Advertisement
Published: July 31st 2017
Edit Blog Post
Liverpool
Ferry Cross the Mersey We wake to the sound of vehicles driving on wet roads outside our accommodation. The forecast was for bright sunny weather. Perhaps when we get to Liverpool it will be a glorious day. To enable a quick and dry departure we drive the car onto the footpath in front of our “shop” and load our bags. We hope the ever vigilant parking warden is still at home having breakfast.
Our drive takes us west towards Chester. We have been to Chester before so we won’t stop. It would be worth stopping but not today. Signs along the roadside point to the Nantwich Show. We assume it is their equivalent of a New Zealand A&P Show. We start to expect heavy traffic as we get closer but fortunately the show starts on Wednesday. We will be long gone by then. The countryside and villages are quite picturesque. On another day it would be worth staying awhile to wander the country lanes in search of that idyllic pub for a delicious lunch.
We arrive at Hooton, park the car, buy a Rail Ranger ticket, and wait for the train. Our ticket includes a ride on the Mersey Ferry. Once at the
Liverpool
The waterfront river we wait for our ferry. Seems like we have just missed one. Not to worry, we can view the city of Liverpool from a distance and plan our itinerary. The ferry arrives, we queue to board, show our ticket, oops! We need a boarding pass. We queue for a boarding pass, queue to show our pass, only to have it screwed up and thrown in a bin. At least we can board. The ferry is painted in bright dazzling colours in patterns that were used on warships during the wars as camouflage. We ask ourselves, “Will they play Ferry Cross the Mersey?” Sure enough, just after we depart the music starts followed by a commentary.
Arriving on the other side we are greeted by a statue of the four famous Liverpool lads striding across the promenade. We are in Beatle Country. We need lunch so it’s wicked pancakes. The sun is shining and the city looks happy. We don’t really have a lot of time so we take a ride on the Hop On Hop Off bus. First stop is Mathew Street. Cilla and John are there to greet us. Obviously not in person but as two very
Liverpool
The Lads happy statues outside the Cavern Club. Back on the bus we continue on past restored buildings now converted into plush hotels, apartments or student accommodation. We get off at the Cathedral.
The cathedral is the second largest Anglican cathedral and fifth largest cathedral in the world. It stands on a hill overlooking the city. It can be seen from everywhere. The foundations were laid in 1904 and took about seventy years to complete, so quite a new cathedral. The stone used gives the appearance of a brick building. It is huge.
The next bus comes past and we are welcomed aboard by a very friendly local guide. After a day of guiding her voice is showing signs of wear and tear. Tomorrow she’ll turn up and do it all over again. These guides are wonderful. They certainly sell the city of Liverpool. We complete the circuit and take a short walk to the railway station to catch the train back to Hooton. Our Liverpool excursion has been great. Perhaps on another occasion we might stay longer.
Tonight’s accommodation is in a country pub near Northwich, called The Holly Bush. Commuter traffic from Chester is filling the roads.
Liverpool
John and friend It is a slow drive but we do not have far to go. Our accommodation is in the converted stables. We note that more accommodation is in The Granary. We’ll be comfortable tonight.
Tomorrow we return to London. Perhaps we will explore that busy city.
Advertisement
Tot: 0.342s; Tpl: 0.019s; cc: 7; qc: 46; dbt: 0.0882s; 1; m:domysql w:travelblog (10.17.0.13); sld: 2;
; mem: 1.1mb
G &G
non-member comment
Liverpool
Good to know they still play that timeless song.Shame you didn't get to Anfield and listen out for 'You'll Never Walk Alone"