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English Countryside 13 Although best known for The Beatles and "football"—soccer to Americans—the gently rolling hills, curving rivers, shimmering lakes, and game-filled forest of the English countryside transcend the international headliners. An area that stretches from the North Sea to the English Channel, every inch is full of culture, history, and thousands of reasons monarchs from all over Europe have tried to lay claim to this land. Liverpool, the home of the Fab Four, embraces the association. Tours are offered of John Lennon's and Paul McCartney's childhood homes, the city hosts an annual International Beatleweek Festival, and visitors are taken on a virtual tour of the lives of these famous musicians with The Beatles Story attraction on Albert Dock. Also in this waterfront area, travelers will discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site of its own merit, from the historic districts and the RopeWalks area to St. George's Quarter, with plenty of museums dotting the region. After all, Liverpool has more museums and galleries than any other place in the United Kingdom outside of London, part of why the annual LightNight Festival each May—where over 50 museums and galleries stay open late and feature special cultural activities— is such a success. Manchester is equally multi-faceted beyond their signature team, Manchester United, the "Red Devils". Fans of one of the UK's top leagues are welcome to visit the team's home base in Old Trafford Stadium, and the National Football Museum, before being further entertained in the Victoria Baths in Chorlton-on-Medlock, a Mancunian treasure featured on the BBC; the Lowry in Salford Quays for performing arts; The Royal Exchange Theatre for Shakespearean works staged by an award-winning troupe; or by taking the youngsters out for the Manchester Museum's Big Saturday's educational activities. Shopping on Market Street in the Amdale Centre, Trafford Centre, high-end King Street and The Avenue at Spinningfields provide additional recreation, and neighborhoods like the collegiate Oxford Road, swanky Deansgate, boho North Quarter and Canal Street resonate in song all night. HARD DAYS NIGHT HOTEL O O O O The concept of a Beatles themed hotel in Liverpool has been prevalent among Beatles enthusiasts in the city since the late 1980s. Located in the "Beatles Quarter" of the city, adjacent to the world- famous Cavern Club, the Hard Days Night Hotel features visually stunning artwork covering key events in the lives of the Beatles. RADISSON BLU EDWARDIAN HOTEL MANCHESTER O O O O O In Manchester's most celebrated building, the historic Free Trade Hall, stylish spaces create a mood of understated luxury. The 263 luxurious rooms and suites feature richly decorated rooms and marble bathrooms. Sienna Spa, deep in the building's vaults, is a blissful urban hideaway, and dramatic red lanterns lend a decadent air to the Opus One bar and restaurant. MANCHESTER LIVERPOOL ENGLISH COUNTRYSIDE VACATION ENHANCING TOURS Make the most of your vacation, See the best of what makes these cities famous by pre-booking your tours. LIVERPOOL Beatles Story Fab Four Ticket Beatles Story, the Ultimate Ticket Liverpool City Sightseeing Tour MANCHESTER Manchester City Sightseeing Tour Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours.