Liverpool ideas

[GACRUISER456]

Anne,

Those links you sent read more like they are car tunnels. I saw this website and thought it was more of a walk through kind of tunnel.

 

http://www.williamsontunnels.com/visit.htm

 

My husbands an engineer, but we drive through tunnels all the time, so if that is all it is, then we will skip it.

 

Thanks!

[Anne A]

lol, I thought you meant the Mersey tunnels,

the Williamson tunnels are extensive, they are another feat of engineering, built for the philanthropic Joseph Williamson, they have no purpose, but were built to keep men in employment, We still do not know the extent of the tunnels as new ones are found all the time, yes its well worth while a visit if you are an engineer, bone up on your early 1800's history to get a flavour of the times before you visit?

[GACRUISER456]

Thanks Anne for the info! I thought there had to be more than just a drive through a tunnel! :D

 

A couple of other questions came up while doing my research. I had written down a note about the Liverpool One Wheel, but saw today it was taken down but another was supposed to be built at the Kings Dock. Has that happened yet?

 

My other dilema is whether or not to take the YellowDuckmarine tour around the city and in the water OR do the River Cruise on the Mersey Ferry and stop at the U-boat exhibit. Do you have a preference or opinion on the quality of commentary and the sites we will see? We will be there on a Sunday at the end of August.

 

Finally, we dock at 9am and plan to head directly to the Metropolitan Cathedral for the 11AM mass. So, we have a little over an hour to get from the ship to the cathedral. Is this a reasonable walk (we have no problem with long walks) just want to make sure we can do it in an hour and the roads are good for walking - not high traffic. If there is a better way (metro or bus) we are willing to do that as well, but thought a walk would be a great way to see the city on our way.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Towncar T]

Anne,

Those links you sent read more like they are car tunnels. I saw this website and thought it was more of a walk through kind of tunnel.

 

http://www.williamsontunnels.com/visit.htm

 

My husbands an engineer, but we drive through tunnels all the time, so if that is all it is, then we will skip it.

 

Thanks!

 

The Williamson tunnels are not car tunnels. In fact nobody is really sure why they were dug at all. There are lots of theories, but no hard facts. They are a fascinating maze of subterranean passages, which are still largely unexplored. I recently did the tour, as a close member of my family is one of the main tourist guides there. If I'm brutally honest though, if you are only in Liverpool for a day I wouldn't spend time at the tunnels. But if you have the time then you will be fascinated by them.

[Towncar T]

Thanks Anne for the info! I thought there had to be more than just a drive through a tunnel! :D

 

A couple of other questions came up while doing my research. I had written down a note about the Liverpool One Wheel, but saw today it was taken down but another was supposed to be built at the Kings Dock. Has that happened yet?

 

My other dilema is whether or not to take the YellowDuckmarine tour around the city and in the water OR do the River Cruise on the Mersey Ferry and stop at the U-boat exhibit. Do you have a preference or opinion on the quality of commentary and the sites we will see? We will be there on a Sunday at the end of August.

 

Finally, we dock at 9am and plan to head directly to the Metropolitan Cathedral for the 11AM mass. So, we have a little over an hour to get from the ship to the cathedral. Is this a reasonable walk (we have no problem with long walks) just want to make sure we can do it in an hour and the roads are good for walking - not high traffic. If there is a better way (metro or bus) we are willing to do that as well, but thought a walk would be a great way to see the city on our way.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Yes the new wheel is up. Walked right under it on Saturday evening. It's fantastic. You can't miss it. Just over the other side of Albert Dock adjacent to the Echo Arena. Well worth a turn!

 

Personally, I'd do the ferry and the u-boat rather than the yellow duckmarine. But that's just me.

 

You can walk to the Catholic Cathedral (Paddy's wig-wam) very easily within an hour at a leisurely stroll. At a brisk walk it's about 20-25 minutes or so. Straight up Water Street, along Lord Street and Church Street. Past Lewis's and the Adelphi straight up Brownlow Hill or Mount Pleasant. Allow 40 minutes so you can stop and look around you on the way.

[GACRUISER456]

On Google Maps, I see 2 Williamson Tunnel markings. One is the Heritage Center on Smithdown Lane and the other just says Williamson Tunnels marked around Overton and Grinfield. Which location would provide the true entrance to the tunnels?

 

Thanks for your guidance! My day in Liverpool is filling up quickly with things to do!

[Anne A]

Hello again,

the visitor page is here; http://www.williamsontunnels.co.uk/view.php?page=information

there is a phone number for bookings, but try emailing them first to save your phone bill?

The Tunnels are extensive, and there are entrances all over, have a good read of the web site before you arrive to gain a better understanding of the Man and his tunnels.

