Let’s go to Liverpool …

Tell me about it
It’s not just about football and the Beatles. Liverpool Fashion Week, the largest such event in the UK outside London, starts on 13 October and makes a point of being about fashion for everyone: tickets to catwalk events are just £10 (under-14s free). And ... OK, it is sort of about the Fab Four ... the Beatles Story museum has teamed up with LA’s Grammy Museum for an exhibition, opening on, called 16 October The British Invasion: How 1960s Groups Conquered America. It includes previously unseen photos of the Rolling Stones and memorabilia from the likes of Ringo Starr and Lead Belly. And on 7 November, Transmitting Andy Warhol, opens at Tate Liverpool (to 8 February).

If all that makes me hungry?Just across the dock, enjoy Venetian small plates at Salt House Bacaro: try delicious pizzette with toppings of pulled pork and fontina cheese, or roasted cod with caramelised cauliflower. If you’re splashing out, The Art School is a new fine dining restaurant and bar from Paul Askew, one of the region’s best-loved chefs. The smart setting (in a former Home for Destitute Children dating from 1888) complements dishes like seared king scallops with smoked pork loin. The prix-fixe lunch menu – three courses for £29 – is great value.

Time for a tipple?
There’s a speakeasy vibe at tiny Jenny’s Bar on Fenwick Street, with its velvet curtains and plush banquettes. Cocktails are tasty – try Jenny’s Daisy (£8). Motel is a new self-styled dive bar on Fleet Street, all neon, loud juke box and fun vibe.

Anywhere to stay for under £100?
Sure. Z Liverpool has cool compact en suite rooms at bargain rates – all have nice big TVs with Sky Sports and Sky Movies included (doubles from £35, thezhotels.com). From 29 October, Aloft Hotel will open in a Grade II-listed building, with high ceilings, oversized windows and huge showers (doubles from £69, alofthotels.com).

Do I need a car?
No. All You Need is Love... and a train ticket (two hours, 13 minutes on Virgin Trains from London; other networks run from major cities).