Liverpool, United Kingdom cruise holidays

From a centre of world trade and maritime industry to a hub of culture, Liverpool has evolved so much over the centuries. Nowhere is this more evident than at the Royal Albert Dock. Join a guided stroll among the stunning Grade I listed buildings here to discover architectural gems as well as a local gin distillery where you can try various varieties of the delicious nectar.  

 

Drink in the views on a scenic city tour and you might find yourself admiring locations from hit TV show Peaky Blinders, or the famous cathedrals at either end of Hope Street – one of which is the largest religious building in Britain. Some people like to worship their idols in another venue, and you can get a special look at Anfield – the home of Liverpool FC – on a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous stadium. And if you’re keen to discover the story of the city’s most famous sons, a visit to The Beatles Story – included in a Fab Four-inspired walking tour – is simply essential.

 

 

Top sights and attractions in Liverpool

 

Liverpool's amazing architecture

Step off your ship at Liverpool Cruise Terminal and you can plot out a short stroll that passes by the ‘Three Graces’ in just 10 minutes (although you’re sure to take longer as you pause to admire each one). Gaze up at the liver bird statues perched on top of the famous clock towers of the Royal Liver Building, admire the beautiful Cunard Building and marvel at the domes of the famous Port of Liverpool Building. Keep an eye out for The Beatles Statue and, if you fancy stretching your legs a little more, head to the central St George’s Hall, a stunning neoclassical wonder.

 

 

Royal Albert Dock

Retaining the historic charm of what was one of the world’s most important trade hubs in the 19th and early 20th centuries, Royal Albert Dock has been carefully preserved and redeveloped to create a hotbed of culture. Visit here on your Liverpool cruise holiday and you can dive into attractions such as the International Slavery Museum, Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story, an immersive exhibition with original memorabilia and even an explorable yellow submarine. Royal Albert Dock is just a short walk from Liverpool cruise port and there are plenty of places to recharge during your visit, with cafés, bars and restaurants sprinkled around, as well as shops.

 

 

Cathedrals of Liverpool

Cruises to Liverpool give you the chance to visit a huge number of famous landmarks and, when it comes to places of worship, you’re spoilt for choice! Liverpool Cathedral is the largest religious building in Britain and the eighth biggest church in the world. It’s free to visit, but you might choose to pay the small fee for the audio guide and Tower Experience. The latter offers the chance to soak up a 360˚ view from the rooftop – 152 metres above sea level – taking in all the city’s great buildings and, on a clear day, even Blackpool Tower!

If you want to find Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, you might ask the locals for directions to ‘Paddy’s Wigwam’, as they often call it. Or you could simply look out for the distinctive and intriguing structure, which rises up above the Knowledge Quarter like a giant concrete tent.

 

 

Things to do in Liverpool

Hear live music at the Cavern Club

Music fans should never leave on their cruises from Liverpool without having visited the Cavern Club. It’s practically the law in this city! The iconic cellar was the venue for countless early performances by The Beatles at the beginning of the 60s and has since hosted rock royalty including Arctic Monkeys, who played here before hitting the big time. Head down any day of the week any time after 11am and you can sit back, sip a drink and soak up some live music while picturing the raucous nights when the Fab Four filled this atmospheric place with their legendary sound.

 

 

Explore the British Music Experience

Immerse yourself in more than 70 years of rock and pop in the UK’s only museum dedicated to celebrating British music. See stage-worn outfits that once belonged to Freddie Mercury, The Spice Girls, David Bowie, Dusty Springfield and more. And admire instruments played by the likes of Noel Gallagher and the Sex Pistols. Think you have what it takes to be a star? You can learn and play classic songs on real instruments in the Gibson Brands Interactive Studio, or have a go at Dance the Decades, where a virtual instructor teaches you various moves from the past 70 years. There’s even a handy phone holder so you can film your moves and share them with friends.  

 

 

Visit the Merseyside Maritime Museum

From the world-famous docks to the city’s strong connections to the Titanic, Liverpool has a rich seafaring past. You can delve into this fascinating heritage at the Merseyside Maritime Museum, one of the many attractions at Royal Albert Dock. Book yourself in for the Old Dock tour, admire the vintage shipping posters, discover the story of RMS Lusitania – the beloved Cunard ship, which was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915 – and peer into the murky, dangerous world of smuggling as you find out about the work of customs officers in the Seized! gallery.

 

 

Food and drink in Liverpool

For centuries, sailors in northern Europe often ate a type of stew known as lobscouse, and over the years Liverpudlians’ fondness for it led to their nickname ‘Scousers’. You can still find this hearty dish served in plenty of pubs around the city, but there’s so much more on offer when it comes to food and drink in Liverpool.

Bold Street is known for its bohemian spirit and, while there are some chain eateries here, you’ll also be spoilt for choice of independent cafés and restaurants serving everything from tapas, steaks and cakes to Thai, Lebanese and Mexican food.

Whether you fancy a quick pint, a handmade cocktail, a light bite or a sit-down lunch, Royal Albert Dock has a range of venues for every mood, and many of them offer waterside views and seating. Take your pick from traditional fish and chips, fresh pizzas, Middle Eastern small plates and juicy steaks.

 

 

Shopping in Liverpool

From tiny boutiques to massive stores, Liverpool offers it all. Looking for something unique? Bold Street is a brilliant place to find vintage clothes and used books, as well as homeware bits and bobs, all at great prices. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to stop for a rest and you can pause for photos at the beautiful St Luke’s Bombed Out Church.  

The weather in Liverpool can be changeable (you’re on the coast of England, after all!) so you might choose to do your shopping indoors at Metquarter. This large mall in the heart of the city is home to many major-brand stores and sometimes hosts independent markets too. Liverpool One also offers a mall-like experience as well as dining and various activities including minigolf, an escape room and myriad types of gaming.

Visiting one of the attractions at Royal Albert Dock? Why not tag on a little souvenir shopping? There are several stores here offering everything from gifts and Beatles memorabilia to sweet treats and Liverpool-inspired art.

 

 

Culture and history of Liverpool

Shipping, football, music, nightlife, culture… Liverpool’s rich heritage spans so many different industries, pastimes and art forms.

This is a lively and unique city whose history – which can be traced all the way back to the late 12th century – you’ll see and feel as you walk around the vibrant streets. You’re spoilt for choice for things to do in Liverpool and, as you explore, you’ll find there are countless museums, galleries and attractions offering insight into the city’s fascinating story.

But Liverpool isn’t stuck in the past: it continues to evolve and there are always new cultural scenes emerging here. So, why not delve into the local foodie delights with influences from around the world, soak up some live music at an atmospheric bar or dive into exciting activities at a next-generation entertainment venue?

 

 

Liverpool port facilities

Liverpool cruise port is surrounded by many of the city’s most popular landmarks and attractions: the Royal Liver Building, The Beatles Statue and the Cunard Building are all within a short walk. So is Royal Albert Dock, which is packed with museums, shops, restaurants and bars. This means there’s no real need for facilities at Liverpool Cruise Terminal. Simply step off your ship and head out to explore. But don’t forget, Liverpool weather can be changeable, so it’s worth checking the forecast and maybe carrying a jacket.