In 2008, Liverpool became the European Capital of Culture, however for many, the city has always been an unofficial capital of culture for many years before that.

For example, the city boasts two contrasting, both architecturally and ideologically, cathedrals. The famous Paddy’s Wigwam of Liverpool Metropolitan cathedral (www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk) and just a short walk across the city sees Liverpool Cathedral (0151 709 6271, www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk) both of which play an important part in the city’s heritage and history.

If art is more your interest, then Liverpool is an ideal choice for a weekend away and that is a FACT. The Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT) (0151 707 4444, www.fact.co.uk) hosts some of the most innovative and contemporary exhibitions anywhere in Europe and also has an on-site cinema showing the latest artistic offerings combined with major releases. No visit to the City Centre would be complete without taking in the atmosphere at the fantastic Walker Art Gallery (0151 478 4199, www.liverpoolmusesums.org.uk/walker/). Paintings, sculptures and other decorative arts, including work by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Turner and Holman sit alongside more contemporary offerings from David Hockney and Henry Moore amidst a setting that is as welcoming for families as it is serious art buffs. Finally, no visit to the city would be complete without taking in the Tate Liverpool (0151 702 7400, www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/) which is the home of the National Collection of Modern Art in the north and has featured in the past work from Klimt, Blake, Ciacometti as well as a several pieces from the contemporary Brit art movement, with pieces by Damien Hurst, Antony Gormley and Tracey Emin displayed.

Liverpool is equally well off for museums as it is art galleries. The World Museum Liverpool (0151 478 4393, www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/) houses a fantastic number of displays that will appeal to all ages, especially due to the hands on nature of many of the exhibits! Just a short walk away is the Merseyside Maritime Museum (0151 478 4499, www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime/) which gives visitors a unique insight into the history of the city and what historical developments made the proud seafaring port of Liverpool the place it is today. The story of Liverpool, and indeed Britain, during the Second World War is evocatively told in the Western Approaches Museum (also called the Liverpool War Museum) (0151 277 2008, www.liverpoolwarmuseum.co.uk) and lastly, no fan of popular music will want to leave Liverpool without taking in the Beatles Story (0151 709 1963, www.beatlesstory.com) which traces the story of the city’s most famous four sons, through the birth of the Beatles to the group’s eventual demise and beyond.

But that is not all the city has to offer by any means. A short trip out of the city centre brings you to the fabulous (and some say, haunted!) Speke Hall Gardens and Estate (0844 800 4799, http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-spekehall/) which offers plenty of activities, walks and displays to amuse all members of the family. North of the city centre is Croxteth Hall and Country Park (0151 233 6910, www.croxteth.co.uk) which houses a Victorian walled garden, a 500 acre country park, Adventure playground and gift shops aplenty.

To finish your cultural weekend in Liverpool, then why not head to the Pier Head to sample what has become embedded in local culture. The Mersey Ferries (0151 330 1444, www.merseyferries.co.uk) offers shorter trips across the Mersey to the Wirral ports of Seacombe and Woodside, or a longer cruise up and down the Mersey, complete with detailed information of the history of the ferries and how they played a huge part in facilitating the growth of the city and its surrounding area.

If it is culture you are looking for, then you have come to the right place! Liverpool wasn’t just the Capital of Culture in 2008, it continues to live up to that name to this very day!