Stunning New 'Scouse House' Opens

Exactly 100 years to the day after its iconic neighbour the Royal Liver Building opened its doors, The Museum of Liverpool welcomed its first visitors yesterday (19th July).

A stunning new addition to the city’s famous waterfront and its vibrant culture, the Museum demonstrates the city’s unique contribution to the world, showcasing popular culture, while tackling social, historical and contemporary issues. obviously football and The Beatles have their share of the space, but there are fascinating galleries devoted to trade, the growth of the city and Liverpool's contribution to the modern world.

There is no doubt that it sets a new world standard for museums - the quality of the spaces, exhibits and interpretation is truely fantastic - with over 6000 exhibits, many of which have never been shown before.

I particulary like 'Little Liverpool', the interactive gallery for the under 6 year olds, with its mini River Mersey, complete with working Mersey Tunnels and dock gates. And there;s a decent sized cafe with views of the Albert Dock, which is sure to generate the much needed revenue to help run the building.

Liverpool glitterati were out in force at the opening evening - with Yoko Ono (she apparently helped broker the negotiations with Apple to permit Beatles footage to be exhibited), boxer John Conteh and comedian Ken Dodd (his tickling sticks have their own display!) amongst those that I spotted!

www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol

Sunny Days in Sandside

For fear of causing traffic jams and crowds, I wasn't going to draw your attention to a corner of North Lancashire (or is it South Cumbria?) which is often passed by on the drive to the Lake District. But with the best B&B in England  (http://www.no43.org.uk/) , a beach which rivals any on the West Coast and a handfull of small businesses offering quality sevices, I thought that it was only right that I give Arnside and Silverdale a bit of profile.

Nestling on the edge of Morecambe Bay and the estuary of the River Kent, this area seems to have a micro climate all of its own with more sunny days than its inland neighbours. From the top of Arnside Knott - just a short walk up the 150m high hill from the village - the view across the Bay to the Lakeland Fells is spectacular. 

For a top day out, take a picnic to Sandside beach, buy an ice cream from the van on the Prom, have tea and cakes in the Cafe at the Wolfhouse Art Gallery in the Forest at Silverdale. Oh, and make sure you leave time to climb to the top of the hill for the views!