Albert Dock received its Royal title in 2018 in recognition of its maritime history. The former warehouses are now home to attractions such as The Beatles Story, where many Beatles tours visit as part of a comprehensive itinerary. City sightseeing tours also typically stop here, including hop-on hop-off services and bike tours. Learn more about the quay’s history at the Merseyside Maritime or International Slavery Museums, or discover the stand-up scene at Liverpool’s Comedy Central.
Bring a coat and an umbrella in winter, as the waterfront can be cold and wet.
As one of the UK’s most visited multi-use attractions outside of London, the Royal Albert Dock is a must-see for any visitor.
Royal Albert Dock is wheelchair accessible, and guide dogs are welcome in all venues. The Colonnades and all museums have accessible toilets.
The nearest cash machines on Gower Street charge for withdrawal, so it’s worth getting your cash beforehand.
Royal Albert Dock is 20 minutes’ walk from central Liverpool. The nearest station is James Street, served directly from Lime Street. The C4, C5, and Citlink buses also stop here. The dock also has a safe and secure car park, which charges an hourly fee.
Come rain or shine, there is always something to see on the quay. The museums close in the evening, though bars and restaurants remain open until late. Summer brings festivals and open air performances to the dock, while winter offers Christmas markets and festive decoration.
At its opening in 1846, the Albert Dock was considered a revolutionary architectural feat. It was the first warehouse in Britain to be fireproof (meaning that it had no wooden parts). Made from brick, stone, and cast iron, the structure was also home to some of the first hydraulic cranes, used to move heavy cargo from the Far East. In its heyday of the early 19th century, 40% of world goods flowed through its ports.