Liverpool & Manchester Christmas Markets

Liverpool

It's one of the UK’s most popular city breaks – and it’s clear why

Located right where the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea in the North West of England, it’s bursting with diverse and fascinating history, attractions – and lots and lots of shopping.

The Waterfront is definitely the place to be

The best view of the city's iconic skyline has to be from one of Mersey Ferry’s 50-minute River Explorer Cruises – board it from The Liverpool Waterfront. Here, you’ll also find the beautifully restored Royal Albert Dock, which played a key role in the famously friendly city’s maritime history. Have you ever noticed that the city’s name is below The Titanic on the historic ship’s stern? Find out more at the free-to-enter Waterfront Maritime Museum.

Liverpool Dock has restaurants, bars, independent stores, museums and art galleries including Tate Liverpool and the Liverpool Museum, as well as The Beatle’s Story, an immersive exhibition which takes you down the Long and Winding Road of The Beatles.

Liverpool is the perfect place to learn about the Fab Four

..It’s their hometown after all. Take a selfie with a larger-than-life version of them on the Pier Head, or visit The Cavern Club on Mathew Street - the live music venue where The Beatles forged their musical identity and became the club’s signature act following their first performance there on 9th February 1961.

Don’t miss - Right in the heart of the city is Liverpool ONE, the one place you can find all of your high street favourites and designers, plus food, drink and entertainment. If you’re after something unique for dinner – head to Liverpool Cathedral’s bistro for a hearty bowl of traditional Scouse. The local comfort food is served with homemade bread and pickled cabbage.

Manchester

A must-see city
Manchester is the UK’s second city (after London), a title it shares with Birmingham - but is the only UK city to feature in National Geographic’s influential annual ‘Best of the World’ list of the 25 must-see places to visit around the world as well as Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel 2023’.

It was the world’s first industrial city
The canals that course through Manchester are a reminder of the city’s history of textiles and trade. It has a rich transport heritage too: it became home to the first purpose-built canal (in 1761), the first bus service in the UK (in 1824) as well as the first public passenger railway (in 1830).

An unrivalled choice of food, drink & more
There are so many, and so many different types of restaurants, bars and other attractions in Manchester - including the city’s Cathedral, John Rylands Library, Manchester Museum, and the Science and Industry Museum. There’s also an unrivalled calendar of world-class events, festivals and nightlife.

Shopping in Manchester is world-class
The Arndale, Market Street and The Trafford Centre feature every one of your high street favourites. Selfridges in Exchange Square, Harvey Nichols, and King Street are the areas to head to if you want to invest in something designer. Finally, The Northern Quarter features many independents and vintage shops if you want to discover something unique.