If you're going to be near Liverpool, not far South there are two places to visit by all means:
Chester, which is one of the most beautiful English cities I've ever seen. There's the cathedral, and loads of medieval buildings. The city itself is very pleasant. I can even recommend a *great* place to eat: Weinholt's of Chester. Order welsh rarebit for lunch and make sure you come back around tea time for a cream tea (best scones I've ever eaten were in that place).
Then between Chester and Liverpool, there's my favourite shopping centre ever. It's an outlet centre called Cheshire Oaks. Loooooooooaaads of shops with a great outdoor layout, and if you go to BB's Muffins you'll get amazing muffins with fresh fruits in them. Strongly recommended!
If you can go a bit further East and visit the Manchester area, I strongly recommend going to Tatton Park - South of Manchester, very near the international airport.
Oh and of course if you have a chance to go to Nantwich (South-Cheshire), the best best best BEST Indian restaurant ever is on Welsh Row and is called the Indian Ocean. And if you go there, I'm going to be VERY VERY VERY VERY jealous!!!!!
Kaethel
ps: if you need extra recommendations of places where to eat or stuff to visit in the North of England, especially Cheshire, feel free to email me at the address in my profile.