Anne

Edited June 30, 2010 by Anne A

[Towncar T]

On Google Maps, I see 2 Williamson Tunnel markings. One is the Heritage Center on Smithdown Lane and the other just says Williamson Tunnels marked around Overton and Grinfield. Which location would provide the true entrance to the tunnels?

 

Thanks for your guidance! My day in Liverpool is filling up quickly with things to do!

 

The entrance is in Smithdown Lane, via the Heritage Centre. The tunnels that are open are not very extensive, but you will get to see where they are digging and get a good feel what it is all about. Don't expect anything too fancy. It's basically run by a bunch of enthusiastic amateurs who love what they do. It's not everyone's idea of a tourist attraction, but I like it.:)

[Anne A]

http://www.tate.org.uk/liverpool/exhibitions/Picasso/default.shtm is the link, I went yesterday and the exhibition is fabulous, the Tate have picked a theme that covers his political life, and includes many of his famous "peace doves" and many paintings/drawings that have never been publically shown before its well worth the five minute walk from the pier to visit this thought provoking exhibition

its open daily until the end of August.

[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 have read your posts. Thank you. Please tell me if the meeting place at Thistle Atlantic Tower Hotel on Chapel St is a good place to meet people who are fetching us from our ship to visit with them??? My email is bevierose@bellsouth.net Need this info before Thurs, the 15th of July.

Or, suggest a better meeting place?

Thank you.

[Towncar T]

I have read your posts. Thank you. Please tell me if the meeting place at Thistle Atlantic Tower Hotel on Chapel St is a good place to meet people who are fetching us from our ship to visit with them??? My email is bevierose@bellsouth.net Need this info before Thurs, the 15th of July.

Or, suggest a better meeting place?

Thank you.

 

If they are coming by car and you can arrange a time, they can pick you up right off your ship, as there is a pick-up point very near to the top of the gangway. There is also a small car park near there where they could pick you up. If they know the area they'll know a good place. I'm not sure the Atalantic tower would be a good place, as I can't think where they would wait for you. Trust me. It's not difficult for them to pick you up right off the ship. I did it for someone coming in off the Crown Princess last year. You'd just need to be waiting for them when they arrived in case it was busy and they couldn't park up. :)

[okimot]

Towncar,

You haven't mentioned that they will need an interpreter as they will not understand the Scouse language.

[Towncar T]

Towncar,

You haven't mentioned that they will need an interpreter as they will not understand the Scouse language.

 

Doesn't seem to have bothered anyone yet, but I suppose some are better than others.:) Tha cud be reet!;)

 

Domo arigato.

Edited July 12, 2010 by Towncar T

[mary_228]

I'd like to recommend a stop at the Town Hall. We were in Liverpool on a weekend and this building was empty, save for a few tourists and the security guard. We felt like we were in a palace. So beautiful and decorated with very large portraits of royalty, etc. There is a Remembrance Room on a lower level with a fine exhibition of photos from the blitz, where you can see the destruction of this fine city. We wandered into the city council chambers, which reminded us of the old state capitol building in Illinois. The microphones at each seat were still one and my son had a bit of fun with that. I understand that this is the home of the mayor of Liverpool, but she chooses not to live here. Lovely that it is open to the public with no charge.

[Anne A]

Its 'our' town hall so it should be free to enter? they do shut it during council meetings etc, so its best to phone up and book a tour, the guides are great, the link is under my name in this thread,

did you go into the ballroom and see the chandeliers? allegedly the biggest ones in the UK, apparently the queen said "Oh they are bigger than any in the palace", when she last visited,

[cadixeegal]

Thank you for all the Liverpool information. I'm visiting Liverpool on August 14th. Is there a car rental agency near the cruise ship dock?

 

I checked with Enterprise but they close at noon on Saturdays.

[Towncar T]

Thank you for all the Liverpool information. I'm visiting Liverpool on August 14th. Is there a car rental agency near the cruise ship dock?

 

I checked with Enterprise but they close at noon on Saturdays.

 

I don't know of any car hire places near to the port, and Enterprise would have been my suggestion. Where are you hoping to drive to?

 

Actually I just checked and you could try this one.

 

http://www.carhireliverpool.net/

Edited July 28, 2010 by Towncar T

[cadixeegal]

Thank you for the link to Car Hire. They emailed me and stated they were closed by 4 PM :confused: that Saturday. I unfortunately assumed that car rental companies would wish to stay open and take advantage of the business cruise ships would give them.

 

A group (8) of us wished to drive through Chester and then into Wales. I guess we will do the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour instead.

