Underneath Edge Hill, a quiet district of Liverpool, lie the Williamson Tunnels. A retired tobacco merchant called Joseph Williamson paid to have them dug in the early 1800s, and nobody knows why. He might have been trying to create honest work for the unemployed, he might have been digging a bunker in which he could sit out Armageddon. Visitors can take a guided tour through a section of the vast complex – more tunnels are still being rediscovered.

www.williamsontunnels.co.uk
The Old Stable Yard, Smithdown Lane, Liverpool, L7 3EE
+44(0)151 709 6868
Google map: bit.ly/qePgeQ

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A lovely little Mexican restaurant has just opened up at the bottom of my Nan's road. I took my girlfriend there last Friday and we had a great time. The atmosphere was really nice and relaxed and the food was absolutely brilliant, I never knew chilli con carne could be so sexy.

712 Borough Rd, Tranmere, CH42 9JE
+44(0)151 608 1185
sombreromexican.co.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/oF6oMn

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An extremely entertaining and informative tour of Liverpool city centre and the Albert Dock afloat in a former D-Day landing craft. Liverpool friendliness and humour in abundance!

www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk
32 Anchor Courtyard, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AS
+44(0)1517087799

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Our tour operator stopped in Liverpool and took us to this gem of supping-hole. A historic venue located on the docks of the city, it is perfect venue on a hot summer's day when you can sit outside and enjoy a drink.

The Colonnades, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 4AD
+44(0)151 709 2367
Google map: bit.ly/kagCON

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It's quite an experience to have a view of the lovely city from the ferry immortalized in Gerry and the Pacemaker's hit from the 60s. It was a cold and extremely windy day in April. Probably not the best day for a boat ride but it was my last day in town and I decided I had to give it a try and I'm thankful I did that.
It was an amazing ride with a fantastic view of the city's landmarks: The Three Graces as well as other beautiful sights with possibility of stops at Seacombe and Woodside. You can really feel the timeless spirit of the city and its people who by the way make you feel welcome and at home there. One of the places with the nicest people in the world! Makes you feel like coming back soon!

You can buy tickets at the Liverpool Ferry Terminal, near Albert Dock, for about £ 7.00 (round trip). More details at www.merseyferries.co.uk/Content/Cruises/RiverExplorerCruises.aspx
Google map: bit.ly/lo6lp6

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A tiny little cafe in the heart of Liverpool's studentville, Adam's Cafe will not be beaten on providing the ultimate Great British Breakfast for £3.50. Grilled not fried, two of everything, pot of fresh coffee or pot of fresh tea, fresh orange juice, spankingly clean. A traditional, little British breakfast cafe, which keeps it clean, simple, hearty and plentiful and amazing value. And somehow still manages not to be overrun. Definitely worth the 10 minute bus ride out of the city centre and the perfect New Year's morning solution - when venturing back into the centre of town is the last thing you'd want anyway.

210a Smithdown Rd, Liverpool L15 3
+44(0)151 735 0717
Google map: bit.ly/fI4MWp

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Liverpool at Christmas is worth a visit by road or rail. Visit all the best shops in Liverpool One and Lord Street. At Christmas there is a large Continental Market full of foods from all over the world, an ice rink, excellent Christmas decorations and an Ice Castle with Father Christmas. Two Cathedrals have various Christmas programmes of music and services. Of course there are still the normal visitor attractions of the Albert Dock for eating and shops, The Liver Building neighbouring Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building on the Mersey River front with the new canal alongside, museums, art gallerys etc. There's the widest range of places to eat and drink in Liverpool so come and enjoy

Liverpool, Lime Street is largest rail station
Google map: bit.ly/fYVYtM
www.visitliverpool.com/

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Bistro Franc, as the name alludes, is a French bistro located in Church House, Hanover street, right next to the new John Lewis. Their 'Lunch Rapide' for 7.95 is a real bargain and a great way to stay on budget if you have one. The dining room is very quaint and while it is usually very busy at lunch times this only adds to the atmosphere. The portions are generous and the food delicious.

1 Hanover Street
Liverpool L1 4, United Kingdom
0151 708 9993

www.bistrofranc.com

Google map: tinyurl.com/ychwqmp

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Tate Liverpool is, like both Tates in London, a must-see! Housed in the historic Albert Docks the location itself is worth visiting. Also the artworks are exciting, and surprising!

www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/
Albert Dock, Liverpool, L3 4BB
0151 702 7400

Google map: tinyurl.com/ybvynjh

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Fantastic soups, a salad bar, sandwiches, pastries, hot drinks and juices and hot daily special dishes. They also happen to be vegetarian - but don't make a big deal of it and put tasty food first.

Just walk for half a minute down Rumford Street (off Water Street) and for weekday mornings or lunchtimes you'll find Souperfood (previously called Soupernatural). Mainly take-away but also have a small number of seats.

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The Perks:
It's free
Roads are closed in the city to make way for over six large outdoor stages dotted on and around the city centre roads.
My favourite tip - take your own beer.
There's all music, not just the Beatles. I was very excited about the Brit pop acts but some of us headed for northern soul dancing fun while my 'down south friends' enjoyed the Beatles/Merseybeat tours.
Watching a Brazilian Beatles cover band. Bands come from all over the world and their performances are superb.
Were you an original mod/rocker? The live bands could have been plucked right from the 1960's, they make the effort to dress the part and banter with the audience as though we're just hearing 'Do wah Diddy' or 'Needles and Pins' for the first time
If you're booked up for Creamfields the same weekend then you can carry on your festival fun on the Sunday as the Matthew Street festival is over Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday (and its only a 30min train ride away.)
If you're not into cover tribute bands then visit the fringe festival that runs at the same time and watch all new signed and unsigned bands
My Personal favourite bars can all be googled:

Korova; I enjoy the bands Hot Club de Paris and Elle S'apelle and they are playing here this year. Check their myspace.

Heebie Jeebies: Dance to Northern Soul all night.

JR's Bar and Grill: right by Central and Lime Street Station for excellent grill food with various heavy and light options. Plus they have live music.

www.mathewstreetfestival.com/main2008.htm

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The biggest live free African music festival in the UK, also including reggae and Latin music. Why not camp at Formby point which is on Merseyrail and you can take a direct train to St. Michaels to watch the festival both days

www.africaoye.com
Sefton Park, near St. Michaels train station, or numerous buses from the city centre

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