The Grand National is one of the best-known horse races in the world. The handicap steeplechase, run annually in mid-April at Aintree Racecourse, just outside Liverpool, is the highlight of a three-day meeting, with a total attendance in the region of 150,000 people. The race is a fantastic spectacle, with up to 40 runners racing over 4½ miles and attempting to negotiate 30 of Aintree's unique fences.

History

The origins of the race date back to 1829, when the owner of the Waterloo Hotel, William Lynn, built a course and grandstand at Aintree. Although a matter of much debate among historians, the consensus is that the first official Aintree Grand National took place in 1839. The inaugural winner was Lottery, the 5/1 favourite. It has been an annual event ever since, with the exception of the World War I years of 1916-18, when it was run at Gatwick and during World War II, when no race took place from 1941-45.

The most successful horse in the history of the race was Red Rum, trained at nearby Southport by Donald "Ginger" McCain. Prior to the 2012 event, Red Rum was the only horse to win the race three times (1973, 19744 and 1977). His first success was perhaps the most memorable. He jumped the last fence some 15 lengths behind Crisp (who was conceding 23lb), but caught up to win by less than a length in one of the most memorable finishes ever seen in the race. Pictured below the statue of Red Rum erected at Aintree

Importance to Liverpool

The importance of the Grand National to the city of Liverpool cannot be overstated. With the race arousing so much worldwide interest, it is an ideal opportunity to promote the image of the city and the region in general to a TV audience that regularly exceeds half a billion people. The week of the Grand National is also the highlight of the year for bars, restaurants, hotels and shops in Liverpool and the surrounding area. The event attracts an influx of 65,000 visitors to the area, many of whom use lodging-world.com to find accommodation. Local businesses benefit to the tune of an estimated £9 million.

Away from the thrills and spills of the National, Liverpool has much else to offer tourists.

Heritage and Culture

Liverpool is rich in heritage and culture. The city was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2004. The impressive waterfront runs from Albert Dock, with several Grade-1 listed buildings, via the Pier Head as far as Stanley Dock. These are a legacy of the key role played by the city in world trade and the growth of the British Empire in the 18th and 19th centuries. Culturally, the city is a leading destination for museum visitors, theatre goers and art aficionados.

Golf

Near Liverpool there are three 'Royal' courses - Royal Birkdale (Southport), Royal Liverpool (Hoylake) and Royal Lytham & St. Annes. Along with these prestigious Open Championship and Ryder Cup venues, there are many other high-quality courses for visiting golfers to enjoy.

Shopping

Liverpool ONE, located in the city centre, is a stylish new shopping centre with all the best-known high street brands. Nearby, within a few minutes’ walk, is the exclusive Metquarter shopping centre, featuring a range of fashion and beauty outlets, along with a selection of coffee shops, cafes and restaurants. On Mathew Street, in the vibrant Cavern Quarter of the city, Cavern Walks offers perhaps the best clothes shopping in Liverpool, with a diverse range of independent retailers.

Easter is a great time of year to meet up with family and friends and spend some much needed quality time together. This Easter, there are plenty of fantastic things to do all around the country, guaranteed to keep everyone entertained during the spring break. We have put together our top five places to spend the Easter weekend this year.

Explore the Capital

There are plenty of great places to explore in the capital, many of which are holding events across the Easter holiday including Kew Gardens. There are lots of fun activities here centred on chocolate including a Maya chocolate adventure trail, a chocolate making and craft event and an Easter egg hunt. Children can also enjoy the gardens with adventure fun in treetop towers and indoor play in climbers and creepers plus many more places to discover here.

The National Trust

The National Trust is holding Easter events up and down the country in collaboration with Cadbury's at over 250 locations. Depending on which National Trust venue you choose, there are a range of activities including the egg trails to win a prize, games and face painting. One such place running this event is Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. As well as the Easter event, visitors can explore the magnificent house and beautiful landscaped gardens.

Lake District

One of the most beautiful landscapes to explore in the UK has to be the scenic Lake District National Park. Easter is a great time to visit whether you want to walk the fells in all their spring glory or explore the surrounding towns and villages. One Easter event not to be missed if you have children is the Peter Rabbit Easter Egg Hunt at the Beatrix Potter Museum in Bowness-in-Windermere. This gigantic egg hunt takes place across Cumbria with 110 eggs waiting to be found and 10 larger prizes to be won. Clues and a map are given to find each egg, which have been locally designed and are limited edition collectors' items.

Cornish Easter

Cornwall is a beautiful corner of the UK with unspoilt landscapes, dramatic coastlines and quaint villages dotted around the countryside. For an Easter event with a difference, head to the Eden Project. Their freaky nature event is all about unusual plants from sticky plants to exploding plants and includes interactive displays, obstacle courses and story-time sessions.

 Yorkshire

This vast region offers something for everyone. Discover cosmopolitan cities such as Leeds or historic cities such as York. Explore the beautiful National Park and the many villages offering traditional Yorkshire charm and hospitality. There are lots of Easter egg trails and fun for the whole family around the region including Easter weekend activities at Harewood House near Leeds. Celebrations include an Easter egg hunt and a children's craft village.

Whatever your plans are for the Easter holidays, it is worth including one of these top five places to visit into your itinerary. There is something for everyone whether you want family fun, adventure in the cities or the peace and quiet of the countryside.