Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.

Albert Dock in Liverpool: The Story of a Waterfront Renaissance

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After my morning in the Georgian Quarter, I moseyed on further west and spent the second half of my day in Liverpool back at the waterfront. One of the things I loved the most about this charming English city was its walkability. I’d say I easily logged six to eight miles a day on foot. And every road, it seems, leads to (or through) Albert Dock in Liverpool.

Liverpool's downtown area is a confluence of hip neighborhoods and music-influencer culture.

I’d already seen most of the waterfront area, dubbed Albert Dock, when I walked around before my Dazzle Ferry ride the previous day. It’s chock full of museums and shops, restaurants and other attractions that cater to visitors. If you’re the museum-fanatic type (hi, Mom!), you could easily kill the entire afternoon here.

Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.

And ice cream: Who knew Liverpudlians—sidebar: funnest word ever or funnest word ever?—loved their ice cream so? I counted no fewer than half a dozen ice cream trucks down by the waterfront alone!

Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.

About Albert Dock in Liverpool

Admittedly, Beatles heritage aside, I didn’t know much about Liverpool before I arrived, but talking to taxi drivers proved invaluable to the learning process, particularly when it came to this booming little pocket. The construction of Albert Dock began in 1841, but like much of the city, it fell into a state of disrepair. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that its revitalization was given the attention it deserved; in 1988, HRH Prince Charles reopened the dock.

Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.

Liverpool as a whole was in a poor state after the last world war; more than 3,500 buildings were destroyed, and there are still scars all around (the taxi driver pointed out more than a few on our 15-minute drive to the center). But at the turn of the millennium, massive amounts of money—to the tune of billions of pounds—began to be poured into the city’s future, most noticeably around the now attractive waterfront. As a result, Liverpool’s population is booming, now numbering more than 400,000 residents.

Home of the national collection of modern art in the North, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London and often entertains visiting exhibits from acclaimed artists such as Jackson Pollock.

And while, today, Albert Dock is indeed swimming with tourists—I wondered briefly if it was like Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco or even Times Square in New York where an actual local would never dare venture—I talked to many Liverpool dwellers who were quick to brag about “the Dock” and say what a great thing it has been for their city, putting it back on the global map.

Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.

Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.
Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.
Albert Dock Liverpool is one of Britain’s top heritage attractions. Situated in an enviable location on the banks of the River Mersey, it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed by Jesse Hartley, it opened in 1846 and remained a fully working dock until closing in 1972. It later underwent a huge restoration programme and was reopened as a visitor attraction in 1988 by HRH Prince Charles. It remains the UK’s largest group of Grade I listed buildings. Albert Dock is home to award winning visitor attractions including the Beatles Story, International Slavery Museum, The Beatles Story and Tate Liverpool.

The Art in the Dock

On a Sunday, it was brimming and I first detoured to the Tate Liverpool to see the Jackson Pollock exhibit, Blind Spots, which ran through the end of last week. Though special exhibits as this one require an entry fee, the first few floors of the Tate are free, like many other attractions around the city.

 Home of the national collection of modern art in the North, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London and often entertains visiting exhibits from acclaimed artists such as Jackson Pollock.

Home of the national collection of modern art in the North, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London and often entertains visiting exhibits from acclaimed artists such as Jackson Pollock.
Home of the national collection of modern art in the North, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London and often entertains visiting exhibits from acclaimed artists such as Jackson Pollock.
Home of the national collection of modern art in the North, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest galleries of modern and contemporary art outside London and often entertains visiting exhibits from acclaimed artists such as Jackson Pollock.

From what little I saw, this was indeed a positive change for the city.

Biking around downtown Liverpool

Since I’d already strolled up and down the length of Albert Dock the previous day, I had a new plan for day two following my quick stop at the Tate. After seeing the neon green City Bike stands all over the city, I just had to hop on one and take it for a spin.

City Bike is one of the easiest—not to mention, cheapest—ways to get around Liverpool.

Not only were they easy, but they’re also cheap. At one pound an hour—or 10 pounds for an entire day—renting a City Bike is far more affordable than taking taxis to get around; plus, I didn’t manage to hit the gym once while in New York or the UK, so it was nice to get a little exercise beyond walking.

I was hesitant at first but after I steadied my cycling legs, felt safe biking around Liverpool—though admittedly I stayed on the sidewalk that ran along the coast as I don’t trust myself navigating a bike in traffic going the opposite way of what I’m used to!
City Bike is one of the easiest—not to mention, cheapest—ways to get around Liverpool.

