City guide: Liverpool

Wednesday, 4pm Check into the Hotel Indigo (10 Chapel Street, www.hotelindigoliverpool.co.uk), a new “boutique” establishment which celebrates the city’s cotton heritage.

6pm Decamp to the hotel’s Cotton Lounge for a quick sundowner.

7pm Taxi to Goodison Park, where Everton are hosting Chelsea in a League Cup quarter final. Sample a pre-game drink in the St Francis de Sales Parochial Club (Salop Street, 0151-207 4821), where the real fans congregate.

8pm Experience the entertainment in a ground that is a wonderful throwback to old-fashioned stadiums, with wooden floors and steep stands.

Thursday, 8am Breakfast in the well-appointed restaurant at Hotel Indigo, with fresh fruit, yoghurt and muesli offering a healthy alternative to the traditional full English breakfast.

11am Morning coffee at McGuffie’s (10 Castle Street, www.mcguffies.co.uk), a trattoria-style bar and coffee house.

1pm Visit the Beatles Story museum (Britannia Vaults, Albert Dock, www.beatlesstory.com, admission £15.95) where you’ll learn everything there is to know about the band.

4pm Wander round the Tate Gallery (Albert Dock, 0151-702 7400, www.tate.org.uk, admission free). Located just around the corner from the Beatles Story, the museum is currently hosting a superb exhibition devoted to Alice in Wonderland.

8pm Dinner at the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill, at Hotel Indigo. It would be rude not to order the steak.

Friday, 9am Before checking out, work off your over-indulgence at the hotel’s 24-hour fitness studio.

The Facts Rail travel from Edinburgh to Liverpool starts from £65.70 for an off peak return, see www.thetrainline.com