Welcome to Liverpool cruise port! Nestled along the scenic banks of the River Mersey on England’s west coast, Liverpool port boasts a strong maritime heritage and a vibrant culture. Liverpool is known across the world as the birthplace of the iconic Beatles, whose journey can be traced in the Beatles Story Museum located within a short walk from Liverpool cruise terminal. In this article, read about:
- Liverpool cruise port (Liverpool cruise terminal, getting around)
- 10 best things to do in Liverpool port
Visit also our cruise port guides to Dover, Holyhead, Glasgow (Greenock), Inverness, Belfast, Cork, Dublin
Liverpool Cruise Port
Liverpool cruise terminal (aka Cruise Liverpool) is nestled along a UNESCO-listed waterfront on Princes Parade and consists of a 350-metre-long berth that can accommodate large cruise vessels. Upon sailing into the city, make sure to come out on the upper decks to enjoy breathtaking views of Liverpool’s skyline, the historic Pier Head, and the iconic Liver Building.
Liverpool is a turnaround port equipped to handle the embarkation and disembarkation processes efficiently, providing facilities for check-in, baggage handling, and other services (including long-stay parking) necessary for the smooth turnaround of cruise ships.
The cruise ship timetable can be found on Cruise Liverpool’s official website, providing a detailed description of docking times and itinerary. The iconic Pier Head ferry terminal is situated right next to the cruise terminal, in front of the Liver Building. It offers themed boat excursions across the Mersey River.
Liverpool is pedestrian-friendly, which allows cruise passengers to easily explore the city on foot. Within a short walk from the terminal, you can explore some of the city’s main attractions which include the iconic Royal Albert Dock, the Royal Liver Building, The Beatles Story Museum, and the Maritime Museum. Liverpool Town Hall, the famous Cavern Quarter, St. George’s Hall, and Liverpool Cathedral are all located within a 10-30 minute walk from the cruise dock.
Getting Around & Local Transportation
- Public transportation is available within a 5-minute walk from the port of Liverpool. You can find routes, prices and timetables on the official website https://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/
- Liverpool One bus station is the main bus station in the city and is located a 15-minute walk from the cruise terminal.
- Liverpool Lime Street is the main railway station and is situated next to St.George’s Hall, a 25-minute walk from the dock.
- Liverpool Hop on Hop off bus tours are available within a few minutes’ walk from the terminal and they depart every 15 minutes, providing an easy and flexible way of sightseeing. Unlike traditional audio-guided tours, Liverpool’s Hop on Hop off experience has “real” guides who bring a personal touch to your adventure. Check the offers on Viator and Get Your Guide
- Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located approximately 9 miles (a 30-minute drive) southeast of Liverpool Port.
- The port of Liverpool is often included in British Isles cruises, and some of the major cruise lines sailing from/to Liverpool include Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Cunard Line, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises and Silversea.
- Explore Liverpool tours and activities
- Book a private transfer to/from Liverpool cruise port
- Find accommodation
10 Best Things to Do in Liverpool Cruise Port
Liverpool Cruise Port is packed with activities that combine music, history, and culture. Whether you’re a Beatles fan, an art lover, a history buff, or a football fan – Liverpool has something for everyone!
1. The Beatles Story Museum
Immerse yourself in the legendary story of The Beatles at The Beatles Story exhibit, a tribute to the iconic band’s meteoric rise to fame. Nestled within the historic Albert Dock in Liverpool, this immersive experience invites visitors to embark on a journey through the captivating story of The Beatles’ legendary career.
As you enter The Beatles Story Museum, you’re taken back to the band’s humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club. Follow John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr’s journey from Liverpool to fame worldwide.
The exhibit features realistic recreations of key moments in The Beatles’ career, allowing you to wander the streets of 1960s Liverpool, watch their breakthrough concerts, and experience the thrill of their journey to America at the height of Beatlemania. The Beatles Story Museum at Albert Dock is easily accessible as it’s located within a 15-minute walk from the terminal.
Explore The Beatles Story Museum tours and activities
2. Royal Albert Dock
Take a leisurely stroll down the historic Royal Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Victorian-era red-brick dock buildings that have been renovated and today house museums, restaurants, and cafes. Nestled on the waterfront and accessible from the port within a 10-minute walk, this historic location provides the ideal blend of history, culture, and entertainment for cruise ship guests looking to experience Liverpool’s charm.
Once at Albert Dock, you’ll be surrounded by a fascinating collection of museums, galleries, shops, and restaurants. Explore the maritime history of the Merseyside Maritime Museum, admire contemporary artwork at the Tate Liverpool, or simply indulge in retail therapy at numerous shops. If you want to enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Liverpool, go for a ride on a 60-meter-high Wheel Of Liverpool, located near the complex.
Check out Royal Albert Dock tours and activities
3. Liverpool Waterfront
Enjoy the scenic beauty of Liverpool’s waterfront, nestled within the Pier Head neighborhood, known for its “Three Graces”, or three historic UNESCO-listed structures that include the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, and the Port of Liverpool building. Dating from the 1900s, the Royal Liver Building has become a symbol of Liverpool’s resilience, heritage, and economic prosperity throughout history. Adorned with two copper liver birds perched atop its towers, a symbol of the city, the Royal Liver Building offers an immersive audio-visual experience and an opportunity to admire the 360-degree views of the city.
