I stuck to Garry's recommendations for Liverpool both visits and was not disappointed. And to have GarryRF and Mrs. GarryRF on my second visit show me around Liverpool and the surrounding area was really cool!
All the museums are wonderful in Liverpool. The Walker Art Gallery is one my favorites in Europe http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/walker/ and the Emigrants to a New World gallery at the Merryside Maritime museum gives an interesting look at those leaving Europe.
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.or...oor-plan/emigration/
Now in Manchester, Chetham's Library and John Rylands Library are two of my favorite library's anywhere.
Here was my blog on Manchester on TG with some photos.
https://www.travelgumbo.com/blo...ty-will-surprise-you
Good luck narrowing things down. I needed to go back to see more of the surrounding areas! I still do!