It would be something of an understatement to say that Liverpool is a fairly famous name in the naval world. In fact, it was once one of the busiest ports in the world and it’s still one of the largest in the UK.

Factor in history like its ties to the slave trade, Cammell Laird, Cunard, White Star, the Lusitania, the Titanic and Liverpool’s supposed role as the gateway to the UK for rock’n'roll and there’s a resounding connection to the sea through the years.

So much so that much of the city’s 7.5 miles of ports and docks constitutes a freakin’ World Heritage Site, dubbed Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City.

Although the Liverpool Boat Show is currently at the heart of a storm that has little to do with the weather, there’s still a lot going on on the Mersey in 2011 - besides the tourists on the ferry to the Spaceport - and this week brings HMS Liverpool to Pier Head.

The destroyer was built at Cammell Laird over 30 years ago and returns this week for a five-day stay that will include a service at Our Lady and St Nicholas’ Church; a march by its crew through the business district; and a civic reception at the Town Hall.

HMS Liverpool sails in at 9AM on Thursday morning and leaves on Monday at 1PM. There’ll also be tours around HMS Liverpool over the weekend.

HMS Liverpool
Cruise Liner Terminal
Liverpool Pier Head
Arrives 24 February; tours on 27, 28 February, 12-4pm; leaves 28 February