Liverpool’s Old Dock named in the top 10% of must-see attractions worldwide

Liverpool’s historic Old Dock, hidden beneath Liverpool ONE shopping centre, has been positioned in the top 10% of must-see attractions worldwide, thanks to the success of its popular visitor tours.

Visitors are taken below ground level where they can see a large portion of the Old Dock, constructed in 1715, rising more than 20 feet from the bed of the Pool – the creek that gave Liverpool its name.

A modern bridge and walkway enable viewing, with tour guides from National Museums Liverpool providing the commentary and bringing its extraordinary story to life.

The tours, a partnership between Liverpool ONE and National Museums Liverpool, have proven to be so popular with visitors that Tripadvisor has awarded the Old Dock with a Traveller’s Choice Award.

The award is given to attractions with consistently strong reviews that place them in the top 10% of attractions at an international level. Recent reviewers described the tour as “absolutely fascinating,” “a truly great experience,” with the guides being praised as “welcoming, engaging and knowledgeable.”

Revealed during excavations in 2001, the Old Dock is the world’s first commercial enclosed dry dock, telling the story of how innovative engineering would go on to shape the course of history for the city in immeasurable ways.

The hour-long ticketed tours, which are free to members of National Museums Liverpool, can be booked online.

Stephanie Mitchard, Old Dock Tour Guide, said:

“This award means a huge amount as it’s based on genuine feedback from those who have visited us over the last year and taken the time write a first-hand review.

“We love having the opportunity to talk to visitors on the tour, to answer their questions and, often, to find out what brought them to Liverpool. Whether you’re from the city or just passing through, experiencing an Old Dock Tour is a fantastic way to find out about the history of the city that lies right under our feet.”

Brendan Hattam, Centre Director at Liverpool ONE, said:

“The Old Dock is a remarkable part of Liverpool’s history and the origins of its wealth.

“We’re proud to work with National Museums Liverpool to help bring this part of Liverpool’s heritage to life for visitors from around the world.

“This award reflects the quality of the experience and the enduring appeal of Liverpool’s story on the global stage.”

Liverpool’s Old Dock was designed to meet the requirements of increasing numbers of ships using the port in the early 18^th century.

Thomas Steers, one of Britain’s leading canal engineers, was tasked with designing it. By converting the mouth of the Pool into a dock with quaysides and a river gate, it became possible for ships to load and unload without being at the mercy of the tides.

It was challenging to build and cost £12,000; double its original estimate. However, it paved the way for decades of dock expansion on both sides of the river Mersey.

It was one of Liverpool’s greatest contributions to progress in world trade and commerce. Its impact was immense and London, Bristol and Chester lost significant amounts of trade throughout the 18th century as a result.

While Maritime Museum is closed for major redevelopment works as part of the Waterfront Transformation Project, the Old Dock Tour offers an opportunity to continue exploring Liverpool’s fascinating maritime heritage.

Matt Dacey, Chief Marketing Officer at Tripadvisor, said:

“Congratulations to the Old Dock Tour team on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2026.

“Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience.

“We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2026 and beyond.”

Tours are available on Wednesdays, Fridays and every other Thursday and Saturday at 10.30am, 12pm and 2.30pm.

You can book Old Dock tour tickets here.

Find more fun things to do in & around Liverpool here.

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