Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Appleton Thorn

"The Victorian Royal Albert Dock located on Liverpool’s waterfront is the largest single collection of Grade I listed buildings in the UK made entirely out of cast iron, brick and stone. The Albert Dock does not only offer a beautiful backdrop to a quayside stroll, but a wide variety of restaurants, galleries, museums and more to enjoy, including key attractions such as Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story, Maritime Museum, and the International Slavery Museum."

"There are a number of great areas around the Albert Dock so you won't get bored while going around it. I have found the docks work just as well at night as they do in the day, as you can see from the photo above taken of The Big Wheel. There are some other lamps and lighting around that give you some great things to include, either as the main focus of the photo or to be used as a backdrop."

"The old weather map from Granada News is long gone, but there are pirate ships and boats to look at. Liverpool is a city in which to wander. You can wander around the dock, have lunch at Pizza Express, have ice cream on the grass and the kids can entertain themselves for hours on the riverfront."

"Liverpool Cathedral is a building of superlatives; it is Britain’s largest cathedral and features the world’s highest and widest Gothic arches, highest and heaviest peal of bells and the UK’s highest cathedral tower and largest organ. Visitors can enjoy live music, have a bite to eat in Welsford Porch with views across St James Garden to Hope Street, or try their hand at bell ringing. Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral|© Dan Ciminera / Flickr"

"If you are into your architecture then there are plenty of things to explore in and around the cathedral. There are numerous stain glass windows which can make for some really bright and colourful photos. It is quite dark at some points inside, so you may need a tripod if you're going to be using a slower shutter speed."

"Dating back to 1215, Manchester Cathedral offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The official name is actually “The Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St Mary, St Denys and St George” and is one amazing sight that needs to be seen in the city. It’s well worth a wander around to see the gorgeous architecture, especially as it has been so well preserved."

"One of Manchester’s oldest buildings, the cathedral is a must-see for anyone with an interest in architecture. Wander around at your own pace, book onto a tour to find out more about the building’s history or keep your eyes peeled for news of one of the occasional gigs hosted inside the cathedral."

"Until the erection of today’s popular 1960s building, Roman Catholics in Liverpool had no true cathedral in which to worship. Edward Welby Pugin, son of the more famous Augustus, was commissioned to design a cathedral in 1853 but only part of it was built, which served as a parish church until it was demolished in the 1980s. After the Anglican cathedral began to rise at one end of Hope Street in 1904, Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to outdo Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s design at a new site at the other end of the same street."

"If you think you’ve seen all styles of cathedrals throughout your travels, think again!. The Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral has been nicknamed by locals as “Paddy’s Wigwam”, and when you first lay eyes on it you’ll understand why. The architect who designed this unique cathedral won an international competition in 1962 and the building was completed and opened in 1967."

"Visit the modernist Metropolitan Cathedral and gain insight into Liverpool’s religious history as you explore its crypts, treasury, and unique structure. As you take in its unusual circular design, learn about the Catholic cathedral’s close relationship with its Anglican sister on the other end of Hope Street, or attend a service or concert for an immersive experience."

"If you love The Beatles and find yourself down in their spiritual home on Mathew Street, then check out the new Revolver bar on Temple Court. Owned by the group behind the Rubber Soul complex, it’s got plenty of nice Beatles touches including lots of very cool artwork on the walls. Live music kicks off at 5pm daily and there’s no bookings, just walk-ins."

"We can’t really make a list of the best pubs in Liverpool without featuring one of the most famous clubs in the world, can we?. In 1957 the Cavern Club opened its doors on Mathew Street, and it didn’t take long until rock ‘n’ roll took over!. From the Beatles to Oasis to Stevie Wonder, musical legends have won crowds over at this funky little venue."

"Seconds on foot from the futuristic architecture of Salford Quays is a splendid Tudor mansion, home to the Radclyffe family for 300 years. The surviving parts of Ordsall Hall are built on two ranges around a courtyard knot garden, the south dating to the 15th century, and the west range completed in 1639. These both incorporate older elements dating back 750 years."

