A Guide to Liverpool - The Overlooked Gem of Northern England

Set in a teeming industrial area on the north bank of the Mersey river, the English city of Liverpool has long been overlooked by non-Beatles fans. Even these diehard followers of a long broken band don't seem to stay long enough to do more than visit the various shrines to the famous band(The Cavern) and possibly have a drink at the Philharmonic. Now this is by no means a bad way to spend a one day visit to the home of the Scousers, but if you want to spend more time and move beyond the tourist veneer your experience will reap great rewards.

On my trip to England in the fall of my sophomore year of college, my arrival in Liverpool was somewhat of a mistake. From my initial stay in London I had taken the train up north to the historic and tourist smothered town of York. Being in the UK in October I figured tourist presence would be negligible and my ability to find a cheap bed would be easy. Unfortunately I hadn't thought of English families from other areas coming to see the massive horse races in the medieval town that weekend. So after spending two grueling hours walking around feeling like a beggar with an oversized backpack, I gave up. The town was as spectacular as I expected, but if I stayed I would have to begin searching for a bench. So I went back to the train station with a newly gained fear of not finding a bed for the night. I decided I would need as much time as I could to find a place for the night so I took the first train out, destination Liverpool.

Safely out of York and bound for my new destination I acquainted myself with the town of Liverpool using my England travel guide. The phrases "gritty and dodgy" and "avoid these parts at night" peaked my excitement, I was now determined to find out about this former industrial powerhouse.

After more time spent regaining the despair that had gripped me in York I finally found a small bed and breakfast slightly off the main streets. The Hotel Belvedere is a wonderful place to feel at home in a city where everyone seems to live and hardly anybody visiting. The wonderful woman who manages the B&B made my stay a welcoming one as I went out to explore the town each stay on a full, contented stomach.

For the next two days I spent all of my time exploring this wonderful place I had been lucky enough to happen upon. Past the Beatle's mania there is a real city with real "Scousers" going about their everyday lives. The city has been in the process of a make over as well in preparation of an upcoming year as current European Capital of Culture. Now everyone will hear about the city that for so long has flown under the radar. With dozens of welcoming pubs, a wonderful riverside setting, and most of all a gregarious populace Liverpool should be a priority on everyone's travels to England.