Eight Hours Ashore in Liverpool , England UK
Oddly the only places I have visited whilst cruising around the UK have actually been in another country (Le Havre, Cobh, Dublin, Zeebrugge…) so when I started to work on a little series of Information Blogs for the new UK only staycation cruises there was only one way to start - I asked for help from the incredibly knowledgeable Cruisers in the Cruise Addicts and TalkExplore Facebook groups. They didn’t let me down and this Blog is based on their generous information, ideas and experiences.
What is there for Cruisers to do on a day in Liverpool?
It all seems to be summed up the the words of my lovely cruising friend Carol who says “To see all the amazing things that the great city of Liverpool has to offer one would need a week , but here is a taste…” Carol is a massive Liverpool FC fan so obviously she suggests you begin with a visit to the stadium at Anfield but I think will will follow my normal routine by starting with…
Where does the ship dock in Liverpool and what is nearby?
Plans for the new Cruise Terminal
The answer to that is - right in the centre of town and pretty much everything! Your cruise ship will lie alongside the 350m floating pontoon at the Cruise Terminal - on the River Mersey. This was opened in 2007 and meant that tendering or entering the locked docks was no longer necessary, a new terminal is due to be competed in 2022. There are walkways up from the water to the shore which may be a little steep at low tide.
Apart from the Beatles landmarks mentioned below most sightseeing can be done on foot as the city is so compact. Unusually Liverpool has two Cathedrals (Anglican and Roman Catholic) - very different but both magnificent. They are probably the furthest distant attraction from the ship at about a forty minute walk but are on the red HOHO bus route which leaves from the Cruise terminal. Although you can go further afield there is a lot to see that is nearby and within easy walking distance, it does seem that you could have a great self-guided day for not much money at all! In fact one lovely Cruise Addict commented:
“Please, please don’t take a city tour -the city is so compact you could walk from the furthest attraction to the cruise port in about 3/4 hour. Please ask and we’ll (us scousers) will help as much as we can xx”
QM2 docked in Liverpool Photo: Rachel Kolsky, Go London Tours
What does the term Scousers mean?
Scouser is a term used to describe someone who comes from Liverpool - it has its roots in a type of Norwegian Fishermans stew that used to be eaten locally - it is a term of endearment not an insult. Scousers are proud of the success of other Scousers and will happily list many famous Scousers such as the 60s pop stars such as Cilla Black, Billy Fury, the Searchers, the Fourmost and Billy J Kramer. Also other musicians Elvis Costello, OMD, Melanie C, Atomic Kitten and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, comedians Ken Dodd, Jimmy Tarbuck, Kenny Everett, Les Dennis, John Bishop, Stan Boardman and actors Taron Egerton, Jodie Comer, Jason Isaacs, David Morrissey, Tom Baker and Daniel Craig.
The most famous Scousers of all…
were definitely the Beatles. All four were born and brought up in Liverpool and you could spend a whole days sightseeing completely devoted to them!
For many people Liverpool IS The Beatles so lets start with ideas for a day seeking out the Liverpool of the Fab Four. This is mainly out in the suburbs so you will need some sort of transport but there are options…
From the ship, it is a short walk to Albert Dock and on the way you will pass the larger than life Beatles Statue which was unveiled in 2015. At Albert Dock itself you’ll find The Beatles Story - the worlds largest Beatles exhibition, covering their journey from Liverpool to International Superstardom.
Outside, you can pickup a yellow Magical Mystery Bus for a tour which takes you to see some of their most important locations. It takes about 2 hours and drives past Penny Lane, the childhood homes of both Paul McCartney and John Lennon before concluding at the Cavern Club.
The two houses - ‘Mendips', John Lennons home and 20 Forthlin Road, Paul McCartneys - are actually owned by the National Trust who run a minibus tour to them from the city centre. This is the only way you are able to go inside, other tours either stop briefly outside or just drive by. You cannot just turn up for a National Trust tour but have to prebook well in advance. Access is limited so if visiting on a cruise when there will be many tourists in town I would book here as soon as possible -they are very small houses!
The Liverpool City Sights HOHO bus also begins its Beatles route at Albert Dock but also has a stop at the Cruise terminal. The Red route covers sights which are close into the City Centre but the Blue Beatles route takes you out of town - there is a good map here….
One Cruise Addict said
“we loved the Hop On Hop Off bus - every host is a comedian and they are hilarious. We cried with laughter.”
Of all the various tour options the one which seems most highly recommended is The Fab Four Taxi Tour which takes you further and shows you more - for example it visits Strawberry Fields and all four Beatles homes. It is £135 for up to five people so as long as you get a group together it is good value. Cruise Addict Rick Green said;
“The driver has a big folder to show you everyplace they stop to show you its factual and describes everything. You get out everywhere. He even took us into a private school to show where Paul met John and there are photos and articles showing it. Nobody goes in there for tours. It's across from John's aunt's grave and Elinor Rigby and Father McKenzie graves. You see them all and go into the barber shop on Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields and go to each Beatles homes where they grew up. The yellow bus never stopped as we'd see them pass us up at most places. Honestly, the very best tour we've ever been on. He can't take you into the Cavern Club but will drop you off there at the end if you want or pick you up there to start the tour.”
