Mersey River: Tours and Guided Visits

Made famous in the 1960s pop music scene, the Mersey River is the main artery through Liverpool. On a Mersey River boat tour, immerse yourself in the ambiance of the “Capital of Pop.”

Take in the city’s emblematic red brick buildings, historical structures and modern architecture as you glide through this northwestern English gem.

Here's all you need to know about navigating the Mersey River, one of the best sightseeing tours in Liverpool.

What are the most popular Mersey River boat tours?

Ferry tours on the Mersey are the most popular boat tours in Liverpool, and with plenty of excursions per day, tour providers make it easy for you to experience the Beatles’ hometown by boat.

Seeing Liverpool by ferry is not only a relaxing way to see the city’s landmarks, it’s also an integral part of Liverpool’s musical history. Take the “Ferry cross the Mersey” as sung by Gerry and the Pacemakers in 1965, and you will relive moments in 1960s pop music.

Ferry boats on the Mersey feature open-deck and indoor seating areas, restrooms and cafes. Audio guides in major European and Asian languages tell the colorful backstory of the sights on your tour.

How much do Mersey River boat tours cost?

• Adults (over 16 years old): £11
• Children (5 to 15 years old): £7.50
• Infants (under 5 years old): free

Which places are seen with a Mersey River boat tour?

Cathedrals

Pass by Liverpool’s two cathedrals that sit within view of the Mersey. See the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ with its conical design and the Liverpool Cathedral’s gothic revival style.

Museums

Central Liverpool houses numerous museums within sight of the Mersey. Spy the Tate Liverpool, the Mersey Maritime Museum and the Museum of Liverpool as you float by.

Royal Albert Dock

Home to days’-worth of entertainment, the Royal Albert Dock contains restaurants, museums, shops and interactive zones. Hear about its rich history, from smuggling to the Beatles.

The 3 Graces

One of the first attractions to see on a ferry tour of Liverpool are the 3 Graces that sit next to Pier Head. Built in the early 1900s, the three structures are an integral part of Liverpool’s skyline.

Snap photos of the Royal Liver, the Cunard and the Port of Liverpool Buildings as you start or end your tour.

Beatles History

Fab-Four history abounds along the banks of the Mersey. The Beatles performed a concert series aboard a ferry, “The Royal Iris,” in the mid ‘60s.

You may be lucky enough to see or ride the Razzle Dazzle Ferry “the Snowdrop,” designed by the “Sergeant Pepper’s” album cover artist Sir Peter Blake. Hear even more Beatles history from your guide.

How long does a boat trip last?

Mersey River boat tours last 50 minutes, but some tour providers allow you to hop on and off at sites that interest you throughout a 24-hour period.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Mersey River boat tours leave from Pier Head, located near the Birkenhead Tunnel in central Liverpool.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Liverpool?

Late May through September provide the best weather for a river boat trip in Liverpool. However, the area’s temperate climate can make a boat trip in any season enjoyable with proper clothing.

Taking a ferry tour at the beginning of your visit to Liverpool can be a great way to get oriented to the city and decide which attractions you’d like to see in more detail later in your trip.

Travel tips

• Arrive 25 minutes before your departure to redeem your voucher.
• Bring a jacket or sweater, as there may be a cool breeze over the river in any season.
• If you suffer from motion sickness, take medication one hour before your trip.