I loved Liverpool. First, if you're a Beatles fan there's lots of stuff in downtown Liverpool relating to them.  Two places that I went to that they played at are: The Jackaranda (check out the lower level, I think it opens at 8 pm) and The Cave (which is more popular, thus more crowded).  Then there's The Beatles Store right near the Cave.  I loved exploring the city by myself.  Most people are nice enough to point you in the right direction if you get lost but sometimes that's when you find the coolest things.  Check out the Bluecoat school of Arms music school.  I didn't get to go inside...  THere's also the oldest Chinatown in Europe there.  It was awesome.  George Hall, which was accidentally built backwards, Queens Anne's Park and just interacting with the locals.  Although they can be difficult to understand at times.  Food wise, I'd stick to ENglish, Indian or Chinese.  Sorry to the Liverpoolians but they can't do American or Mexican ( if you even manage to find a mexican restaurant) very well.  London is only 8 hours away by train!  I didn't get to go but remember that.  Also, everything is approximately twice as much as it is here.  It's spendy!