The Cavern Club - home of the MERSEY BEAT
The famous Cavern Club where The Beatles made their first appearances is in Mathew Street, within walking distance of the ship. Although it is a recreation of the original it is well worth a visit even if you’re not a Beatles fan as it was home to the Mersey Beat - the name given to the music of many famous 60s acts who started here including Cilla Black, Gerry & the Pacemakers, Billy Fury, the Searchers and Billy J Kramer.
If these are names from your past you might want to check online to see what time bands are on during the day. Apparently it's a real party atmosphere with a small dancefloor - you might even be lucky enough to see someone famous to show up.
What is there to do on Liverpool Waterfront?
All of the following attractions are on the waterfront and within easy flat walking distance of the ship
PIER HEAD was the original landing spot for passenger ships calling at Liverpool. It is still in use as the landing stage for the Birkenhead Ferry - the famous ‘ferry cross the Mersey’ leaves from here on round trips - leaving on the hour, every hour. There is plenty to see on the other side too including the Secombe Space Museum and a German U boat. You can do a crossing on the standard ferry or choose a Mersey Ferry Heritage trip which although a little cheesy (they play ‘Ferry Across the Mersey for the whole trip) also has a very informative narration about the history of Liverpool - you can buy combined tickets that include The Beatles Story.
The Mersey ferry with Cruise Terminal behind
Facing Pier Head are ‘The Three Graces’ that form Liverpool's UNESCO designated World Heritage Maritime Mercantile City. These are three imposing buildings - The Royal Liver, Cunard and Port of Liverpool that form the iconic Mersey skyline.
ROYAL LIVER BUILDING has two imposing clocktowers that each bear a copper Liver Bird. These mythical birds have been the symbol of Liverpool for over 800 years since King John granted a Royal Charter. A unique seal was created which featured this imaginary bird - it remains the cities crest today.
The two magnificent copper Liver birds, named Bella and Bertie, have been perched on top of the Royal Liver Building since 1911. Standing an impressive 18ft tall, they have a wingspan of 24ft! Bella looks out to sea, watching for the safe return of seamen and Bertie looks inwards, watching over the their families. There are over a hundred other pairs of Liver Birds throughout the city so get counting!
Now open as the Royal Liver Building 360 you can tour this magnificent building all the way to the top for a fabulous view of the City, access is mainly by lift but there are a few stairs too. Another Cruise friend Betsy -Jane described the views from here as “Phenomenal”, she added “ You are up on a level with the Liver Birds and as an added bonus we got to see the steeplejacks working on them - they earn every penny!!”
CUNARD BUILDING - the Cunard Line had its beginnings in Liverpool in 1840, with its first Transatlantic cruise leaving from Liverpool in 1870. The Cunard Building was the home of shipping line from its construction in 1914 until the 1960s. It housed both the offices and Cunard's passenger facilities. The former headquarters of the White Star Line, Albion House, were nearby - the two companies merged in 1934. The building remained the headquarters of Cunard until the 1960s, when they decided to relocate their UK operations to Southampton on England's south coast and their global headquarters to New York. Today it is home to the British Music Experience - a national museum covering British Popular music. Described as an interactive experience, it showcases over 600 pieces of memorabilia, covering music dating back to 1945.
PORT OF LIVERPOOL BUILDING Built in 1907 at a cost of £350,000 , this grand building was the headquarters of Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for 87 years. It is decorated internally and externally with maritime themes including a compass, anchors, seahorses, ships’ bells and shells - another good spy game for the kids! Nowadays the ground floor is open to the public and the grand, ornate interior has featured in many films including Danny Boyle 2019 film Yesterday from 2019, which imagines a world where the Beatles never existed in the first place!
If you enjoy searching out film locations on a cruise you might like to investigate Reel Tours . This is a walking tour that takes you around some of the locations in the city that have featured on film - the Liver Building for example featured was in the latest Batman movie.
Further on along the waterside you will reach The Museum of Liverpool Life - it is about ten minutes walk from the terminal - very popular with great exhibits covering the 800 year history of Liverpool and its people. Its maritime history and the information on the WW2 years is fascinating and it is big on Social History. In the Liverpool on Wheels section you can see the first vehicle that rolled off the conveyor belt at Fords Motor factory in nearby Halewood and one of the old overhead railway carriages. It has a huge tribute area to all the Scousers I mentioned above - in particular popular Comedians Ken Dodd, Jimmy Tarbuck, Kenny Everett and Les Dennis.
ALBERT DOCK - is just one of the many Docks that make up Liverpool Port and just outside the museum. It is good place to wander around with the Tate Modern Gallery, The Maritime Museum, The Museum of Slavery and of course the Beatles Story mentioned above as well as cafes and restaurants. The Maritime museum has an excellent section which explores the cities links with Titanic and the White Star line. Take a boat trip from here aboard the Floating Grace canal boat - listen to a commentary as she travels through the canal and the historic Liverpool Dock Basins - prebook for a lunch or afternoon tea tour. The shops here are good and there is also a fabulous shopping Area called Liverpool 1 within walking distance of the ship.
