Earlier on in the season, former manager Roy Hodgson’s only real success with Liverpool was a repeat of what he did with Fulham last year by getting easily through the early stages of Europa League Cup. His fortunes in the Premier League however saw him find Anfield’s exit door and replaced by the somewhat galvanising Kenny Dalglish.

Sparta can expect a rough ride from Liverpool during this fixture on February 24 as the new coaching team have already taken the scalps of Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea and look set to continue their winning streak at what is looking once again like the Liverpool of old.

Stephen Gerard and Martin Skirtel look set to return for this fixture at fortress Anfield, while striker Andy Carroll may yet prove to be fit to forge a strike partnership with Luis Suarez in their first game together since joining the reds in the January transfer window.

Tactically, the reds should have the edge in this game and this tie is likely to see the former Champions League winners progress further in this competition.

Are you visiting Liverpool and need an apartment in the city for a few days to see this fixture? Book an apartment with us and take advantage of our premier services in which we guarantee your stay in Liverpool will be a memorable one!

Liverpool versus Sparta Prague at Anfield

Date February 24

Kick off 18.00 pm

Haydock’s tote sport 3-mile handicap race on Saturday February 19 is most likely to see BBC sports personality of the year Tony McCoy on a horse that is almost guaranteed to see a place in April’s starting line up in Liverpool.

Also featured as part of Channel 4′s continued dedication and promotion of the sport of kings. This weekend’s meeting features seven races guaranteed to bring a rush of blood to the head with excitement as punters hedge their bets for an enjoyable day out for all.

1.45pm: The toteplacepot Victor Ludorum Juvenile Hurdle Race (abt 2 miles)

2.15pm: The Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle Race (Ch4) (abt 3 miles)

2.45pm: The totescoop6 Hurdle Race (Ch4) (abt 3 miles)

3.15pm: The totesport.com Grand National Trial (A Handicap Steeple Chase) (Ch4) (3 miles abt 4f)

3.50pm: The Pertemps Handicap Hurdle Race (Qualifier) (abt 3 miles)

4.25pm: The totesport 0800 221 221 Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase (2 miles abt 4f)

5.00pm: The Bet totepool at totesport.com Walrus Hunters’ Steeple Chase (abt 3 miles)

Book an apartment in Liverpool with us at The Roscoe Collection for the weekend so you can enjoy the race which is only 30 minutes away from Liverpool city centre. Take advantage of a weekend of sport and the great nightlife in the city for a whole fun packed weekend!

Family cycling:

After such a cold start to the year and a shockingly cold Christmas last year. There’s only one remedy thing for it, exercise to keep warm! With the family easy cycle to the National Wildflower Centre having been such a success you can be sure to take advantage of some of the other Liverpool Trans-Pennine cycle paths to get the blood circulating. See the New Year in with a health kick and weekend fun with the family. Or get yourself to FACT Liverpool’s independent cinema and arts centre who have invited you to some live art. Meet in the FACT foyer to pick up your bicycle (www.fact.co.uk).

The Big Wheel:

If that’s not your style then make sure you get yourself on the Liverpool One Wheel before the end of January 2011. The 40 pod, 60 foot tall gondola wheel, give you a clear view across the city and the great expanse of the Wirral and River Mersey. Open from 10 am to 10 pm weekdays and to 11pm Friday and Saturday night, there’s great fun on your doorstep and a good excuse to get out to Liverpool one too.

Chinese New Year:

Liverpool is the oldest Chinese community in the UK. Twinned with Shangai, Liverpool share a unique relationship. To celebrate this, the magnificent Chinese arch (the largest arch outside of mainland China – and was actually shipped in from Shanghai) sits on Nelson Street and welcomes you to China town. We welcome in the Chinese New Year, the year of the Rabbit, on February 6^th, it brings a great chance to celebrate and see performers and the great dragon paraded through the streets of Liverpool’s China town. Taste wonderful food and join in with tourists and the local’s who celebrate this great festival day.

