Liverpool Southampton Train

Liverpool is a city located in the metropolitan borough of Merseyside in the north west of England. The city lies on the eastern side of the River Mersey Estuary which led its development as an important seaport which led to the city's urbanisation and expansion. The port is also the reason why Liverpool has am ethnically diverse population which, for historical reasons, includes many people from Ireland. The city also has the oldest Black African community in the United Kingdom and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.

Liverpool has a world famous reputation for its music which is perhaps why it was labelled the World Capital of Pop by Guinness World Records. Famous artists and bands from the city include The Beatles, Billy Fury, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Echo & the Bunnymen and Frankie Goes to Hollywood to name just a few.

Liverpool is more than just its port and musical heritage. Parts of the city centre were declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2004 including the Pier Head, Albert Dock and William Brown Street.

Liverpool also has a rich sporting heritage and is home to two of the English Premier League's top clubs: Liverpool Football Club and Everton Football Club. Matches between the two clubs are referred to as the "Merseyside Derby". Liverpool is also home to Aintree Racecourse which holds the annual world famous Grand National.

The port and university city of Southampton is located on the south coast of England in the county of Hampshire. Known as the cruise capital of Europe, Southampton plays host to over four million visitors a year and boasts an impressive cultural offering, from museums, music venues and art galleries, to award winning parks and the general hustle and bustle of a diverse city with fantastic shopping facilities. There are many attractions in the city to enjoy including the Southampton City Art Gallery. The internationally renowned gallery has a permanent collection spanning eight centuries which tells the story of western art from the Renaissance to the present day. The core of the collection is 20th century and contemporary British art. The gallery also offers high quality exhibitions ranging from painting, sculpture and drawing, to photography and film, as well as displays that change regularly to ensure new experiences with each visit. Located a few miles from Southampton is Beaulieu where you will find the world famous National Motor Museum including BOND IN MOTION, the world's largest official collection of James Bond Vehicles. There is also the World of Top Gear featuring vehicles from the popular TV programme, On Screen Cars to see the flying Ford Anglia from Harry Potter, and Palace House.