Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Billinge

"We’ve learned appreciate our city like never before, and this stunning location is one we’ve all missed. Take a walk, run or jog, while enjoying the unmistakable atmosphere and spectacular views, and this month, as Royal Albert Dock has seen more incredible stores and eateries reopening, so it’s well worth treating yourself to a tasty takeout. Further details here"

"Every corner of the Royal Albert Dock is worth a photograph so spend the afternoon taking a walk around to see what you can spot. Grab a photo in front of the entrance to The Beatles Story, lean against the Liverpool Mountain, or grab a selfie with the waterfront skyline. View this post on Instagram"

"Head down to the docks and you won’t miss this large scale multicoloured display. A new installation by Ugo Rondinone, which is his first of his artwork in the UK. Ugo Rondinone is a New York based, Swiss artist."

"Britain's largest church, this magnificent neo-Gothic building is also the world's largest Anglican cathedral. It was designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (creator of the red telephone box) and is a stunning bit of architecture, managing at once to provoke awe at its size as well as a profound feeling of intimacy. You can climb the tower for an unparalleled view of the city and beyond: on a clear day you can see Blackpool Tower 55 miles away."

"One of the oldest buildings in Manchester, the Cathedral has a vast and extensive history that can be traced back to humble beginnings in the 7th century, becoming a Cathedral in 1847. Having survived significant damage during both World War II and the IRA bomb, the Cathedral has undergone extensive refurbishment several times over the past century, creating a lovingly preserved building that appears much more modern than it actually is. The Cathedral is open to the public, who can admire the architecture and numerous little quirks inside, including the misericord wood carvings and bees on the roof."

"Manchester Cathedral has been around since 1215, but has gone through multiple refurbishments. It’s not a massive cathedral but is a nice way to spend an hour or so. Entrance is free (although donations are encouraged)."

"Until the erection of today’s popular 1960s building, Roman Catholics in Liverpool had no true cathedral in which to worship. Edward Welby Pugin, son of the more famous Augustus, was commissioned to design a cathedral in 1853 but only part of it was built, which served as a parish church until it was demolished in the 1980s. After the Anglican cathedral began to rise at one end of Hope Street in 1904, Sir Edwin Lutyens was commissioned to outdo Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s design at a new site at the other end of the same street."

"Officially known as the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, Located at Cathedral house is the amazing Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. This Grade II building is the seat of the Archbishop of Liverpool and the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool. Known to locals as the “Catholic Cathedral”, other nicknames for the building include “Paddy’s Wigwam”, “The Pope’s Launching Pad”, and “The Mersey Funnel”."

"Famous as the stage where the Beatles made their debut in 1961, Liverpool’s Cavern Club has become a place of legend, hosting not only the Fab Four, but the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, and many more household names. The influential club remains one of Liverpool’s top live music venues to this day."

"You can't come to Liverpool without heading to Mathew Street to see the famous Cavern Club. Either stand in front of the legendary sign to grab your picture or head down into the basement to recreate the swinging 60s. View this post on Instagram"

"0 km from city center 9 out of 10 places to visit in Liverpool. The Cavern Club is located at 10 Mathew Street in Liverpool. This club is famous as The Beatles used to play here in their early years."

"Covered by bluebells in spring, this ancient woodland is the longest stretch in Lancashire and is a special scientific interest site. Set above the River Ribble, this natural area is accessible through Brockholes Local Nature Reserve. Click the next ARROW to see the next image!"

"Like Contemporary Six, Generation also offers the Own Art scheme. Artworks range from under £100, to a whopping £49,000, with bestsellers including Kerry Darlington’s fantastical resin creations and JJ Adams’ subversive celebrity depictions. Whether you’re a serious collector, or simply after a quirky piece for your home, you’d do well do beat it."

"CFCCA is the UK leader in Chinese visual culture, with a reputation for debut solo exhibitions and a roster of internationally-renowned artists; impressive considering that, three decades ago, it was just a series of events in Manchester’s Chinatown. As Manchester’s Chinese population is second only to London’s, the centre’s heritage is particularly important; now represented in a new archive and library. Best feature: A vibrant events schedule, spanning film screenings to workshops and even Mandarin lessons"

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Arthur John Picton used under CC BY-SA 2.0. Built in brick, painted with stone dressing, featured slate roof, and with an H-shaped design – Bluecoat Chambers was built between 1716 and 1717 as a charity school and then later on turned into an art center. It is one of the oldest buildings in central Liverpool and the most well-known in the area too, because of its striking architecture."

"The oldest remaining building in central Liverpool, Bluecoat Chambers is packed with history. Opened in 1717 as a charity school, the building now operates as an arts centre. Following damage to the building suffered during the Liverpool Blitz in 1941, a period of restoration saw the venue re-open fully in 2008, to celebrate Liverpool’s year as City of Culture."

"As one of Liverpool’s most established restaurants, having won copious awards over the years, this is the restaurant to visit for a special occasion. Part of the London Carriage Works hotel which was built in the 1860’s, it has recently been revamped and features a number of different menus going from breakfast all the way through to dinner. Expect to find the likes of smoked haddock with poached eggs on the breakfast menu and lamb rump niçoise, seared sea bass and coconut pannacotta."

"A 2 AA-Rosette restaurant in Liverpool, The London Carriage Works serves modern British dishes using local, seasonal produce. With a name arising from the former occupiers of its Victorian site, the restaurant is now a modern venue with wooden flooring…"

"The award-winning London Carriage Works fuses contemporary international dishes while sourcing local produce for its mouth watering menu. You can expect seasonal dishes which will keep you coming back again to try something different each time."

"Masterchef champion Simon Wood’s first restaurant is a relaxed venue with a wide range of choices to dine from. An a la carte menu featuring dishes that led Simon to his Masterchef title, and a seven-course tasting menu with exceptional wines to match. The open kitchen means you’ll spend every dining experience watching Simon create the dishes that brought him to the fore in 2015."

"Set in the iconic Midland Hotel, the cosy booths, stylish décor and relaxed atmosphere of The French by Simon Rogan makes for an opulent date night. Worthy of any special occasion, quality food is at the heart of this operation with meticulously crafted tasting menus. The French’s absent Michelin star is well documented, but the infamous missing star isn’t all bad - diners can experience Michelin standard food without the waiting lists and price tag."

"Chef-Patron Adam Reid is no stranger to fine dining and has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants during his career. He even scooped the dessert top spot on BBC’s Great British Menu, with his signature dish Golden Empire. Diners at The French can expect the same creativity from Adam with the menu putting his stamp on modern British cuisine."

"Adam Reid at The French is one of the city's top fine dining restaurants, boasting an array of awards from 4AA Rosettes to multiple inclusions in The Good Food Guide. The chef, a Manchester native, likes to put a twist on modern British food across a choice of four, six or nine courses."