The Royal Albert Dock is one of the most popular free tourist attractions in the UK and once you’ve visited, you’ll see why.
Steeped in history, home to a number of museums, great attractions and an array of bars and restaurants – the Albert Dock has everything you need to enjoy a great day out and get a real sense of Liverpool.
Here is our guide on the Top 10 things to do in the Albert Dock.
1) Visit the Tate
Please note: Tate Liverpool’s site at the Royal Albert Dock is temporarily closed for redevelopment. You can find smaller offerings of exhibitions at RIBA North, Mann Island.
The Tate Liverpool is a modern and contemporary art gallery showcasing a range of both British and international pieces. The Tate is free to enter with guests only required to purchase a ticket for special exhibitions if they wish to do so. You can also join a free guided tour which takes place daily- no need to pre-book, just check the times before you go and show up. Free guided tours are currently taking place at 14.15 everyday until 15th October.
Tickets for special exhibitions tend to cost around £10 for adults and if you’re aged 16-25 you can get discounted rates. Again, tickets for special exhibitions can usually be purchased on arrival, but for pre-booking or more information visit the official Tate website.
There is a family area with interactive green screen, books, blocks and workshop space which often hosts arts and craft activities inspired by the exhibitions on show at the time.
On the ground floor of the Liverpool Tate you will also find a cafe, toilets and shop selling a range of gifts, books and art supplies.
2) Check Out Rough for the Best Pastries in Town
Rough Handmade is a boutique bakery selling a range of pastries, loaves and savoury treats which are all baked fresh on site daily.
We’re not exaggerating when we say these pastries are the best around and if you plan to visit, you’ll want to get there early (particularly on weekends or bank holidays) as this little eatery is super popular and is known to sell out of its tastiest goods by late morning.
Top tip: If you have a sweet tooth try the Dulce de Leche and thank us later…
3) Take a Ride on the Wheel of Liverpool
The Wheel of Liverpool has become an iconic landmark within the city’s skyline and at an impressive 60m tall, we can see why. SItuated next to the M&S Bank Arena, the wheel has 42 gondolas, including a glass-floored VIP capsule, all of which offer a great view across the RIver Mersey and the surrounding city.
The gondolas can seat up to six adults and two children (with the VIP capsule seating four adults). The experience lasts between 10 and 30 minutes, with a stop at the top to take in the view.
Prices are £10 per child (under 2s are free) and £13 per adult with senior and family discounts available. There’s no need to pre-book unless you’re visiting during peak times or special events in which case we would advise booking beforehand. To do so, visit the Wheel of Liverpool site here.
4) Learn All About the Fab Four at The Beatles Story
The Beatles Museum is an award winning immersive attraction situated in the Albert Dock. This exhibition tells the story of the four lads from Liverpool who joined forces to create the world’s most loved band.
Inside you will find an array of memorabilia, photographs and replicas of their old haunts, including Abbey Road Studios and Matthew Street. Younger visitors will be kept entertained by the interactive exhibits and a chance to create their own music along the way in the Discovery Zone, which is open to the public on weekends.
Tickets should be booked online prior to your visit and prices start from £10.50 for a child and £19 for adults, with concession and family rates available. Book your tickets here.
5) Climb Aboard a Boat Tour on Liverpool Docks
There’s no better way to form a true understanding of the Liverpool Dock system than via boat. Learn about the history of the docks and get an up close look at the yachts in Liverpool Marina.
Liverpool Boat Tours offer half hour cruises around the docks and can be boarded from just outside Liverpool Tate. No need to book, the tours run daily from 11am and tickets cost £4 per child and £8 per adult. For more information or to pre book visit their official site.
The Floating Grace offers a unique dining experience on board this floating restaurant and bar. Choose from a lunch, evening or afternoon tea cruise and enjoy the sights of Liverpool as you dine. For more information on the different cruises on offer, including pricing visit The Floating Grace website.
6) Browse the Local Independent Shops
The Albert Dock is home to a number of independent shops and businesses where you can pick up anything from quirky gifts and souvenirs, homeware, clothing or tasty treats.
