Royal Albert Dock Liverpool, Liverpool

Whilst visiting Liverpool often on various coach holidays the docks are always worth visiting. Lively and vibrant, with plenty of places for a snack or a more substantial meal. With a large area of water being central to the docks not much seems to happen on it. No casual canoeing or even rowing boats, maybe too dangerous. There are museums, free and some requiring an entry fee. In a summer the number of visitors does seem to overwhelm the walking area but the winter means that you have to wrap up well from the biting wind off the Mersey. Yes you could easily just while away an hour or two by just wandering around. Many of the old warehouses have been lovingly restored but there are other considerations, a trip across the Mersey maybe, but on nice day a stroll along the waterfront is well worth the effort. On the odd occasion a large cruise ship may be at anchor a sight on its own, however do they stay afloat? On any given summers day some kind of activity is on the go, information is usually available in leaflets. Along with the many bars and restaurants there are a few independent food stalls, one being a former double decker bus. Buskers are also a feature, not all that bad either, but we were fortunate to be in Liverpool when the Cunard 'Queen' liners were visiting. Now that was something and being some kind of celebration it is highly unlikely that it will ever occur again.

The shopping experience has diminished a lot since first opening, many years ago. But the lovley atmosphere is still there. Loving the fairy lights that are on all year round. This time, we ate at Smugglers Cove. Can't recommend it enough. Great fun. Staff awesome. We stayed the night at Premier Inn. Cheap and cheery enough, although basic. Staff also very helpful there. Brilliant weekend experience.