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Rivalries are a common and, some would say, much-loved part of the sport of football. For the most part, such rivalries are rooted in friendliness and generally don’t develop into full-blown hatred or animosity. There are many well-known football rivalries in the UK; Manchester United versus Arsenal and Blackburn versus Burnley are just two prominent examples. In Liverpool, though, it is the rivalry between the Everton and Liverpool football clubs that gets the most attention. This rivalry has split apart families and rages on year after year; some would say that a genuine chasm exists between two clubs that sit – geographically speaking – just a few kilometres apart from one another.

Money At The Root Of The Rivalry

As happens so often, an argument over money is what laid the foundation for the long-running rivalry between Everton and Liverpool. Prior to 1892, Everton was the premier football club in Liverpool. The team played at Anfield; Everton’s then-owner had a disagreement with the owners of Anfield concerning rent. Rather than work it out, Everton moved over to nearby Goodison Park and Anfield’s owner recruited a handful of Scottish players to form the Liverpool football club. From there on out, a fierce rivalry ensued.

A Very Local Derby Is Great Fun For All

Despite the rivalry between the Everton and Liverpool clubs, it is clear that the majority of fans relish the situation. The Merseyside derby is one of the most talked-about events in the region, attracting huge numbers of passionate fans who show up to support one of the two teams. Liverpool supporters deck themselves out in red, while Everton fans wear blue with pride. Some would say that Liverpool is the more successful team – after all, Everton nearly faced relegation back around 2000 and 2001 – but supporters on both sides are equally avid.

Get In On The Famous Rivalry

If you’re an avid football fan and want to see a long-running feud in action, make it a point to attend a Merseyside derby. Be sure to book Liverpool hotels well in advance, as they can sell out quite quickly when the derby is on. For added convenience, select hotels in Liverpool that are within walking distance of either Anfield or Goodison Park; as close as the two fields are to one another, it shouldn’t be a problem. On game day, wear the colour of your choice and get in on the fun.

The Lake District offers more recreational opportunities than perhaps any other region in the land, and every year millions flock to its shores, fells, woods, dales, and trails. Sometimes lost in the myriad of opportunities which include hiking, boating, bird watching, cycling, golfing, and even horse racing, is the ancient pursuit of angling. If you are looking for some of the most pristine, unspoiled fisheries anywhere, including majestic sea coasts, meandering rivers, and sparkling lakes, plan a few days in the Lake District. You’ll discover some of the best fishing of your life. Bring your own gear or hire what you need at one of the many tackle shops that dot the shores. Let’s take a whirlwind look at some of the angler’s hot spots you’ll want to explore on your next trip to this fish-catching paradise.

Why not start in the north, where some of the most picturesque river settings also offer great fishing for trout. Try Rivers Border Esk, Liddel and Lyne, and fish stretches of stream where your only competition are the Ospreys. Expect to net a Brown Trout or perhaps a Char. Next door, Oakbank Lakes offers a stocked fishery where 20 lb pike are not uncommon. Just to the south, the lower River Eden, with landscape befitting the name, offers a good mix of game fish, including Browns and the occasional Rainbow Trout.

Fishing all along the coast is fantastic. Cast a line at Beckfoot in pursuit of Mullet, Flounder, and Sea Trout on their way inland. Maryport, Workington, and Harrington offer excellent results for these fish, and other species including Salmon and Bass. Inland, Mockerkin Tarn, Bassenthwaite Lake, and Derwent Water, present leisurely sport and a good chance to hook into a real fighter, be it a Pike or Cumbrian Carp, or any number of smaller fish species that are perfect for a shore lunch. After a fulfilling day on the water, retire to one of the inviting and affordable Lake District hotels to share fishing stories with the other anglers over a pint and a fine meal.
Fly fisherman will want to stick to the running water at Cogra Moss, River Greta, River Cocker, or River Eamont to try and lure the plentiful Brown Trout to take your fly and peel off some line as it heads down river. Wear yourself out with fresh air and fishing, then stop in to any local last minute hotel at the end of a memorable day. You’ll understand why Lake District rivers are the preferred spots for not only locals, but fisherman the world over!