Underwater Street

Are you looking for something the whole family can do together while staying in Liverpool? Are you a fan of the circus? Liverpool’s Underwater Street at Water Street by the Albert dock has plenty of fun for the kids and adults in a day of great entertainment on offer.

Underwater Streets themed weekend always offer something different and exciting for children. Take your kids to Underwater street and be part of the fun. Activities on offer at this family friendly venue are face-painting, making clown masks, Dragon making, obstacle courses, plate spinning and themed weekends such as the medieval event held recently. Bring a smile to your son or daughters face and visit Underwater Street for a great day out with the kids.

British Supercross Championship

As the Echo arena continues to gain stature as one of the premier concert gigs to play in the country. It is no surprise that Liverpool is again chosen as the venue for the British Supercross championship.

Some 2000 tonnes of earth are being shipped into the arena to prepare for an event set to take the city by storm on February 19. This years spectacle promises to match the edge of your seat entertainment offered by last year’s event as British and international competitors take the stage to battle it for this years title. Be sure to get your ticket now for this event as this year’s championship due to this gripping event is likely to be a sell out.

Stay in family friendly accommodation with The Roscoe Collection or view our ideas for things to do in Liverpool for families.

Traditional weddings often can be too formulaic for some, indeed daunting prospect in the light of the slightest mishap. But at the Park Inn in St Helens on January 9 an alternative is at hand in the form of the first Merseyside based wedding fayre.

Local wedding businesses from across the region are to gather at Park Inn to offer you a serious selection from which to choose how to map out the dream day to remember.

As the day starts, brides are welcomed with a free copy of Little White Books wedding magazine to get your ideas rolling! Then follows a series of catwalk fashion shows to get that perfect wedding dress on offer during the day. This event will even give you great product ideas and things to do on your honeymoon.

This is the perfect chance to make headway on your wedding plans. Get to this event and stay over to enjoy Liverpool’s culture and nightlife as you decide on the future.

And why not consider at stay in one of our luxury serviced apartments for your hen night, your wedding night or even to bring along your relatives to celebrate your special life time event.

Our rates will not be beaten. So make a start with The Roscoe Collection and let us prove to you that a stay with us in Liverpool is your best bet for a special day to remember.

www.littlewhitebooks.co.uk/store/cmspage.php?page_id=27

www.parkinn.eventbrite.com/

Are you in need of an unrivaled, first class local photographer for your wedding? Then look no further than here!

www.jacquelinekirkham.com

As lunar cycle gives way from the year of the tiger to the more passive limelight-fearing year of the Rabbit.

Nevertheless, with Liverpool holding one of the oldest Chinese communities in Europe. This year no expense and extravagance will be spared in celebrating the Chinese New Year on February 3. As the great dance of the Chinese dragon will be paraded through the streets of China town amidst the marvellous firecracker, musical display and dance to commemorate this party event – not to mention the food.

Nelson Street has the finest Chinese restaurants in the whole of the Liverpool area. Tourists and locals alike flock year round to dine on some of the greatest authentic mouth watering Chinese cuisine in the country.

Moreover, China town would not be complete without its own genuine Chinese pub – the Nook, which serves great English and Chinese beer too!

So why not come, stay in one of our luxury serviced apartments in Liverpool during the Chinese New year in February. Enjoy a great not to be missed spectacle that is the best in the UK and certain to bring some cheer to your face as winter draws to an end.

Location: Berry Street/Nelson Street – Chinatown in Liverpool

Entry: Free

Everyone wants their graduation day to be the perfect day and parents want their son or daughter to have the perfect day. Roscoe House it the idyllic place to stay to make your graduation a day and night one to remember. Roscoe House has stylish spacious and serviced apartment situated walking distance from the graduation ceremonies so you don’t need to worry about the English weather! Perfect to make your day stress free! After the ceremonies there are many high quality places for your graduation lunch just an easy from the ceremonies and Roscoe house. Throughout July there are also many events in the city so why not check them out and make your stay longer to really celebrate your graduation.

