Merseyside Maritime Museum, Liverpool (must see)

Both Liverpool and the wider Merseyside region have a long and proud maritime history. The area's name comes from the River Mersey, the broad waterway that connects Liverpool with the Irish Sea. At the time, this direct access to the sea helped Liverpool grow into one of the world's great trading ports during the Industrial Revolution.

The Merseyside Maritime Museum tells the story of that relationship with the sea. You'll find it at Albert Dock, right in the heart of Liverpool's historic docklands, surrounded by warehouses and waterfront buildings that reflect the city's commercial past.

On the ground floor, exhibitions explore the shipping companies and ocean-going lines that helped turn Liverpool into a major center of international trade. Elsewhere in the museum, you can learn more about everyday life in a busy port city, including the work of Customs and Border Control.

One of the most moving sections focuses on the Titanic. Although the ship was built in Belfast and sailed from Southampton, she was registered in Liverpool and carried the city's name on her stern. The exhibition explores Liverpool's connections with the liner and tells the stories of some of the people involved in her ill-fated maiden voyage.

The museum is also particularly good for families, with interactive displays and maritime-themed activities taking place throughout the year.

If you have some extra time, look out for tours of Liverpool's Old Dock, located nearby. The dock dates back to the early 18th century and played an important role in Liverpool's development as a major port.

Practical facilities include lockers on the ground floor, useful if you don't want to carry coats or bags around the exhibitions. And after your visit, you can head upstairs for a drink or something to eat, while enjoying views across the docks and toward Liverpool's waterfront.

With its mix of historic objects, personal stories, and interactive exhibits, this museum is an easy way to understand just how closely Liverpool's identity has been tied to the sea.