Liverpool ideas

[GaznPaula]

We'll be on Maasdam, docked in Liverpool on 8 August 2010. We'd like to use a hop-on-hop-off bus. I see several operate in Liverpool. Can you advise on which is the best in terms of having a stop nearest the cruise ship dock where we can board when we get off the ship, and/or perhaps having live narration, more frequent buses, more comfortable seating, longer hours, or anything else that would help us decide which one to use?

 

Perhaps they are all equivalent -- but perhaps not. We loved sightseeing in Boston on the Boston hop-on-hop-off trolley buses, and although there were competitors, we felt that one was the best. We are hoping to make a good choice for seeing your city, too, and will appreciate any insights you have for us.

 

Thanks!

 

Hi,

To the best of my knowledge there is only one proper hop on hop off bus tour which is under the city sightseeing banner...There is also the duck tour but it is not hop on etc..

We dont have trolly busses, but Liverpool as a city is not a massive place, and the public transport is fantastic...

The public transport system in Liverpool is far superior to that of the states, with busses and trains running a lot more frequently.

 

You can very easily walk to the Peir Head and get on the 'ferry cross the mersey' and also pruchase a Saveaway ticket whick allows unlimited travel on public transport and the ferries after 9.30 am.

 

I think you could see all the major points of interest, the Cathederals, Albert Dock, Matthew St, The Museums and plenty more, by either walking or a combination of both...

 

If you wanted to tell us the places you want to see, I could put together a little route for you

[mary_228]

I think the lack of Princess tours to Wales and the Lake District of England for our cruise is due to our port time of 11:00-9:00. The July 17 British Isles cruise is in Liverpool from 7 a.m.-7 p.m., and has more day time for the longer tours.

Great observation, and thanks for checking into it for me. I never thought to see what the excursions were for another date. I think we'll be better off doing the city walking tour laid out in this post.

[bjrose]

I posted this on another thread to help with some ideas when visiting Liverpool for a day. As Liverpool is becoming an increasingly popular cruise destination I thought I'd give it its own thread. It's my home city and I'm very proud of it. I'll be glad to answer any questions concerning Liverpool as best I can. In the meantime, here are some suggestions:

 

First of all, I am not a tour guide. I’m just someone that loves the city of Liverpool. I have lived and worked here virtually all of my life. I am also passionate about cruising and hope to help some of my fellow cruisers to enjoy my city. There is a good informative website at http://www.visitliverpool.com/

 

I am working on the basis that your ship docks at 7am, but that you won’t come ashore until at least 8.30 to 9am. Remember that Liverpool is a working city and that you’ll be arriving on a normal work day. The Pier Head where you dock is in the business district, so when you come ashore there will be lots of people arriving for work.

 

I am pretty sure that the first ferry tour is at 10am (before then it’s just a working ferry) and the Maritime Museum doesn’t open until 10am. I’d suggest that you enjoy the waterfront, which is a world heritage site and hopefully the building work that has scarred it during the whole of 2008 will be completed by July.

 

If you look around you will see the Titanic memorial, on which can still be seen signs of bomb damage. It doesn’t have Titanic named anywhere on it. http://www.titanic-titanic.com/titanic_memorial-liverpool_engineers.shtml

 

The three buildings you see are called the ‘Three Graces’ and I believe that you can access the entrance hall of each. Don’t worry in case they are not open to the public. This is England. If they ask you to leave they’ll be very polite. The Liver (pronounced Lie –ver) building is my favourite. Check out the Liver birds on top. Legend says that if they fly away then a great catastrophe will befall the city. They’re still there despite Hitler’s best efforts.

 

For anyone, like me, with an interest in history, there’s an interesting plaque, built into a wall on the left of the Pier Head as you look towards the buildings. It commemorates more than a million American soldiers who passed through the port during the second world war on their way to free Europe. We owe those boys an immense debt and I often wonder how many of them didn’t make it home. The plaque is relatively small and you may have to look for it, but stop by, take a photo and remember what we owe them.

