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We awoke on Monday 24^th February to rain and cold. We are getting used to English weather! Never the less an opportunity to explore this beautiful city. 

Liverpool of course is famous for the Beatles.

Celebrating its 800th birthday in 2007, the city port of Liverpool actually evolved from a small fishing village on the tidal banks of the River Mersey in northwest England.

Liverpool appears to have sprung to life when King John granted it a Royal Charter in 1207. John needed to establish a port in northwest England from which he could quickly dispatch men and supplies across the sea to reinforce his interests in Ireland. As well as port, a weekly market was also started which of course attracted folk from all over the area to Liverpool; even a small castle was built.

After breakfast we visited Liverpool Cathedral which is the largest cathedral in Britain. From an architectural perspective, it looks very ordinary. However, when you walk inside, the beautiful ornate ceiling is a sight to behold!

Late morning we took the ferry across the Mersey River. Ferries have operated on this route since the 12^th century. Ferry Cross the Mersey is a song written by Gerry Marsden and recorded by his band Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1964. The ferry across the Mersey has gained notoriety in popular culture because of the song. 

Our intention in the afternoon was to visit Windermere in the Lake District. Unfortunately this didn’t eventuate. We had ‘car troubles’ and decided to drive to Newcastle Upon Tyne where we stayed the night. Flooding was also a concern at Windemere so a change of plans was the safer option. 

As we approached Durham and Newcastle, it was evident that snow had fallen earlier in the day. A long drive from Liverpool but a pleasant end to the day!