Tate Liverpool & The North West cruise

Liverpool - Douglas: 73 nm
Douglas - Whitehaven: 44 nm
Whitehaven - Fleetwood: 51 nm
Fleetwood - Preston: 38 nm
Preston - Liverpool: 35 nm

Liverpool
The extensive art collection of the Tate Liverpool Gallery is a must-see visitor attraction and is part of the Albert Dock, which is also home to the maritime museum. Liverpool boasts more museums and art galleries than any other UK city outside London.Apart from art and culture there are numerous shops, restaurants and theatres throughout and for the Beatle fan there is the customary visit to the Club Tavern, or the 'ferry across the Mersey' and the famous riverfront. South of the Albert Dock is Coburg Dock where the marina there has facilities including a restaurant and conference room. Access is through the Brunswick Dock which opens generally 2 hours either side of HW.The Mersey has strong tides up to 5 knots during springs.The approaches are by the Crosby, Queen's channels and the river itself which does not present any major difficulty, although the presence of commercial ships should be noted in the shipping lanes and channels.

Douglas
The Isle of Man with its capital Douglas is uniquely distinct in its culture, character and independence within the British Isles. Douglas is a very popular seaside resort that overlooks the bay with its sweeping promenade lined by Victorian hotels, theatres and the famous horsedrawn trams.There is a good selection of facilities located off the promenade.Among other modes of transport is the railway to the Laxey Wheel and Snaefall, the highest peak on the island and a bus to Peel Castle on the west coast. The marina is particularly sheltered as it is set in the inner harbour, where a sill water retention system allows access 2.5 hours either side at HW.The outer harbour is used by ships and fast-ferries. The coastline north of Douglas offers some wonderful scenery with Snaefell Mountain behind Laxey.The small outer harbour at Laxey is a drying harbour which has good shelter except in SE winds. Alternatively anchor south at Garwick Bay, where there is good holding. Perhaps take a picnic on the beach, beside the glen streams.

Whitehaven
Visit England's north-west at Whitehaven on the Cumbrian coast and a gateway to the Lake District via Keswick. Explore some of the colourful Georgian streets of this 18th century planned town.The Beacon centre has commanding views of the town below. Go shopping on Luther Street or the market held beside the tourist office. The marina facilities are centrally in the inner harbour, which has good shelter. Entry is through the sea-lock from the outer harbour. Every two years the town hosts the Whitehaven Maritime Festival and Three Peaks Race event.

Fleetwood
Fleetwood on the River Wyre, and its marina is approached along the well lit buoyed river channel. Although note that a ferry-port is downriver of the marina, where an enclosed dock provides good shelter.The marina village has many shops, places to eat and leisure facilities and is on the promenade road of this traditional seaside resort. Go on the electric tram or visit the beauty of Morecambe Bay.

Preston
Sail up the River Ribble covering 15-miles from the open sea to England's newest city at Preston.This stretch is rich in wildlife and provides an interesting passage. The marina is entered through a sea-lock incorporating a lay by berth and a swing bridge into the basin. The Riversway complex has shops and restaurants at the marina. The city dates back to the Doomsday Book and places to see are the Harris Museum & Art Gallery,The Guild Hall and Charter Theatre.The University city has a vibrant choice of places to meet, dine and entertain.