Travel To Liverpool, England - EuropeTrip Part 1

TRAVEL TRIP (AUGUST 2011)

From Oxford I came back to Nottingham, stayed for two nights at my home Hyson Green before continued back on the road with National Express to further my journey up north. This part of my trip honestly were very adventurous and took more energy.

For the sake of experience to feel what it was like to be a real backpacker, I planned my route without any overnight at any hotel. I took an early bus at 7.30am and reach Liverpool around 12pm, wandered around the city until late at night before took another bus to Edinburgh for another 10 hours journey. The idea was to use the bus long travel period as an overnight accommodation. Sleeping in the bus was a challenging experience but finally I reached Scotland at dawn with cramp on my feet. I toured the city until late again (and without resting for a night), I took another bus from here to Manchester (9 hours) and reach there again early in the morning. I spent my time in Manchester until late at night (again), and then took another bus from there back to Nottingham (3 hours). CAN'T YOU BELIEVE THAT? But boy I save a lot on hotel/hostel!



What an adventure, I slept only in the bus! If I can describe my body's condition on that time, it felt like I had been crumpled and put into a sardine can. Worn out, completely! But I never regret it. Not even once I regret it whenever I thought about it now. I even cherished the moment every single time. The unforgettable experience was recorded in my book of life. And it will be remembered forever.

TRANSPORTATION

1. From Malaysia
If you are travelling from Malaysia, usually you will departure from KLIA (Kuala Lumpur International Airport). KL or Kuala Lumpur is the federal capital with lots of city attractions.

To book the airlines ticket, you have two choices. Try AirAsia (www.airasia.com) for a better rate as this is Malaysian low-cost carrier. AirAsia flies only to few international destinations. You must check where is your departure airport in Malaysia because most of AirAsia flights fly from KLIA2. For another option you may also check MAS (www.malaysiaairlines.com) as this is the national carrier of Malaysia, price could be higher. But you will be surprised during promotion, price is very competitive. MAS definitely takes off from KLIA, not KLIA2. Journey will takes about 14 to 15 hours by direct flight.

MAS will lands in Heathrow Airport while AirAsia in Stansted Airport, London (check for update information).

2. From Nottingham
By Road:
You may travel by car/bus/taxi to Liverpool. Journey is about 3 to 4 hours. By car the distance should be shorter without stops along the way, around 2 hours. The National Express coach is very reliable. National Express is an intercity coach operator providing services throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

You can check this website for more information on UK National Express: www.nationalexpress.com.
You can check these websites for car rental: www.avis.com.my, www.europcar.com.my, www.thrifty.co.uk, www.hertz.co.uk, www.enterprise.co.uk.

By Rail:

If you want to travel by train, please check this website www.thetrainline.com or www.raileurope.com. The journey will also takes about 3 to 4 hours. Train to Liverpool will departure from Nottingham Station and arrive in Liverpool Lime Street Station.

ACCOMMODATION

Before deciding on places to stay in Liverpool, you need to choose which area is your preference. There are 4 favorite neighborhoods with its own characteristic that may help you to decide:

1. Liverpool City Center
The City Centre has more hotels than you can shake a keycard at. These include eye-catching boutique pads located close to the Cavern Club and the shopping complexes. Many offer modern perks like free WiFi and on site spa facilities, meaning you will have all of the comforts of home with an added touch of sophistication.

2. Toxteth
While it'll never be mistaken for a glamorous quarter, Toxteth does have its attractions such as Sefton Park, a Grade 1 listed park which sprawls for hundreds of acres. The district is perfect for anyone looking to be away from the hubbub of the central and dockland areas and would like an affordable, comfortable place to rest their head. There's not a huge range of hotels in the Toxteth area, but you will find a few dotted around offering cosy home comforts. Some are within strolling distance of Sefton Park, and you can look forward to handy amenities like free WiFi and free parking.

3. Albert Dock
Albert Dock is one of the most trendiest areas of the city and is where many of the chain hotels can be found. It's a buzzing cluster of distinctive red brick warehouses converted into chic hangouts for foodies and culture vultures. The Tate Liverpool and Beatles Story museum are just a few of the attractions drawing in the crowds. The reliable chain hotels of Albert Dock cater for travellers on a budget as well as those looking to spoil themselves a little. Expect spacious, smartly decorated rooms, relaxed bars snacks and cocktails, and sparkling views over the River Mersey.

4. Princes Dock
The sleek and tranquil Princes Dock and its surrounding waterfront area is another part of Liverpool that's been gorgeously revamped thanks to energetic urban development. Overlooked by the twin birds of the Royal Liver Building, Princes Dock and the surrounding inland area is home to some of the more exclusive hotels that Liverpool has to offer. Expect deluxe experiences, with the hotels boasting plush, romantic cocktail bars, expansive indoor pools, and heated spas. Waterfront views make many of the guestrooms memorable places to unwind after a day's shopping and sightseeing.
Source: http://www.hotels.com/articles/ar011844/where-to-stay-in-liverpool-a-neighbourhood-guide/

PLACES OF INTEREST

You may find and read about a lot of interesting places in Liverpool, but each traveler might personally have his/her own taste of attractions that must be visited.



Liverpool is a beautiful modern city. What I like about Liverpool is, although it is a modern city, it still managed to preserve some of the old buildings and this has became the tourist attractions. I also like the fact that this city has many iconic urban buildings that suit with my taste as a landscape architect. I got a lot of inspirations from here for my design. The symmetrical, decon, geometrical urban shapes really triggered the creative side of me.



I also adore all Liverpool’s attractions that line along it famous seashore. It is like the attractions are versatile and diverse. It targeted different group of tourists. Some of the mains that I think a person ‘must’ see when they are in Liverpool are The Museum of Liverpool, The Eye of Liverpool, The Beatles Museum, Liverpool Cathedral, Metropolitan Cathedral and World Museum Liverpool (remember that I hate museums, but I still can enjoy the museums in here).

-Alvy-