[Towncar T]

Thank you for the link to Car Hire. They emailed me and stated they were closed by 4 PM :confused: that Saturday. I unfortunately assumed that car rental companies would wish to stay open and take advantage of the business cruise ships would give them.

 

A group (8) of us wished to drive through Chester and then into Wales. I guess we will do the Hop-on Hop-off bus tour instead.

 

Bizarre that you can't hire a car on a Saturday?? If you really want to do Chester and N Wales, have you thought about hiring a mini-bus? With 8 of you the cost wouldn't be too bad. Still, there's plenty to see and do in Liverpool itself, so don't be too disappointed!:)

[cadixeegal]

I did find a couple of companies, one - Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental - on Sefton Street. But they do not provide pick-up service to/from the cruise dock. Might look into taking a taxi to their office. They are open until 17:00 which would be perfect for us.

 

Before we found Arnold Clark we found another company on Google. It was just listed as Car and Van Rental Liverpool. They took a reservation from us, cost for the day as 79 GBP, stating to pick-up the car from the Liverpool Ferry Terminal, no further info. We were told to email them if we had questions but they did not provide email contact information, only a telephone 0151 298 1888. My server pegged their confirmation email as 'suspicious'.

 

Do you know if there is a rental agency in the Ferry Terminal?

 

Thank you for any assistance you can provide to us.

[Towncar T]

I did find a couple of companies, one - Arnold Clark Car and Van Rental - on Sefton Street. But they do not provide pick-up service to/from the cruise dock. Might look into taking a taxi to their office. They are open until 17:00 which would be perfect for us.

 

Before we found Arnold Clark we found another company on Google. It was just listed as Car and Van Rental Liverpool. They took a reservation from us, cost for the day as 79 GBP, stating to pick-up the car from the Liverpool Ferry Terminal, no further info. We were told to email them if we had questions but they did not provide email contact information, only a telephone 0151 298 1888. My server pegged their confirmation email as 'suspicious'.

 

Do you know if there is a rental agency in the Ferry Terminal?

 

Thank you for any assistance you can provide to us.

 

Well I checked out the telephone number and it is listed as a car rental company in Fox Street, Liverpool, which is probably about a half mile from the terminal. My guess is that they just have a drop-off pick up point near the ferry terminal. Make sure you understand EXACTLY where to pick up the car, as there are a number of ferries and I doubt if they mean the Liverpool ferry terminal. More likely to be the Ireland or Isle of Man ferry terminal, which is close by. Why not telephone them to check it out? It looks OK but you never can tell these days. If needs be I can ring them or even do a drive-past if you want. I get down that way quite regularly.:)

[cadixeegal]

You are a treasure!! If you could ring them for us that would be great. At least we would know they are still in business. :) Could you ask them for us which ferry location, rental is booked under name Fred Wilson.

 

I wouldn't want you to 'hunt' them down or drive by but thank you for your generous offer. If everyone in Liverpool is as gracious and helpful as you are,we will surely have a fantastic visit.

 

Again thank you.

[Towncar T]

You are a treasure!! If you could ring them for us that would be great. At least we would know they are still in business. :) Could you ask them for us which ferry location, rental is booked under name Fred Wilson.

 

I wouldn't want you to 'hunt' them down or drive by but thank you for your generous offer. If everyone in Liverpool is as gracious and helpful as you are,we will surely have a fantastic visit.

 

Again thank you.

 

OK. So several telephone calls later I now know what's going on (I think!!) I rang Liverpool Car Rental on the number that you gave me. They said that they haven't actually taken a booking from you, and that they said you should ring Arnold Clark. I rang a very helpful girl at Arnold Clark and asked if she had your booking. They clearly don't. She then in turn rang the other company and asked if they had actually taken a booking, and the answer was no. So as of this moment you DO NOT have a car hire booked in Liverpool on 14 August.

 

Arnold Clark does have availability. They are open until 5pm for return. Their offices are only a 5 minute taxi drive away. As there are a bunch of you I asked if they have a large van and they said that they have a 9 seater, which would set you back £120.

 

If you want to book something from Arnold Clark (large national company) you should ring 0151 708 5330 and ask to speak o Lisa. The email address is liverpool.hiredrive@arnoldclark.co.uk

 

Let me know how you get on.

 

T:)

[cadixeegal]

Thank you!! You have saved us mush stress. I will contact Arnold Clark. I sincerely want to let you know what a wonderful treasure you are.:)

[Towncar T]

Thank you!! You have saved us mush stress. I will contact Arnold Clark. I sincerely want to let you know what a wonderful treasure you are.:)

 

Thanks, but pretty much anyone in Liverpool would do the same. Makes me wonder why you want to drive to Chester and North Wales (nice places though they are). You don't know what you'll be missing.;)