 

Although the Maritime Museum doesn’t open until 10am the buildings surrounding it are worth a visit themselves. This is the Albert Dock area. For anyone interested there is the Tate Art Gallery in the dock. This is one of the finest modern galleries outside London, so I’m told. Admission is free, but again it doesn’t open until 10am. Those of you more interested in art can substitute the Tate for the Maritime Museum. Or do both! http://www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/information/

 

After taking a look around the Pier Head and Albert Dock buildings, it should be time for the Maritime Museum to open at 10am. Again, admission is free, and inside you can find information and exhibits tracing the maritime history of this great city from its earliest beginnings right up to the present day. My favourite exhibit is the Titanic exhibition (remember Titanic was registered in Liverpool, the home of the White Star Line) or the ‘Liverpool in WW2’ area. You can spend up to two hours in here quite easily. There are also outside exhibits such as the Harbour Master’s house and many boats are open to the public. I suggest you stay here for an hour or so. For those who like the Beatles there is a Beatles Museum (entry fee applies) at the Albert Dock. There are also tours which leave from around here. Be aware that this is a tourist area so it will get busy in July. You can get more info, and even book a tour online at

 

http://www.albertdock.com/

 

After you have finished at the Maritime Museum, you should walk back to the Pier Head (you’ll only be a couple of hundred yards away) and take the Mersey Ferry tour. Check out the timetable, so you’re not waiting too long. You can find this and even buy your (cheap) tickets online at: http://www.merseyferries.co.uk/

 

The tour will take you about an hour. You can get a snack lunch onboard. After the tour you can then head up into Liverpool proper. Don’t forget you will still be right in front of your ship, so you can even go back on board, freshen up, have lunch and still have a full afternoon ahead.

 

A taxi up into the city centre will cost very little, as it’s only half a mile or so right up to say Lime Street Station. However, it’s much more interesting on foot. Remember that you are walking in the footsteps of your forefathers when you walk through Liverpool, as something like nine million people passed through the port en route to the new world.

 

Also look around you and try to imagine it as it was in 1941 after the German bombing campaign reduced the city’s buildings to rubble, but couldn’t crush it’s spirit. Just google ‘Liverpool blitz’ and you’ll see what I mean.

 

For an interesting walk into the city you should walk up Water Street. On your right you can see India Buildings, which housed the offices of some of the world’s biggest shipping lines. At the top of the hill, just before Dale Street, you can see the Town Hall. This is an interesting building. I’m not sure if it’s open to the public or not, but I don’t think so. Worth a photo, as it was built in 1754.

 

Carry on up Dale Street until you get right to the end. Stay on the right hand side of the road so that you can navigate your way across the roads around the entrance to the Mersey Tunnel. You want to cross over to the bottom of William Brown Street to see the magnificent buildings there. If you want more art galleries or museums then you have two of the best here. The World Museum would take you hours to get around as would the Walker Art Gallery (entry to both is free). Visit these if you wish, but DO NOT MISS St George’s Hall, which stands proudly at the top of the hill. The entrance is actually at the other end of the building in St John’s Lane. Go into the Heritage centre and follow the (free) guided tour through the law courts and the magnificent hall itself. It’s a real unmissable building. See what I mean at: http://www.stgeorgeshall.eu/

 

By now it will be mid-afternoon and I think your ship sails at 7pm. You can now decide between two alternatives. Those of you who enjoy shopping can head into the centre (a couple of hundred yards away) and visit the shopping centres in Church Street, Lord Street and the new ‘Liverpool One’ Centre.

 

Those of you still craving culture should jump a cab up to the Anglican Cathedral (no more than £2-3) and visit the first of our two cathedrals. After visiting the Anglican Cathedral, take a walk back along Hope Street to see the magnificent Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ The King (Paddy’s wigwam to the locals). This was finished in 1967 and mass was said here by Pope John Paul II in 1982.

 

After shopping or visiting the cathedrals, you will probably be ready to go back to the ship, hopefully with a hatful of memories of a wonderful city. I should know, I’ve been here over 50 years!!

 

All the activities I’ve scheduled for the morning are within a few hundred yards of the ship and are within easy, flat walking range. Everywhere I’ve mentioned is wheelchair accessible. Have a fantastic visit to my city, then go and tell the world!!

 

I see you know your home well. Please tell me where to meet our friends who live there as we are to spend the day with them and don't know where to tell them to pick us up with their car. They live near Warrington and asked me to mention this.