Here’s some great little recommendations to make your day really special:

The London Carriage works is a contemporary restaurant with a selection of dishes freshly made from local and organic produce. The dishes on the menu are complemented with a carefully selected wine list to make every occasion special. Opening in 2003 with high reviews the restaurant is one of the cities leading and in 2008 won taste of England.  Chef Paul Askew with his South East Asia travels and kitchen experience in New York have helped influenced him to create a modern international menu that will make your dining experience one to remember!

The hotel is located on Hope Street that runs parallel to Roscoe House

http://www.thelondoncarriageworks.co.uk/the-menu/default.phuse

Puschka located on Rodney Street serves a variety of international dishes and is renowned for its tasty food and great service; some have described the restaurant as a hidden gem. Everything on their menu is made to order and uses local seasonal produce.

http://www.puschka.co.uk/

60 Hope street is situated on Hope Street minutes away from Roscoe House and opposite the Philharmonic hall theatre, ideal for an after dinner treat to watch live music and see the Philharmonic orchestra perform.  The restaurant 60 Hope Street has a stress free and friendly atmosphere. Its modern, stylish decor and attention to fine detail make the restaurant a special place to celebrate you graduation. The menu offers a wide variety of choice and there are regular offers. The best of British offer at £19.95 per person includes a 3-course meal and a bottle of wine to share for two people

http://www.60hopestreet.com/

There are also many places to eat in the Centre and at the Albert Docks. The new development on Liverpool one has many restaurants with great out door eating areas for a summers evening. Why not try Zizzi restaurant in Liverpool One, an Italian restaurant with a fine selection of oven stoned baked pizzas and freshly made pastas. There are many Stylish and traditional bars in Liverpool that would be perfect to carry on the celebrations of graduation day. The Pump House by the Albert Docks is full of history is a warm and friendly restaurant/bar with a great outdoor seating area and offers a wide choice of affordable wines, beers and spirits.

No 6. The Beatles Story

Arnold Schwarzenegger once claimed that he wanted to be so famous that the world would know who he was by simply uttering his first name. Although the muscleman has achieved that, he isn’t alone. In the 1960′s John, Paul, George and Ringo did pretty much the same. Their story is told here at the Beatles Story in Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock. http://www.beatlesstory.com/ Young children may not appreciate the importance of The Beatles in modern music, and the nostalgia that parents will revel in may be lost on them, the interactive and audio visual aspect of the tour, especially around the psychedelic era, will keep them entertained while mum and dad take a trip back through memory lane. The Beatles Story wholly immerses you within the formative years of the Fab Four, including a full sized replica of the famous Cavern Club and its stage as well as the iconic Yellow Submarine, complete in its underwater setting that proves a huge hit with children of all ages. These items are just the tip of the iceberg, as the museum is crammed with thousands of authentic items and memorabilia from the Beatles childhood and the incredible years that followed. It is the scrupulous attention to detail and authenticity of The Beatles Story that cannot help but impress and inform. Despite this, the tour is not a long arduous one and even the most ardent Beatles fan will feel that after an hour or so, they have done the Fab Four justice! Almost as impressive as the museum, is its gift shop that offers a vast amount of Beatles memorabilia. It is easy to lose track of time glancing through the treasures on offer. (If you feel your child may become a little bored or fractious during a visit, a perfect solution is to promise to buy them a piece or two of the most delicious chocolate covered Coconut Ice from Quay Confectionery from within the Albert Dock complex above the museum, after you have finished! Here speaks the voice of experience!) Tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £8.50 for concessions and £6.50 for children (aged 5-16). Children under five are free. A variety of Family Tickets are also available ranging from £37 for 2 adults and 3 children down to just £21 for one adult, and two children.