Head to Nature’s Treasures for unique gifts, jewellery, homeware and an impressive collection of rare gemstones.
Stop by Quay Confectionary for all the traditional sweet treats including fudge, pic n mix and a great choice of jelly beans. There’s also some impressive Jelly bean artwork on display in the windows.
Check out the Tate gift shop for a great range of art supplies, children’s toys and books, as well as locally made gifts and clothing.
7) Relax With a drink or Bite to Eat on the Dock
The Royal Albert Dock is bursting with a wide array of bars, cafes and restaurants that cater for all budgets and dietary needs.
Many (if not all), have undercover outdoor seating offering great views of the docks. For a quick and casual bite to eat head to Rough for delicious pastries or the famous Docklands Fish and Chips for come classic grub.
For something a bit formal try Gusto Italian restaurant or enjoy the flavours of the middle east at Maray.
Check out Rudy’s for the tastiest pizza in Liverpool. Or, head to Madre for some tacos, tequila and live music.
Wherever you go, you’re guaranteed some tasty food, pleasant views and great company. You really are spoiled for choice with bars and restaurants and there are many more that deserve a mention, check out our full guide here.
8) Catch an Open Top Bus
From the Albert Dock you can catch one of the two open top buses that operate in the city. Liverpool City Sights offer two hop on hop off routes. The ‘red route’ passes by all the iconic hotspots including the Three Graces, both cathedrals and Europe’s oldest Chinatown. Don’t forget to stop by at the Philharmonic Dining Rooms for a complimentary glass of bubbly (for Liverpool City Sights customers only).
If you’re seeking to discover more about Liverpool’s historic music scene, check out the ‘blue route’. This route passes by the main city sights before heading into the suburbs where you’ll stop at Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and get a closer look at the streets where the fab four grew up. Customers can also enjoy live music on selected tours.
City Explorer Liverpool offers three hop on hop off bus routes. The original city explorer tour which visits 11 iconic locations. Select the LFC city explorer to discover the history surrounding one of the world’s most successful football clubs, complete with a stop at Anfield Stadium, home of the reds.
The Beatles Explorer will take you on a magical tour through the city via several impressive landmarks before heading out through the suburbs to discover the fab four’s childhood homes and of course the iconic Penny Lane and Strawberry Fields.
Check out the combination ticket options including a ride of the River Explorer Cruise- check out our top 10 things to do at the Pier Head for more information.
9) Explore the Maritime Museum
Found at the heart of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront and Albert Dock is the Maritime Museum. This free attraction offers a unique insight into the past and present of Liverpool’s shipping links.
The museum spreads across four floors with a cafe, shop and offers a variety of interactive exhibitions on Border Control, the Lusitania and the role of Liverpool Docks during the Second World War to name a few.
Head to the second floor for an in depth look into the iconic Titanic. Here you will find out about life on board the ship and delve further into discovering Liverpool’s central role in the Titanic’s story. Little ones will love admiring the large models of the Titanic and other cruise liners.
Be sure to visit the International Slavery Museum on the third floor, offering a compelling collection of exhibitions on the history of international slavery and the prejudice black people faced following the abolition of international slavery. Check out the developing modern day slavery collection, highlighting the fact that despite being outlawed, slavery still exists in the world today.
The nearby Museum of Liverpool can be found towards the Pier Head, this popular attraction offers a further insight into the history of the city. For more information check out our article on the top 10 things to do at the Pier Head.
10) Challenge Yourself in an Escape Room
If you’re looking for a fun way to spend an hour or so, Escape Hunt offers a great experience for groups or couples. There are five highly immersive themed rooms where 2 to 6 players have 60 minutes in which to escape.
The rooms are aimed at older children (8+) and adults. Prices start from £20 with additional student and senior discounts available.
For groups with younger children who want to get involved, check out Escape Hunt’s two different themed outdoor games that take you on interactive missions across the city.
To check out the different experiences on offer and to book visit Escape Hunts official website.
The Royal Albert Dock is often host to a range of both paid and free events and activities throughout the year, so be sure to check out what’s happening before you visit!