Thank you.

bjrose

[GaznPaula]

I see you know your home well. Please tell me where to meet our friends who live there as we are to spend the day with them and don't know where to tell them to pick us up with their car. They live near Warrington and asked me to mention this.

Thank you.

bjrose

 

I will answers as I think TC is on a cruise.

I would suggest meeting your friends, if they are in a car at the Thistle Atlantic Tower Hotel on Chapel Street.

You can walk from the dock, and it it very noticeable as it a tall three sided building ajdcent to the Liver Buildings.

If they are coming from Warringtom, they will come in one the M62, and if they come via leeds street its a left turn past the old tunnel exit.

 

The Crown Plaza is closer, but operates a barrier system that you have to pay for.

[bjrose]

I will answers as I think TC is on a cruise.

I would suggest meeting your friends, if they are in a car at the Thistle Atlantic Tower Hotel on Chapel Street.

You can walk from the dock, and it it very noticeable as it a tall three sided building ajdcent to the Liver Buildings.

If they are coming from Warringtom, they will come in one the M62, and if they come via leeds street its a left turn past the old tunnel exit.

 

The Crown Plaza is closer, but operates a barrier system that you have to pay for.

Thanks.

[Towncar T]

We'll be on Maasdam, docked in Liverpool on 8 August 2010. We'd like to use a hop-on-hop-off bus. I see several operate in Liverpool. Can you advise on which is the best in terms of having a stop nearest the cruise ship dock where we can board when we get off the ship, and/or perhaps having live narration, more frequent buses, more comfortable seating, longer hours, or anything else that would help us decide which one to use?

 

Perhaps they are all equivalent -- but perhaps not. We loved sightseeing in Boston on the Boston hop-on-hop-off trolley buses, and although there were competitors, we felt that one was the best. We are hoping to make a good choice for seeing your city, too, and will appreciate any insights you have for us.

 

Thanks!

 

Hi

 

Just back from a week on the Splendour and a few days in Venice, as TillyMint suggested.

 

There is actually a HoHo bus that stops virtually in front of your ship, about 100 yards walk away in front of the Liver Building (the big building with the birds on top). Tilly is right in that Liverpool is easy to get around on foot if you are reasonably mobile. However, for those less mobile, the HoHo bus is a great alternative and it really is close to the ship. You can't miss it!!

[Towncar T]

I see you know your home well. Please tell me where to meet our friends who live there as we are to spend the day with them and don't know where to tell them to pick us up with their car. They live near Warrington and asked me to mention this.

Thank you.

bjrose

 

I will answers as I think TC is on a cruise.

I would suggest meeting your friends, if they are in a car at the Thistle Atlantic Tower Hotel on Chapel Street.

You can walk from the dock, and it it very noticeable as it a tall three sided building ajdcent to the Liver Buildings.

If they are coming from Warringtom, they will come in one the M62, and if they come via leeds street its a left turn past the old tunnel exit.

 

The Crown Plaza is closer, but operates a barrier system that you have to pay for.

 

Tilly is right and what she says will work. However, I met somebody off the Crown Princess last year (at 7am) and was able to drive right up to where the ship docked. There is also a small car park adjacent to the Liver Building (your friends will know this building) where I parked my car for a while, as I took some photos. When I brought the person back to the ship I had no problem dropping him off right at the top of the gangway.

[srbeachbum]

How is the weather in Liverpool. We'll be there the end of June. What should we expect?

Joan

[Towncar T]

How is the weather in Liverpool. We'll be there the end of June. What should we expect?

Joan

 

One attractive feature of England is the absolute unpredictability of our weather. It can be anything from bakingly hot (as it was on Saturday last) to cool and wet (as it was on Sunday!) It will, however, not be really cold, so you do not need a heavy coat.

 

A small umbrella usually comes in handy, as does a very light shower mac or a light anorak. Personally, I carry a very thin waterproof coat with a hood everywhere I go, just in case it rains. As a golfer, at this time of year I always play in a polo shirt and only put on a waterproof top if it rains. Hope that helps:)

[Anne A]

Towncar, you are a star what a great ambassador you are for our city, I spend all my money and time cruising the Med, and always am pleased to get a locals view, as a feller Scoucer, can I add in some idea's? (you might have covered some of these already?)

