I went on a pub crawl towards Aintree racecourse ahead of the Grand National

The Grand National kicks off today and many racegoers will be looking for the best pubs and bars in the area to enjoy a drink.

Walton Vale is only a 15 minute walk to Aintree racecourse and along this road you will find a fascinating selection of venues to enjoy a drink. It is home to many traditional pubs such as The Black Bull and The Windsor, both of which have welcomed customers through their doors for decades.

In recent years an array of quirky and independent bars have opened up on Walton Vale, making it one of the most popular areas in North Liverpool to meet up with family and friends for a drink.

Read more: 21 questions to test your Grand National knowledge

Read more: Busy street lined with pubs where 'everyone becomes mates' just minutes from the Grand National

I visited Walton Vale on the weekend and enjoyed a pub crawl towards Aintree racecourse ahead of the Grand National Festival. I had a drink inside 7 different venues starting from The Windsor and ending at The Queens Arms which sits a stone's throw away from the home of the world's greatest steeplechase.

Every bar was in close proximity to the next and with every place visited leaving a different impression, it made for the perfect pub crawl to suit different tastes.

The Windsor

The first pub I visited was The Windsor. As one of the oldest pubs in the area, it has been a staple venue on the North Liverpool road for decades. It is always a popular place to visit and is often busy at any given time of the day.

With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, The Windsor was the perfect place to kick-start the pub crawl. There are plenty of seating options throughout and a large beer garden to its rear. It is a great place to meet up with friends and there are