An Introduction to Merseyside

Merseyside is in the North/West of England and is one of the most exciting and thriving economic regions in the UK. It has the fastest growing economy in the country and is home to blue chip companies such as Jaguar, Littlewoods and Royal & SunAlliance. It comprises 5 regions: Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens, Knowsley and the Wirral.

Liverpool has been awarded the European Capital of Culture for 2008.  Liverpool was named as a World Heritage city in 2004 is helping to propel this renaissance faster and further.

Visitors are going to Liverpool in increasing numbers to explore its magnificent cultural heritage.  Culture and the arts have always been important to the city: its musical impact on the world has been unique; its writers, actors and artists have been pre-eminent; its architecture has been widely imitated; its art collections world-class and its sporting prowess legendary. The spectrum of our cultural offering is astonishing.

Wirral was the home to The Open Championship at the Royal Liverpool Golf Club in 2006, is a unique and diverse place packed full of culture, heritage and sport. Wirral is a peninsula situated in the North West of England. It has two of Britain's famous rivers, the Mersey and the Dee, sweeping along the eastern and western edges and to the north the waters of the Irish Sea

Sefton’s principal town is Southport and has been described as the 'Paris of the North' and the 'Jewel of the North West', Southport is recognised as one of the most successful Conference destinations in the North West, the Southport Theatre and Floral Hall Complex being the largest conference venue on Merseyside. The perfect destination for a mid-week or weekend leisure break, with a wide range of accommodation to suit every taste and pocket Southport claims to be England's Golfing Capital - offering truly world class, championship-standard golf courses including the world famous Royal Birkdale course and host to a number of Premier Events and Festivals, including the Southport Flower Show, the Air Show, and the Jazz Festival.

St Helens offers a range of attractions to suit all interests & ages: from a wealth of heritage assets such as the award-winning World of Glass & the North West Museum of Road Transport , to top-class racing & rugby, a diverse cultural & entertainment portfolio, vibrant nightlife, unique year-round town centre events, & country trails.

Knowsley is a vibrant and unique borough offering exciting places for the whole family to visit. From the Knowsley Safari Park in the grounds of Lord Derby's Estate and the Flower Show in the grounds of Court Hey Park, to galleries, museums and the National Wildflower Centre, Knowsley offers a wide range of unmissable days out. Knowsley's community spirit and sense of fun combined with some of the North West's top attractions make it a diverse and lively place to escape to.