 

For free sites go to the World Museum and the Walker Art Gallery, right by the world famous St Georges hall, an easy walk up Dale Street from the Pier Head, http://www.visitliverpool.com/site/attractions/world-museum-liverpool-p8573

 

If you want to go to the pay attractions it may be worth while getting a liverpool pass from here;http://www.yourticketforliverpool.com/index.cfm/page/home although they claim the cathedrals charge they do not, its only if you want a specialist tour,

 

What about a visit to the Williamson tunnels, dug by men employed by the philenthropic Joseph Williamson, http://www.williamsontunnels.co.uk/

 

To get about the city centre and beyond for £1.00 a journey on public transport you want the citylink buses; they will get you to all the major sites inclu; http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/pdf/tt_Alpha/C1%20CityLink%20%28from%2004%20May%202010%29.pdf

 

No visit to liverpol is complete without a visit to the loos at the Phil, you have to go have a look at the loos; http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/panoramas/philharmonic_pub_toilets_360.shtml you get a decent pint there too,

 

Our Cathedrals are wonderful, free to enter and guarantee you a crick in the neck as you look up to see the fabulous architecture, there are free tours going every day, or you can hire audio tours,;http://www.liverpoolcathedral.org.uk/

http://www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk/

 

You could all have a great day without going further than the Albert dock with the fabulous free Maritime museum and the Tate gallery, they do charge for special exhibitions, but their permanent exhibitions are well worth the trip.

 

Liverpool One is now open and running, the Terrace has many 'chain type resturants, Nando's etc, for your complete shopping guide the web site is; http://www.liverpool-one.com/website/home.aspx John Lewis Department Store is "never knowingly undersold" and a good shop for quality products.

 

Tower buildings over the road from the terminal used the first iron structure, leading the way to skyscrapers, its worth a walk through the mall of India buildings on Water Street,

 

The Town Hall at the top of Water Street boasts many world records from the size of the chandeliers to the opulent council chambers; a free tour may coincide with your visit; http://www.civichalls.liverpool.gov.uk/index.asp

 

If this is your only chance to 'do' a stately home? then go to Croxteth Park; about 6 miles from the Terminal; http://www.croxteth.co.uk/

 

Our heritage as a port has given us many things the oldest Chinese community outside China, a melting pot of all nations make up our City, We enabled and then later disabled the slave trade, We have the first railway station (and first railway death) The major Canal link, and the longest set of Docks in Europe, We pride ourselves on Our Heritage, Our Arts, Our Football, Our Humour , but mostly we just enjoy life, and hope you enjoy it all too?

[GaznPaula]

I think after what AnnA has posted, that TC and me are out of a job..!!

Thread closed I think !!!:D

[Towncar T]

I think after what AnnA has posted, that TC and me are out of a job..!!

Thread closed I think !!!:D

 

Great info from Anne A.

 

Thread closed? Only when the Liver Birds fly away! We're still open for business as usual I think.;)

Edited June 8, 2010 by Towncar T

[Anne A]

I love my local history, social history being my thing, Victorian/Edwardian Liverpool was in the forefront of many reforms to the working and domestic lives of the people, My Heroine is Eleanor Rathbone, a rather marvellous blue stocking woman who represented the people of Liverpool on the council and as an MP, she was the sponsor in Parliament of the Family Allowance, and as a councillor, her mark around the city is found in the many bath/wash houses,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eleanor_Rathbone

 

I am a member of the 1918 womens forum she started and we often have local speakers, who talk about the hidden wonders of Liverpool, which is how I found this site; http://www.liverpoolmonuments.co.uk/ its a bit of a scatty site but if you scroll down, there is a pictorial guided walk around the boundaries of St Georges hall, and the museums, plus link and explainations about the many statues and monuments scattered around the place.

 

Another speaker informed us about the amazing work of the Liverpool School of Tropical medicine The first of its kind in the world, and still a pioneering development team, discovering new cures and treatments; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liverpool_School_of_Tropical_Medicine

 

We had a talk from the Curator of Mr Hardmans Photographic Studio; http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-59rodneystreet

His portfolio captures a city in change before and after the war, Marvellous little National Trust property.