"Boasting one of the largest outdoor terrace areas in Manchester for outdoor drinking, The Shambles denotes the area bordered by historic medieval pubs The Old Wellington and Sinclair’s Oyster Bar. The black and white timber pubs were famously moved here and rebuilt brick-by-brick in 1999 next to Manchester Cathedral as part of the redevelopment of the city centre. The pubs are historic landmarks beloved of tourists to the city and are particularly busy on match days."

"The first publicly funded park in Britain, Birkenhead Park opened in 1847 as an architectural landscape of cultivated woodland, meadows, and lakes. Birkenhead Park has a wonderful family tree in the shape of New York’s Central Park, which was greatly influenced by this inspirational setting, and as you take a stroll and encounter listed buildings, lodges, the Swiss Bridge, and a Pavilion, called the Roman Boathouse, which stands by the lake, you’ll discover why. Further details here"

"Birkenhead lies on the west side of the Mersey and is linked to Liverpool by tunnels and the excellent Mersey Ferry service. Near the tunnel are the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine abbey with a chapterhouse, crypt, and refectory. Birkenhead Park, the first publicly funded park in Britain, opened in 1847 and has three entrances with Gothic, Italianate, and Norman architecture, as well as two lakes and an ornate bridge."

"Rumour has it that Central Park in New York is based on Birkenhead Park in Wirral, we’ll let that sink in for a minute!. Birkenhead Park was the world’s first publicly funded park, and was opened in 1847 by Joseph Paxton. There’s so much to do and see here, whether you fancy a game of cricket, footy, tennis, some fishing, or just a general mooch."

"3 out of 5 stars Restaurants American. SoLita – short for ‘South of Little Italy’ due to its location just below the Ancoats Little Italy area of Manchester – aims to combine the best of New York, Italy and Manchester. Essentially, though, it’s the home of some very naughty food porn."

"A must-visit for burger enthusiasts, this American restaurant serves up just the kind of comfort-rich stalwarts you’d expect - think mac ‘n’ cheese, or the ‘Big Manc’ burger that comes with a belt-busting four patties."

"#Bankholiday #burgers #tasty #popby #tasty #AlbertDock #Liverpool #RoyalAlbertDockLiv. A post shared by What’s Cooking (@whatscooking_liverpool) on Aug 27, 2018 at 7:51am PDT. What’s Cooking is a delightful diner situated on The Albert Dock."

"A post shared by What’s Cooking (@whatscooking_liverpool) on Aug 27, 2018 at 7:51am PDT. At What’s Cooking, diners can sit waterside and enjoy a delicious meal and some quirky drinks."

"The Northern arm of the Imperial War Museum does not disappoint and is a fantastic day out, showing how war affects people’s lives and is great for children to learn lots about the history of the UK during the times of war. At the moment there us a special Horrible Histories exhibition about the Blitz and we had a really lovely day when we visited last year. The exhibition finishes on 10th April and is well worth the visit."

"The Imperial War Museum, the huge silver structure across the water from MediaCityUK, will be back open from May 19. The main exhibition space, along with the Big Picture Show - which projects documentary-style footage and stories onto the walls of the gallery - will both return. The exhibition Aid Workers: Ethics Under Fire is also open, free to visit and extended until September 24."

"The People's History Museum, which sits right on the River Irwell on the border of Salford and Manchester, will fully reopen on May 19. This will be an exciting one to watch as it launches its brand new cafe offering in partnership with zero-waste enterprise Open Kitchen. Reopening next week will be the main galleries, the banner exhibition, the changing exhibitions gallery, the shop, and the archive and study centre."

"People’s History Museum is an interactive history museum documenting workers, politics and living conditions from the past 200 years. There is plenty for the kids to enjoy with lots of hands-on activities for all ages, from dressing up to playing shop in the Co-Op. With family-friendly trials, regular family events and for 3-6 years there are busy bee explorer packs."

"As well as the Beatles Story, you’ll also find the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool, and the International Slavery Museum. Finally, football fans might want to take a stadium tour of Anfield – the home of Liverpool FC."