has greatly benefited from the recent rebuilding of tees, introduction of mature trees along the fairways and construction of new water features, all of which have improved the original design. Labelled ‘the Wentworth of the north’, Mere has been the home of the Howard Keel Celebrity-Am NSPCC Classic since 1987 and remains one of the best-kept golf courses in the country.
Silloth [t] +44 (0) 16973 31304 [e] office@sillothgolfclub.co.uk [w] www.sillothgolfclub.co.uk
The North British Railway Company founded Silloth-on-Solway Golf Club in 1892. Around the time of the First World War, Silloth’s Cecilia Leitch became the best lady golfer in the world, winning a record four British championships and transforming the way women played the game. Cecil (as she was known) hit hard, long and straight, with a distinctive swing moulded by Silloth’s narrow fairways and “handkerchief-sized” greens. With stunning views of the Galloway Hills to the north, and south to the Lakeland fells and the distant Isle of Man, Silloth is now a regular venue for national women’s events.
48
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
St Annes [t] +44 (0)1253 723597 [e] secretary@coastalgolf.co.uk [w] www.coastalgolf.co.uk
Since 1901, St Annes Old Links Golf Club has offered the purest of links experiences, on fairways nestled between dunes and subject to the unpredictable coastal weather. As early as 1910, Golf Gossip spoke of the club’s “atmosphere of hospitality” and thankfully little has changed to this day. The quintessential links course has seen action as an Open Qualifying Course for Royal Lytham since 1926 and has also staged tournaments such as the English Ladies Amateur Championship. Golfers of all levels can expect to be put to the test by the westerly winds, as well as by the four ponds which have a degree of influence over six of the course’s holes. St Annes Old Links is a demanding course and as traditional and historic as they come.
Fairhaven [t] +44 (0)1253 736741 [w] www.fairhavengolfclub.co.uk
Fairhaven’s serene setting marries the finest links attributes with its surroundings of trees and open farmland. A fantastic championship layout, Fairhaven has served as a qualifying course when Royal Lytham hosts the Open. Founded in the town of Fairhaven in 1895, the club relocated to its current site in 1924. It first hosted a professional tournament in 1934, and in 1995, Fairhaven staged the amateur international match between England and Spain, where a young Sergio Garcia served notice of his potential on this beautifully maintained and idyllic layout.
www.englandsgolfcoast.com
49
LIVERPOOL
European Capital of Culture 2008 Liverpool’s selection as European Capital of Culture 2008 won’t surprise anyone who has listened to its orchestras, Twisted and Shouted or experienced its unique architecture For more information go to www.liverpool08.com
F
or many years, Liverpool has contributed a wealth of culture to Europe and the rest of the world. Now the time has come to celebrate the achievements of the city and its people. A stunning array of events is planned for 2008, from Sir Simon Rattle’s return to the helm of the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, to the start of the majestic 2008 Tall Ships Race.
But there is plenty to whet the appetite in the run-up to the main event. ‘Liverpool Performs’ in 2006 is a celebration of the city’s achievements, from the football pitch to the recording studio, and a year-long commemoration of success on the world stage. The city will also demonstrate its cutting-edge credentials in 2006, when it hosts the Liverpool Biennial – the UK’s largest festival of
contemporary visual art. In 2007, Liverpool will crack open the champagne and celebrate its 800th birthday. Few cities can boast such an illustrious history and Liverpool is one of only a handful of UNESCO World Heritage Cities. Its grand history will be duly feted and its future heralded with excitement and ambition. There’s never been a better time to visit Liverpool.
Royal Birkdale 2008 For the second time in three years, England’s Golf Coast will play proud host to The Open Championship, golf’s greatest tournament For more information go to www.visitsouthport.com
T
he Open Championship will be played at the illustrious Royal Birkdale Golf Club in 2008 for an historic ninth time. The Championship will be contested for the 137th time in total, and will run from 17-20 July. “Royal Birkdale has endeared itself to all of the world’s top golfers,” said Peter Dawson, Chief Executive of the R&A. “And we must remember that with his win there in 1961, Arnold Palmer is rightly credited with starting the renaissance of the Open. We are delighted to be returning there in 2008.” The Royal Birkdale course has also been voted the best in Britain and has hosted the Ryder Cup
twice, in 1965 and again in 1969. The quality of Open Championship winners there reads like a who’s who of the game’s best players: Peter Thompson, Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino and Tom Watson have all lifted the famous Claret Jug on its links. In 1998, the last time that Birkdale hosted the tournament, both John Huston and Tiger Woods posted course record rounds of 65, and the young amateur Justin Rose finished in a handsome fourth place after chipping in at the 72nd hole. The title though, went to Mark O’Meara, Tiger’s good buddy, who added it to the Masters crown he’d won a few months earlier. Not content to rest on its reputation, the
Royal Birkdale club is undergoing a series of improvements to the course to ensure that for the 2008 Open Championship it remains one of golf’s greatest challenges. The new-look course is set to be completed by the spring of 2006. It’s never too soon to begin planning your trip to England’s Golf Coast. Make an early visit and play the course yourself whilst taking in everything that England’s Golf Coast has to offer, or join the many thousands of spectators in 2008 who will witness history in the making at another glorious Open on these famous links. It’s sure to be an unforgettable occasion, so make sure that you don’t miss out!
www.visitenglandsnorthwest.com