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The Herald Scotland

The best of Liverpool - ten attractions in four days

QUIRKY QUARTER Why, even after three hours, are we reluctant to leave? We're suspending reality and becoming totally inquisitive, in this world of illusions, magically changing images, upside down rooms, and unbelievable photo opportunities. It's interactive and frustrating, but satisfying to crack conundrums. Ryan Johnston, who patently loves his job, helps when we fail, and is a whizz at photographing us. Don't miss the quiz about landmarks, when you can become an 'Honorary Scouser'. Ron's faves are conducting an orchestra playing Beethoven's 'Fur Elise' and the last room. I won't reveal anything. Suffice to say this room's compelling, a tad scary and infinite. And take a hairbrush in with you to look your best. You'll be mesmerised. Quirky's an understatement. MERSEY FERRY RIVER EXPLORER CRUISE Royal Liver Building (Image L Cahill) Aim to arrive early at The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal, to collect a journey map, then swiftly join the queue, to secure a deck seat for best views. To the sound of 'Ferry Cross the Mersey', by Gerry and the Pacemakers, we take the 50-minute cruise, on Royal Iris of The Mersey. We hear an excellent commentary, viewing photo-worthy highlights, such as The Three Graces (Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building), Cammell Laird Shipyard (over 1300 ships built), Royal Albert Dock, and Wallasey Town Hall. An option's to disembark at Seacombe and walk to New Brighton. We ferry past Everton FC's new stadium. After you disembark, head to The Beatles Statue for a photo. MUSEUM OF LIVERPOOL ake for this stunning building to learn Liverpool's story. Our destination's an exhibition in the Skylight Gallery on the second floor. Here, in the People's Republic Gallery, we visit 'Galcoff's and the secret life of Pembroke Place'. We're fascinated by the reconstruction of the frontage of kosher butcher's shop, and a description of how the 1930's green tiles were conserved or replaced. The exhibition's enhanced by a video of the family, including Ivor Galcoff, Percy's grandson, singing 'The Sausage Song'. We learn about the social history of Liverpool's Jewish community, and read notes written by Galcoff's customers and workers. Position yourself at the nearby window to take exceptional photographs of Liverpool's superb architecture and waterfront. THE CAVERN RESTAURANT Time for our first taste of 'scouse', accompanied by Merseybeat. This Mathew Street restaurant attracted us because it served 'Blind Scouse', a vegan adaptation of the world-famous dish. We sit at a great vantage point, watching tourists. But, we're focused on delicious, garlic bread then hearty bowls of scouse - mixed vegetables, barley, potatoes and gravy, with pickled red cabbage, beetroot and crusty bread on the side. Sorbet scoops of blood orange, and mango complete a perfect lunch, which includes top-class service from our waitress Rose. Satiated, we admire the reception desk with its campervan frontage, photos of celebrities displayed up the staircase, and Cavern merchandise. THE CAVERN CLUB We head downstairs and feel the beat, history and fame, gaze at the famous arches and think how it must have been. On the Front Stage, a man belts out 'Sunny Afternoon', by The Kinks. This Cavern Club's a replica - the original one was demolished in the 1970s and rebuilt in the 1980s, in the same place. We still feel excitement and the atmosphere - especially nostalgia as we're Baby Boomers. It's loud and powerful, with great acoustics. Before you leave, I recommend you buy a brilliant souvenir, from an extensive choice. We climb into daylight for the Wall of Fame and statues of Cilla Black and John Lennon. STRAWBERRY FIELD In 1934, Strawberry Field and its Victorian house were gifted to The Salvation Army. The house later became a refuge for needy children. We're impressed to learn about the Steps at Strawberry Field programme, including one where young adults with difficulties securing paid employment, can succeed. Strawberry Field Bandstand (Image: L Cahill) We marvel at the top-class exhibition, especially the 'Imagine' piano, a Steinway lent by the George Michael Estate. There are also gifted, limited edition LPs and John's handwritten draft of 'Strawberry Fields Forever' lyrics. The photomosaic is superb, especially seeing John's face behind the piano. We explore the gardens, where young John played - a haven of peace. We spot the original red gates and climb onto the bandstand. By the time we reach the labyrinth walk, we're well chilled, with John's song in our heads. CROSBY BEACH We take the train from Central Station to Waterloo, then walk past a swan-filled lake, to a path through sand dunes. It's time to reacquaint with several of the special, naked 100 men I know and love in Merseyside. 'Another Place' by Antony Gormley at Crosby Beach (Image: L Cahill) Time for more photos of these cast-iron men, who live on Crosby Beach, gazing at the sea, horizon, ferries, and the Burbo Bank Offshore Wind Farm. These superb life-size sculptures by Antony Gormley, made from moulds of his body, live in 'Another Place'. Take care when visiting my stunning, fit friends. Soft sand and mud are unforgiving and dangerous, so please obey the warning to stay within 50 metres of the promenade. You won't need to stray out for excellent photos. Photograph yourself with the men, but kindly respect them too. THE BLUECOAT Time for Liverpool's oldest city centre building. The Bluecoat, dating from the 18th Century, is tucked away down School Lane. We face a stunningly impressive building, a former school for orphans, which later became a contemporary arts' centre. It's a busy place, with a café, exhibitions, tours, events and workshops, and a print studio. Unmissable's the peaceful garden and the shops behind blue doors, especially R&J Porter. Robert Porter's a jeweller, silversmith and hand engraver. Joan, his proud wife, tells us about her husband engraving trophies, e.g for the Grand National and Aintree. Through another blue door, is Aldous Books, where you can snuggle down with a secondhand book in its cosy, reading nook. The Bluecoat (Image: L Cahill) LIVERPOOL ONE/CHAVASSE PARK We're bamboozled by the expanse of Liverpool One, until information in its brand directory explains all - Paradise Street for restaurants, and style and technology venues, Peter's Lane for designer items, and South John Street for two floors of high-street venues. Also listed are alternatives - The Old Dock Tour, The Heritage Trail, and The Nature Trail. Once you've exhausted all those, head for some R and R at The Top where you'll be surprised by Chavasse Park & The Terrace. Though there are busy bars and restaurants, there's also an unexpected, green space to rest, and admire what you've bought to remind yourself of lovely Liverpool. Before planning your memorable journey, go to Liverpool, four days, 10 attractions - even a shipyard founded by Scottish entrepreneurs, and bowls of Blind Scouse, PS We love you.