2 Days in Liverpool /

Are you not interested in seeing Liverpool itself? I spent four nights there, and didn't run out of things to do. And yes, while Beatles sights are certainly a draw, there are plenty of non-Beatles sights too.

If you do want to get out of Liverpool, Chester is an easy train ride. Local trains are cheap, and run 4 times an hour Monday through Saturday and 2 times an hour on Sundays.

Rick has a very good Liverpool chapter in his Great Britain book and his England book (same chapter in each).

For more details of how I spent my time there in September 2016, here's my trip report; just skip down to the Liverpool and Chester sections: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/uk-trip-report-glasgow-manchester-liverpool-in-september-2016

With only two days in Liverpool, it makes no sense to take day trips. Manchester, Blackpool, and Chester would be the easiest day trips. If you want to see the Lakes District, head there rather than Liverpool.

Liverpool is a wonderful city, with plenty of attractions that aren't Beatles or football related, that will keep you busy for well over 2 days.

I have been to Liverpool and we do plan to tour some things there (what do you recommend there.) any suggestions are welcome. We are also staying near family in the Prescott area and taking a train to Edinburgh for 2 days.

As others have said, it doesn't make sense to take day trips outside of Liverpool if you'll only be there for two days. There is plenty to see and do in Liverpool. This site will give you some ideas https://www.visitliverpool.com/

Further, in my personal opinion the Lake District is overrated. i found the town of Keswick to be touristy in a way that didn't appeal to me. The scenery was, in my opinion, nothing special.

We only had one day in Liverpool, and I took my kids on a black cab Beatles tour that lasted about 4 hours. I did all of the things my ancient heart had longed for, but the highlights Beatles-wise were the Mersey River and the church where Eleanor is buried.
However, one of my favorite sights was the Anglican cathedral - well worth a couple of hours' time.

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I will be investigating.

Liverpool has a fantastic art gallery, particularly if you like pre-Raphaelite art: http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/

Don’t miss the central library which is close by the Walker Art Gallery (Hornby Library and Oak Room). Really enjoyed walking through and admiring the architecture and displays.

Non Beatles/Football suggestions for Liverpool:

Both cathedrals offer a very interesting contrast. The Roman Catholic cathedral is 60's modern at its best/worst, it's not far from the classic looking, but relatively modern Anglican Cathedral. The Philharmonic pub is nearby, if you're male go see the solid marble toilets.

The bombed out church is also worth seeing, it's a church whose interior was destroyed by WWII but the exterior still stands.

There are numerous museums on the Albert Docks. I like Tate Liverpool, but it is modern art. The Museum of Liverpool and the Maritime Museum are also excellent.

There are excellent real ale pubs on Dale Street. Thomas Rigbys is my favourite, but Ship and Mitre is also excellent.

At Philharmonic Hall, there is often classical music, but there are also other genres scheduled. They often have inexpensive chamber music and solo recitals.

Liverpool One is far more than a shopping centre. it is full of numerous restaurants from fast food to fine dining. There's also an excellent cinema, but I doubt you'll be there long enough to see a film.

The World Museum hasn't been mentioned by anyone. It's another place you might enjoy visiting. http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/

Thanks everyone, I appreciate all of your suggestions. We really would like to get out of the city at least one day. What are your thoughts on Llandudno?

Be sure to stop by Puffle Waffle at the Albert Dock and get one. The one we got had chocolate on it. Delicious. But they have many kinds.

All good suggestions!

There is a boat ride on the canal connecting Liverpool to Manchester, an essential route for manufacture at the start of the Industrial Revolution. Go by boat one way, return by bus. Lots to see in Manchester and good Indian cuisine.

There is a boat ride on the canal connecting Liverpool to Manchester, an essential route for manufacture at the start of the Industrial Revolution. Go by boat one way, return by bus. Lots to see in Manchester and good Indian cuisine.