Designed in an Italian Renaissance style, the Cunard Building was the former headquarters of the Cunard Line, while the Port of Liverpool Building served as the home of the Mersey Docks and Harbor Board. These three buildings will be right in front of you upon exiting the ship.
The “Three Graces” overlook the River Mersey, creating a stunning atmosphere that blends the old-world beauty of historic sites with the city’s modern energy. In this area, you can also visit the Museum of Liverpool (a history museum) and The British Music Experience (the museum of British music history).
Explore Liverpool Waterfront tours and activities
4. Liverpool Cathedral
Dominating the city’s skyline with its awe-inspiring architecture, the 20th-century Liverpool Cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral Church of Christ in Liverpool, is a monumental symbol of faith, art, and engineering. Designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott in a Gothic Revival style, it is the eighth-largest cathedral in the world and the largest cathedral and religious building in the United Kingdom.
Inside the cathedral, you can marvel at the delicate details of stained glass windows, the grandeur of the nave, and the soaring arches that define the sacred space. Standing at 331 ft (101 m) high, the cathedral’s highlight is its towering West Tower which you can climb and admire the most breathtaking panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond. Liverpool Cathedral is located approx. 1.4 miles (a 30-minute walk) southeast of the cruise terminal.
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5. Walker Art Gallery
Explore Liverpool’s rich artistic legacy at the Walker Art Gallery, located approximately 1 mile (a 25-minute walk) northeast of Liverpool cruise port. Established in 1877, the Walker Art Gallery is one of the largest art galleries in England outside of London. Named after its founder, Sir Andrew Barclay Walker, a prominent local brewer and philanthropist, the gallery has been a cornerstone of Liverpool’s cultural scene for over a century.
This Victorian museum showcases an impressive collection of European paintings, decorative art, and sculptures from the 13th century to contemporary creations. The carefully organized displays highlight the works of well-known artists, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty and diversity of European art. A cafe and a shop are available on-site. Admission is free.
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6. Cavern Club
Immerse yourself in Liverpool’s musical heritage by visiting the Cavern Club, located in the city’s bustling center on Mathew Street, less than a 15-minute walk from the port. Set in the iconic Cavern Quarter, Cavern Club is an iconic and historic music venue that played a crucial role in the rise of The Beatles and the global phenomenon known as Beatlemania.
Originally opened in 1957, the legendary club hosted The Beatles nearly 300 times between 1961 and 1963. Besides the Beatles, Cavern Club hosted the Who, the Kinks, the Rolling Stones, Queen, Elton John, and other big names in the music industry. While the original club was demolished, a faithful replica remains a vibrant live music venue today. The Cavern Club continues to attract visitors and music enthusiasts, offering a nostalgic atmosphere and live performances from a variety of artists.
Check out Cavern Club tours and activities
7. Merseyside Maritime Museum
Located within the iconic Royal Albert Dock complex, only a 10-minute walk from the cruise dock, the Maritime Museum invites you to explore the city’s rich maritime heritage. The museum showcases Liverpool’s important role in the transatlantic slave trade, naval history, and maritime commerce, including the role it played in the era of grand ocean liners, including the Titanic. Through interactive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations, visitors can explore the stories of seafarers, learn about the city’s historic docks, and gain insight into the maritime innovations that helped make Liverpool known worldwide. Admission to the museum is free.
Check out Merseyside Maritime Museum tours and activities
8. Liverpool ONE
Located in the heart of Liverpool only a 10-minute walk from the dock, Liverpool ONE stands as a bustling and expansive retail and leisure complex offering a blend of retail, dining, and entertainment experiences. With over 170 stores, this open-air complex features a wide variety of top global brands, designer boutiques, and specialty shops.
Indulge in culinary delights at a variety of restaurants featuring flavors from across the world. For those who are looking for cinematic adventures, the complex has a cutting-edge theater where you can catch the newest blockbusters or immerse yourself in the film experience.
9. Anfield Stadium
Home to Liverpool Football Club, Anfield Stadium is an iconic sports venue located in the Anfield area of Liverpool, around 3 miles (a 15-minute drive) northeast of the port of Liverpool. Anfield has been the beloved home of Liverpool FC since the club’s formation in 1892. With a seating capacity of over 53,000, the stadium is a fortress of passion, hosting exhilarating football matches and creating unforgettable moments for fans. The stadium features an award-winning Liverpool FC Story museum that provides insights into the rich heritage of Liverpool FC. Guided tours of the stadium and the museum are offered.
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10. Peaky Blinders Tour
While the popular television series “Peaky Blinders” is primarily set in Birmingham, the show has become closely associated with Liverpool due to its filming locations like the Port of Liverpool, Stanley Dock, and the Cunard Building. Fans can embark on a Peaky Blinders tour in Liverpool to explore these filming locations, immersing themselves in the world of the Shelby crime family while enjoying the city’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Explore Peaky Blinders tours and activities
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