 

A fascinating talk from Mr Wiy of the Pagoda community centre taught me loads about the oldest Chinese community outside China, and its well worth the walk up the hill on your way to the Anglican Cathedral to stop and have a look at the largest Chinese arch outside of China, with over 200 carved dragons; http://www.liverpoolcityportal.co.uk/attractions/china_town.html

The Liverpool portal has links to most of the city's attractions)

 

If you are reasonably fit, you can arrive at the terminal, have a fascinating day out without spending anything, just do a little research and wander the streets?

[GaznPaula]

Do you know that there are no roads in the city centre..???!!!!

[Towncar T]

Do you know that there are no roads in the city centre..???!!!!

 

What about London Road?:confused:

[GaznPaula]

What about London Road?:confused:

 

That ends at its junction with Lime Street and Commutation Row..

Vauxhall Road, also does not hit the City Centre...

 

Just something so silly and obvious, our city centre does not have any Roads, they are either Streets, Lanes , Alley's or Hey's ...

[Cruisebird]

We will be in Liverpool in August. I would like to follow your very interesting tour but I also want to visit the Cavern Pub.

 

Can you tell me if we will be anywhere near that we might stop by the Pub? I can't seem to get a good map of the area even at the tourism website. (I may have just missed it though).

 

Thanks for your help. Robin

[NancyIL]

I'm looking forward to visiting your lovely city in two weeks! Thanks for all the helpful info provided in this thread.

[Holly Harbor]

I think after what AnnA has posted, that TC and me are out of a job..!!

Thread closed I think !!!:D

 

Just when I thought I had printed out everything you and Towncar T have posted that will help on our upcoming cruise, along came AnnA. My folder is stuffed!! Thanks so much to you folks for pride in your city, your knowledge and willingness to share. DH and I will be on the Crown Princess docking in Liverpool on Sunday, June 27...just fourteen days from now. I wouldn't even think of taking a ship's excursion...your walking tours sound more appealing!

[Anne A]

We will be in Liverpool in August. I would like to follow your very interesting tour but I also want to visit the Cavern Pub.

 

Can you tell me if we will be anywhere near that we might stop by the Pub? I can't seem to get a good map of the area even at the tourism website. (I may have just missed it though).

 

Thanks for your help. Robin

You know its not the original, but a replica built in the same street? its a great venue has a good vibe; http://www.cavernclub.org/ will give you all the details you need including a postcode to stick in google maps? I was in there a few weeks ago for a friends gig, and it was jumping!

[GaznPaula]

We will be in Liverpool in August. I would like to follow your very interesting tour but I also want to visit the Cavern Pub.

Can you tell me if we will be anywhere near that we might stop by the Pub? I can't seem to get a good map of the area even at the tourism website. (I may have just missed it though).

Thanks for your help. Robin

 

You want a hotel by the Cavern ..?

The Hard Days Night hotel is 50 yards away...

 

I would use google maps which will give you the ability to search.

 

Other hotels

The Hilton

There are also cheaper hotels , like The Premier Inn , Vernon St

Travelodge - Heymarket

[Cruisebird]

I did not know it was a replica. However it seems like it might be a good place to grab lunch for the day.

 

We don't need a hotel. We are coming on the Crown Princess for the day only.

 

Thanks for the info and I look forward to visiting Liverpool!

[Anne A]

The Cavern is not a good place to eat :eek: but there are plenty of places around the area where you can eat, depending on what you want, you can get a pie to munch as you walk or a sit down pub meal in the Grapes further down the street, or theres a good couple of Italian places nearbye

[GACRUISER456]

I don't see any discussion of these tunnels on this thread. These looked like a great attraction to see while we are there, but maybe not? Is there much to see at the tunnels? Interesting, fascinating? Worth the walk and time?

 

I am putting my list of activities together and the time schedule seems to be getting tight, so something may have to go. I'm wondering how good this site is and is it worth dropping something else to get here.

 

Thanks for all the help!

[Anne A]

It depends on whether you like tunnels or not, they are a fabulous feat of engineering? here is the link for tours; http://www.merseytunnels.co.uk/nossl/html/faq.php#1

and here is a little of their history;http://www.tunnelusers.org.uk/history.htm

I drive through the Birkenhead Tunnel twice a day to work and don't think about them they are just there, but an engineers dream?