No 7. Liverpool Football Club Museum and Tour

The most successful club in England have developed their own museum and tour of Anfield to bring to life the achievements of the past, and a taste of the future. http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/club/tour.htm The tour will take you into the very heart of the stadium, the home team dressing room, referees room and interview areas, before touching the famous. This is Anfield sign and walking through the players tunnel out onto the side of the world famous pitch. You can sit where great managers past and present have directed their teams to unparalleled success, before standing on the famous Spion kop, the largest single tiered stand in Europe. Throughout the hour long tour, two informed guides will be on hand to explain the history of the club and answer any questions you may have. All of course with blatant Liverpool FC bias! Once the tour is completed you can visit the Anfield museum, where many artefacts from the clubs illustrious past, such as their 5 European cup trophies, and 18 League titles, are displayed. This is almost a limited time opportunity to see the original Anfield, because very shortly, it won’t be there (There are plans for Liverpool to move to a brand new ground in Stanley Park). So book that visit now before it’s too late.

The club advise people wishing to attend the tour and museum to call and reserve places up to two weeks in advance of your intended visit. The cost is £10 per adult, £6 for children under 16. A family ticket costing £25 for 2 adults and 2 children is also available.

No 8. Speke Hall Gardens and Estate

Whilst you are unlikely to stumble across Derek Acorah and Yvette Fielding (UK Living’s Most Haunted popular UK T.V. programme) trying to communicate with ghosts as you wander around this wonderful Tudor Manor, don’t let that spoil your enjoyment of a truly beautiful National Trust property. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-spekehall.htm The manor itself is a mish-mash of styles throughout the ages. A great hall and priest’s hole come straight from the 16^th century, while smaller rooms are furnished from the Victorian period. Children of all ages are well catered for here, as Tracker Packs allow them to wander the area looking to uncover secrets! There is also a lively trail for them to follow in the grounds, as well as objects from the dairy to be examined to try and ascertain their use! Podcast tours are available for hire too and teenagers will no doubt be interested in the ghostly goings on at the hall http://www.zurichmansion.org/halls/speke.htm ,that have been well documented in the television programme Most Haunted. Outside the hall building itself there are woodland walks to enjoy, with views down towards the Mersey basin and across South Wirral to the Welsh hills, extensive beautifully cultivated gardens and an excellent outdoor children’s play area to let the young ones burn off some energy! Home Farm houses Speke Hall’s restaurant and shop, serving tasty local food and selling locally grown produce.

Admission fees are £7.50 for an adult, £3.80 for a child, with a family ticket costing £20.50. You can also choose not to go into the Hall, and instead just enjoy the gardens for the reduced rate of £4.50 per adult, £2.50 per child and £11.50 for the family ticket. Parking is free, though the National Trust do offer reduced admission rates for people who arrive on foot, cycle or public transport.

No 9. The Yellow Duckmarine

Once you have recovered your composure from the dreadful pun in the title, The Yellow Duckmarine http://www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk/home.htm is a unique experience and a memorable way to see some of the major sights of the glorious Liverpool waterfront. It is also made all the more enjoyable if you fail to tell your children where the modified D.U.K.W, or as they are more affectionately known ‘duck’, is eventually going to end up! The tour begins at the Gower Street bus stop, in front of the stunning Albert Dock complex, and travels on a circular route along the famous Liverpool waterfront and into the bustling heart of the city centre, taking in such marvellous architectural edifices as St Georges Hall, The Three Graces, The Pier Head, The Philharmonic Hall and both world famous Roman Catholic and Anglican Cathedrals. This road part of the tour lasts approximately thirty minutes, before your garish yellow duck heads back into the dock to unload its passengers: But not until it has ploughed nose first straight into Salthouse dock! If you managed to keep this a secret, and your children are not hyperventilating with shock and excitement, what follows is an enjoyable thirty minute jaunt around Wapping, Queens and Coburg docks ending with the duck driving out of the Albert dock, and right back to your starting point at the Gower Street bus stop. The hour long trip is accompanied by a tour guide who will provide an enjoyable live commentary (which is often equally entertaining, as it is educational!).

