River Explorer Cruise – Mersey Ferries

Ferries have featured on the River Mersey for over 800 years. Today, the world famous ferry service will show you the key sites from the waterfront and give you a unique perspective into city life.

Key highlights of the experience 

• Entry to the U-Boat Story included in the full River Explorer ticket. See first-hand the amazing life in board a real World War II  German U –Boat at Woodside ferry terminal 
• The Mersey Ferry “Snowdrop” is a Dazzle Ferry. Created by Sir Peter Blake, the eye catching motifs cover the boat’s exterior. On board there are exhibition panels that explain more about Dazzle Shops and the role they played in the country’s wartime history. 
• Flexibility – you have to redeem your ticket at the Pier Head terminal but you do not have to do the cruise first – if you want to start your Liverpool adventure on the bus, you can!
• A chance to explore the historic city from the sea, the road and from above: 

Choose between the:

River explorer ticket

Take a relaxing 50 minute cruise, discover the well-loved legacy of Liverpool and the river Mersey. Departing hourly, this river experiences sails from Liverpool, Pier Head and calls at Seacombe and Woodside, Wirral. Included in your ticket is also free entry to the U Boat Story, a fascinating insight into life on a German U Boat during the war.

Do the double 

If you want to see more of Liverpool, then this is the perfect ticket for you! Combine Mersey Ferries cruise with a fabulous City Explorer Open Top Bus tour. Hop on and off at any of the sites and explore the cities hidden gems and vast history.

Where does the bus stop I hear you ask? Stops include:

• Albert Dock – take a stroll along the waterfront and perhaps make a visit to the Beatles Story, an atmospheric journey through the lives, times, culture and iconic music of The Beatles
• Museums, Gallery and Library – Hop off and visit the World Museum, Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool Central Library or St Georges Hall
• Metropolitan Cathedral – built in the 1960’s, this church is a stark contrast from the Anglican Cathedral down Hope Street, with the famous bells affectionately called John, Paul, George and Ringo
• Chinese Arch – hop off and explore the Chinatown and Ropewalks area of the city. Wander down the long narrow streets, originally laid out for the manufacturer of rigging for the sailing ships of the 17th and 18th centuries and then visit one of the many delicious Chinese restaurants. 

Do the treble Liverpool experience

For those who want to become experts in the city, enjoy the river cruise, open top bus tour and then, to top it all off, visit the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral for spectacular city wide panoramas from the UK’s  tallest cathedral tower.

Did you know: The cathedral is not only the host of the world’s highest and widest gothic arches, but also boasts the world’s highest and heaviest peal of bells and the UK’s largest, most magnificent organ.

When you book through the VisitBritain Shop, you will receive an e-voucher. Please print this e-voucher and take it with you to give to Mersey Ferries staff at Mersey Ferries Pier Head Terminal

Address: Mersey Ferries Pier Head Terminal, Canada Boulevard, Liverpool, L3 1DP, UK

For the 50 minute hop on hop off bus tour, you need to make your way to the front of the Ferry Terminal in Liverpool “Canada Boulevard”

Cruise and bus times

Cruises depart every 50 minutes from Pier Head. Cruises run from 10am-3pm. Please check times before travelling. Cruises return to Pier Head. 

Buses run a frequent service from the Ferry Terminal. Buses run from 10am-4.30pm. Please check times before travelling. 

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult

Audio guides

There is commentary on the river cruise in English but information sheets are available in French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and Mandarin. 

The bus has a live English guide on board.

Accessibly

The boat is fully accessible to those in a wheelchair and for those with pushchairs. 

The Cathedral Tower is accessible by two consecutive lifts followed by 108 stairs. Those suffering with asthma and/or other chest conditions, heart problems must consider this before visiting the tower.

How to get to Pier Head Terminal 

By car 

Leave the M6 at Junction 21a and take the M62 towards Liverpool. Follow the M62 to the end, keeping directly ahead for the A5080. Continue on this road until it merges into the A5047, following signs to Liverpool City Centre, Albert Dock and Central Tourists Attractions. Pier Head Ferry Terminal is signposted from the city centre

Car parking is available near to the waterfront and Pier Head at Q-Park, Liverpool One, 35 Strand Street Liverpool City Centre, L1 8LT. 

By public transport

Timetable information can be found here