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to Liverpool |
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Tuesday
25th July
The
'Beatles Story' Experience
Albert Dock
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We
walked to The Beatles Story at 10am - opening time for the
Albert Dock complex - for car drivers there is plenty of free
parking a short walk away but £2.40 for 2 hours close by.
Entrance cost us over £7 each. Everyone enjoyed the 'walk-through'
experience of all the periods of the Fab Four's lives. Claudette's
favourite bit was 'The White Room' with John Lennon's white
piano and "Imagine" playing. I too find this an emotional
place to stand, but then "Imagine" is a very emotional song.
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Verdict: Good! (and a big souvenir shop) |
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From here it was only a short walk to Merseyside Maritime
Museum. There was so much to see and do here and it cost
less than £4 each - children were free. We also got 12-month
passes, enabling us to go to EIGHT different Art Galleries
or Museums! Once inside, we were surprised by the many different
topics covered - from the slave trade, the 2nd World War and
the story of the great passenger liners to the fascinating
Customs & Excise exhibition. It was good to see so many children
in there - obviously enjoying what they saw without realising
they were learning at the same time.
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The
staff are superb and explained several points to us. Even
the 'scousers' learned things they didn't know about Liverpool's
maritime history! We
visited the Museum's smart café for a sandwich and some sparkling
water. The café was immaculate and the service was quick.
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The
verdict: EXCELLENT - great value for money and thoroughly
enjoyable. Claudette said "I wouldn't have chosen to go in
here as I'm not a lover of ships, but I'm so glad we did as
there is something for everyone". If you do go, be prepared
to spend at least half a day to see around. One small disappointment
was a number of 'hands-on' interactive displays such as telephones
and push buttons were not working - but overall a most enjoyable
attraction and a must for young and old.
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We
walked back through the Albert Dock at 5pm and were disappointed
to see that quite a few of the shops had already closed. We
wanted a copy of that day's newspaper, The Liverpool Echo,
but couldn't find a newsagent - or even a newsvendor.
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at the hotel we decided to eat out and walked to the Albert
Dock. |
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We started with Mr M's restaurant - "bookings only on a Tuesday"…
at Bar Blue and Est! Est! Est! - "... sorry at least half an
hour wait"… |
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So
we walked over to the city centre and found Casa Bella in
Victoria Street.
This
was very nice and our waiter Chris was very cheerful and accommodating.
Coffee - and complimentary meringues - was even brought to
us by Franco, the owner, and no, they didn't know who we where!
We had soft drinks, wine, garlic bread, 3 meals, extra side
orders and coffee. The whole bill was £46.00.
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Verdict:
Excellent and very reasonable.
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The
verdict: if you intend eating in the Albert Dock, we suggest
you book a table, or eat early to avoid being disappointed...
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