The tours depart every day of the week, one each hour, from 10.30am. Tickets can be purchased from the Yellow Duckmarine shop in the Anchor Courtyard, or alternatively they can be bought over the phone with a credit or debit card on 0151 708 7799 two weeks before your intended tour. Tickets must to be collected from the ticket office fifteen minutes prior to the start of the tour. Prices vary if you intend to visit during peak (school holidays or bank holidays) or off peak times. For peak periods the cost is £11.95 per adult, £9.95 per child with a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children costing £34. For off peak periods the costs are £9.95 per adult, £7.95 per child and the family ticket costs £29.

10. Liverpool’s Theatres and Concert Halls including :

The Neptune Theatre - http://www.neptunetheatre.com/
The Royal Court Theatre - http://www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk/
The Liverpool Empire Theatre -http://www.liverpoolempire.org.uk/
The Playhouse / Everyman Theatres -http://www.everymanplayhouse.com/
The Echo Arena -http://www.accliverpool.com/
The Brindley -http://www.thebrindley.org.uk/
The Royal Philharmonic Hall - http://www.liverpoolphil.com/

The thriving Liverpool theatre scene offers a huge variety of performers, plays and productions that will appeal to a vast audience, including families. From the tiny Neptune theatre, through to the brand new, state of the art, 10,000+ seat Echo Arena, barely a week passes without a globally renowned star showcasing their talents in one of the many theatrical venues. For the children events such as Disney’s Finding Nemo on Ice (Echo Arena, from 24^th-28^th September 2008), Neptune Theatres Production of Disney’s High School Musical (Neptune Theatre, April 13^th May 31^st 2009) Horrid Henry Live and Horrid (Playhouse, 11^th-15^th November 2008) and Footloose (Empire Theatre, 13^th 18^th October 2008) are hugely popular and well attended, it is advisable to book tickets in advance.. For those who are inclined to rock, Liverpool caters superbly for the music fan with bands and stars such as McFly, Queen and Paul Rodgers, Bryan Adams, Van Morrison, Paul Weller, The Temptations, Will Young, The Wombats, Kings of Leon, Coldplay, The Zutons and Elton John (phew!) all booked to play at various venues across the city before 2009! Not to mention the glitzy MTV Europe Music Awards. This will be hosted in the Echo Arena on 6th November 2008 and will feature a vast array of musical talent from across the globe. For comedy fans, the choices are equally rich. Established comedians such as Steve Coogan, The Mighty Boosh, Ken Dodd, Jeff Green and Ed Byrne, will play across the city along with emerging new talent such as Russell Howard and Jason Manford, not to mention the Rawhide Comedy Club where aspiring local comics often get their first taste of playing to the renowned Liverpool crowd! Fans of traditional theatre, ballet, musicals, opera and contemporary theatre have a wealth of performances to choose from; Hobson’s choice, Cabaret, For The Love of Mrs Brown, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, The Barber of Seville, Othello, Sleeping Beauty and King Lear and many more. Lovers of classical music should plan a visit to the Royal Philharmonic Hall for one of their many concerts and where in September incumbent principal conductor Vassily Petrenko, will open his third season at the Phil by conducting Beethoven’s Piano Concerto Number 2, and Prokofiev’s Symphony number 5. It is advisable to check local listings and book tickets for any planned theatre or concert hall events prior to your arrival to avoid the disappointment of missing out. Liverpool’s theatres and concert halls provide a vast array of productions suited to all discerning tastes and all age ranges, making it truly worthy of the title Capital of Culture 2008.

And you could be central to it all. Staying in The Roscoe Collection’s luxurious serviced apartments at the heart of this thriving, ambitious and exciting city. Why not book with The Roscoe Collection today to treat yourself to a stay in our serviced accommodation of the finest quality and enjoy the luxury of the top hotels, in an apartment that feels like home. Book your stay with The Roscoe Collection today, in the city of unrivalled opportunity, unlimited entertainment and cultural diversity and, instead of simply witnessing the future of this wonderful city unfold from afar, you could become a part of it yourself!