Because of its relatively compact size, Liverpool is a great city to explore on foot as there is so much to see at ground level. There are several self-guided marked walks that take in the city's sights including a Maritime Walk, a Music Walk and a Culture Walk. Guided walks can be arranged through the tourist information office and visitors can either join a group or arrange for a private guide.

Maghull Coaches (tel: (0151) 933 2324; website: www.maghullcoaches.co.uk) operate double-decker sightseeing buses on which tour guides give an audio commentary pointing out sights of interest and detailing their history along the way. Passengers can jump on and off at any of a number of stops.

A particular favourite with children are the Yellow Duckmarine (tel: (0151) 708 7799; website: www.theyellowduckmarine.co.uk) tours aboard an authentic WWII landing vehicle that begins on dry land at Albert Dock before entering the water and heading along Liverpool's historic waterfront.

And no trip to Liverpool is complete without taking a ferry across the Mersey: in summer ferries travel out to the famous old fort at New Brighton. Ferries depart from the Pier Head ferry terminal close to Albert Dock and are operated by Mersey Ferries (tel: (0151) 330 1444; website: www.merseyferries.co.uk).