LIVERPOOLS CATHEDRALS
The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
Liverpool is only British city with two cathedrals. These are located at opposite ends of the aptly named Hope Street - between them two bronze statues commemorate the lives of Bishop David Sheppard and of Archbishop Derek Worlock who worked together as a uniting force for the City during the 1970s and 1980s. The Liverpool Anglican Cathedral and the Catholic Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King are vastly different in architecture but both are majestic and beautiful. The Anglican Cathedral dates from 1904 and is Britain’s biggest Cathedral. Its tower is open visitors every day and boasts spectacular views across the city.
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King was originally conceived to be similar to the Anglican Cathedral. Of the original Lutyens design only the design, only the Crypt was built before risings costs following WW2 meant that the the design was abandoned. It was completed in 1967 as a modern, circular Cathedral which features modern works of art and glorious multi-coloured windows above the original Crypt.
St Johns Beacon – 360 Experience
There are also great views from the top of the old Radio City tower that featured in the old Brookside television series. The St Johns Beacon is topped with a modern glass round observation deck. It is very easy to find as it is the highest tower in the City - there are views across the waterfront to the Wirral and even to North Wales on a clear day.
Did Titanic ever visit Liverpool?
No - Liverpool was where the White Star Line was based and it was home port but Titanic never visited - going directly from the shipyard in Belfast where she was built, to Southampton for her maiden voyage. Titanic, at the time the largest ship in the world, left Southampton for New York on Wednesday 10 April 1912. On board were 922 passengers, rising to 1316 after calls at Cherbourg and Queenstown (Cobh). With her crew of 892 she had a total of 2,208 people on board. This was only 50% of capacity but her 20 lifeboats only held about half of those on board. At 23.40 on Sunday 14 April she struck an iceberg south-east of Newfoundland, which fatally damaged the hull. The ship sank two hours and forty minutes later with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.
But although Titanic never called into Liverpool there were many links with the city - she was designed and commissioned from the White Star offices on James Street, the White Star Chairman, the Captain and the chief engineer all lived in Crosby and about 90 other members of the crew came from Liverpool, including the lookout, Fred Fleet, who spotted the iceberg.
There are many small links and references to Titanic throughout the city - for example the musicians, who played on as the ship sank, were booked by Blacks, a Liverpool agency. They are commemorated on a plaque in the city's Philharmonic Hall, close to the statues on Hope Street.
Liverpool and Football
As well as two Cathedrals, Liverpool has two football clubs - both stadiums are on the HOHO bus route and offer tours of the stadium, pitch and grounds which need to be booked in advance. You can visit either the Anfield ground of world club champions, premier league champions and six times European Champions Liverpool FC or that of rival club Everton. Their ground Goodison Park was the first major English football stadium, which opened in 1892. The rivalry between the two clubs is legendary - Liverpool FC play in red and Everton in blue - confusing the two teams will make you unpopular with any supporter!
Ideas for a day out from Liverpool
Moorfields train station is a ten minute walk inland from the Cruise terminal. You can but tickets in advance online or from the ticket office and machines at the station. Simple ideas for a day out from Liverpool by train include
Port Sunlight (10 - 15 mins - Wirral Line) a model town specifically built to improve the lifestyles of employees of the Unilever Factory. The company is still based there today and owns well known brands such as Ben and Jerrys ice cream, Dove, Axe spray, Liptons tea and more. The model town was built in 1888 and is well preserved. The Lady Lever or Port Sunlight Museum showcases its history and that of the Lever brand.
Crosby (20 minutes - Blue Line) the beach is home to Anthony Gormleys art installation, ‘Another Place’ - 100 statues of iron men stand at at different points on 3km of beach and shoreline being covered and uncovered at different points of the tide. There are many links here to the Titanic with the owner, captain and chief engineer all living in Crosby.
Southport (45 minutes - Blue line) is a Victorian seaside town with a beach and small funfair. Like many seaside towns it has seen better days but it is still worth a visit and there is a nice stroll around the lake.
Manchester (45 minutes from Lime Street Station) Loads to see here including the set of the iconic Coronation Street and two more famous football clubs…
Chester (an hour from Lime Street Station) is an exceptionally important historic town with well preserved Tudor buildings, and Roman walls and amphitheatre. You can walk the city walls in an hour, stroll by the River Dee or visit the world famous Chester Zoo.
There is so much more that you can see and do but I will finish with another quote from a lovely Cruise Addict that seems to sum Liverpool up!
“One of the best things about Liverpool is the people, scousers are in the main a funny, friendly bunch and treat everyone as extended family. Please ask and we’ll (us scousers) will help as much as we can “
I hope you have enjoyed reading this and that its given you some ideas for your day out in Liverpool, I always love to know what you think so it would be great if you commented below! There are also some small affiliate links there which help towards the running of the website - if you click through and buy anything from them it gives us a few pence but doesn’t cost you any extra! It’s a great help and thanks to all those who do!
Happy portExploring!
Cathy
xx
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