Staying at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool

At this point, I’d logged plenty of miles on foot in 24 hours, not to mention biked a few more, so nothing felt better than returning to my digs, the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, for a hot stone massage. Speaking of waterfront renaissance, this former rum warehouse is one of the first parts of Stanley Dock to get renovated with eventual plans for the entire area between there and Albert Dock to get a similar treatment.

Liverpool's newest luxury boutique hotel also boasts one of the finest—not to mention, coolest—spas in town.

If the massive 153 rooms and well thought-out common spaces at the Titanic are any indicator of what’s to come, Liverpool’s waterfront is about to take off!

Liverpool's newest luxury boutique hotel also boasts one of the finest—not to mention, coolest—spas in town.
Liverpool's newest luxury boutique hotel also boasts one of the finest—not to mention, coolest—spas in town.

The hotel itself is a stunner in all its glory, and the Spa at the Titanic was no different. Located on the basement level, I felt like I was retreating into a secret grotto on a private island in Mediterranean Italy.

Liverpool's newest luxury boutique hotel also boasts one of the finest—not to mention, coolest—spas in town.

My massage therapist, Lisa, was one of the best I’ve ever had, and the whole treatment was the perfect cure to any lingering jet lag. Afterward, I had the heated pool area to myself as I unwound and re-hydrated.

Liverpool's newest luxury boutique hotel also boasts one of the finest—not to mention, coolest—spas in town.

Yes, my time in the United Kingdom was off to a good start indeed.

Liverpool's newest luxury boutique hotel also boasts one of the finest—not to mention, coolest—spas in town.

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Exploring the Waterfront in Liverpool

COMMENTS
  • October 22, 2015

    That pool area is beyond stunning – unlike any I’ve seen in any hotel I’ve reviewed before!

    • October 25, 2015

      Right? And it’s just a spa pool, too! Though come to think of it, I probably could have swam laps…

      The sad part is that I didn’t actually get to use it.

      Girl at spa desk: Oh no! You didn’t bring your swim costume? Nothing at all?

      Me: Sorry, that didn’t occur to me when packing for the UK in October.

      😉

  • October 23, 2015

    Wow, that pool is absolutely beautiful!! I could just stay there and not visit anything else in Liverpool (ha ha!). Looks like a beautiful place though, I’ve been to London but never got a chance to roam around Liverpool. Sounds like I really missed a great lil’ town. Will check it out next time I’m in the ‘hood—and most definitely that gorgeous pool! Happy Travels, Kristin!

    • October 25, 2015

      Liverpool was so unexpectedly delightful that next time I’m in the UK, I’m skipping the bigger cities entirely and making a beeline straight for it! So much I wanted to do that I didn’t have time for.

  • October 23, 2015

    This is another great post about Liverpool! Thanks for reminding me that when I lived in the UK I always used to have a laugh by telling people they were Novocastrian, Liverpudlian or Mancunian. Doesn’t that sound like they’re from fairy tale worlds? 🙂

    • October 25, 2015

      Totally! I expect all your friends there were fairies, gnomes and elves then? 😉

  • October 24, 2015

    I’m loving your posts on Liverpool! I feel like it’s a highly underrated city. I’ve been there twice and both times have been so surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

    The area around Albert Dock has to be my favorite. I love how it’s been re-developed, and there’s so much to do/see!

    • October 25, 2015

      So true! And while you could call it touristy, sure, there are no chains there (yet), other than maybe a Costa coffee, so it still feels charming in its authenticity. Off to read up on your past Liverpool posts now that I’m so enchanted with the city!

  • October 24, 2015

    I still can’t believe I haven’t made it to Liverpool other than the airport.

    My Aunt and Uncle live in Chester which isn’t very far away at all but I got sick the day my Auntie was meant to take me into Liverpool to explore.

    I will have to make sure I go for a visit when I’m back with them for Christmas this year.

    • October 25, 2015

      Oh, I’ve heard that Chester is positively delightful! Would you vouch for that?

      And yes, had I not been sent on an assignment there, I doubt I would have ever made it to Liverpool either, which would have been a shame, as there’s so much to do there!

      • October 26, 2015

        I would definitely vouch for Chester. It’s such a cute little town and the walls that go right around the city are magical!

  • October 26, 2015

    Loving the Liverpool pictures Kristin! Making me feel like I was there!

  • November 1, 2015

    Liverpool is very amazing place. I think every tourist need to visit this place.

  • April 12, 2016

    The Spa looks amazing ! I really have to make my way to Liverpool from London …

  • October 24, 2016

    Liverpool is definitely a gem of the north.

    I live here and often forget how absolutely stunning some areas are.

    I always kick myself when i realise i’ve missed an exhibition or event, but honestly if i did them all i’d have no pennies at all.

    Although with that said many of Liverpool’s attractions are completely free.

    Great for families on a budget.

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