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Liverpool
Previously a part of administrative Lancashire, created in 1888, and more recently as a county borough in itself, Liverpool became in 1974 a metropolitan district within the newly created metropolitan county of Merseyside, but still remains part of the ancient County Palatine of Lancashire for cultural and historic purposes.
Liverpool has been designated the European Capital of Culture and for the forthcoming year, 2008, it is now given a chance to showcase its cultural life and cultural development. The city beat off intense competition from other cities in the U.K. notably the Newcastle/Gateshead bid which was considered to be the favourite to take the honour. Previous winners of this award have used this to transform their cultural base and, in doing so, the way in which they are viewed internationally. Liverpool has plenty of culture and art to offer and millions of visitors are expected to visit the city during the year.
Liverpool is a jewel in terms of architecture and has more listed buildings than any city apart from London, but more surprisingly, it has more Georgian houses than the city of Bath. The sea has always played a major part in the development of Liverpool and the waterfront reflects this. The docks are central to Liverpool's history, with the best-known being Albert Dock, the first enclosed, non-combustible dock warehouse system in the world and is built in cast iron, brick and stone. Many of Liverpool’s museums are situated in the docks area including the Tate Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool Life and the Stanley Dock Tobacco Warehouse.
No visit to Liverpool would be complete without a visit to the two cathedrals’ in the city, the Anglican Cathedral, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, has one of the longest naves, largest organs and heaviest and highest peals of bells in the world. On the other hand the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral, although it was initially planned to be even larger, it was eventually built to a simpler design by Sir Frederick Gibberd but while this is on a smaller scale it still manages to incorporate the largest panel of stained glass in the world.
As European Capital of Culture for 2008 there is no shortage of entertainment in Liverpool as you might expect from the home of the Beatles, where incidentally the Cavern Club can still be visited. There are cinemas, theatres and many excellent restaurants, with accommodation from top class hotels to guest houses and small hotels in or near the area. Golf courses predominate the coastal area running north from Crosby to the River Ribble, many of which have hosted championships and Ryder Cup meetings.
Liverpool has much to offer the visitor and has excellent communications through good road and rail connections to attractions in nearby Cheshire, Lancashire and the Lake District.
