Things to do in Liverpool

Forget the ferry - powerboat across the Mersey

When local band Gerry and the Pacemakers sang about the Ferry Cross the Mersey, they immortalised the boat trip in popular culture. Liverpool Watersports (tel: +44 151 708 9322; www.liverpoolwatersports.org.uk) modernise the same journey on a powerboat by offering both lessons and hour-long rides departing from South Docks.

Enjoy some first class football

Boasting two Premier League teams, Liverpool has plenty of football action if you're a fan. Join the supporters of Liverpool FC (www.liverpoolfc.com) and sing your heart out from the famous Kop stand or head to Everton FC’s (www.evertonfc.com) Goodison Park for an old school atmosphere.

Test your swing on some of England's best golf courses

Liverpool is close to three Royal Links golf courses that have hosted countless Open Championships and Ryder Cups. Royal Birkdale (tel: +44 170 455 2040; www.royalbirkdale.com) boasts an art deco-inspired clubhouse, whilst Royal Liverpool (tel: +44 151 632 6757; www.royal-liverpool-golf.com) is one of the oldest seaside courses in England.

Have a flutter at the Grand National’s course

Every April, thousands of devoted horseracing fans descend on Aintree Racecourse (tel: +44 151 523 2600; http://aintree.thejockeyclub.co.uk) for the prestigious Grand National race. The track has races throughout the year, so place a bet, take a grandstand seat and cheer your stallion on as the jockeys battle to clear the course’s notoriously difficult jumps.

Tour Liverpool’s mysterious underworld world

Explore beneath the streets of Edge Hill where the labyrinthine Williamson Tunnels run (tel: +44 151 709 6868; www.williamsontunnels.co.uk). Built under the direction of local eccentric Joseph Williamson, the reason for their construction is unknown. Some claim it was to help unemployment, others to escape the impending Armageddon.

Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.