Why your next day out should be at the Albert Dock, Liverpool

Everyone knows the Royal Albert Dock is a fantastic place to go to eat and drink, right the way through from breakfast when the city’s just waking up to dinner and cocktails overlooking the dockside.

But there’s so much more to it than that – one of the biggest draws for visitors from Liverpool and around the world is its wide range of attractions. Watch above as we bring you a fact file on each Albert Dock attraction .

The Albert Dock has something to offer for anyone interested in our heritage, maritime and music, some amazing art and fun things to do with family or mates.

Plus, in between the sights, there’s a chance to discover some of Liverpool’s best independent creatives too.  

Shops like The Nest specialise in artwork, crafts and gifts by local makers and designers, you’ll find prints and photography at Liverpool Pictures, graphic tees at Lost Soles and gorgeous bags at The Leather Satchel co. plus lots more (and there’s Roly’s Fudge shop to keep your energy up while you wander!)

If you fancy stopping for a casual bite to eat, alongside the restaurants there’s a big selection of cafes and places to grab some takeaway food to enjoy by the river.

Get a coffee and something light at Reubens Coffee Shop or Porters, an Italian-style gelato from Peaberry Ice Cream Parlour, or if you can’t resist freshly baked pastries (who can?) then head to Rough Hand Made or The Pie Port. And nothing says ‘day out treat’ quite like a stop at Docklands Fish and Chips – just the smell as you walk by is enough to tempt anyone.

The Dock has Covid safety measures in place and its outdoor location means it’s easy to keep your distance and give way to people passing. 

So if you’re looking for a fantastic day out now everything’s back open again, here are five must-see attractions to add to your list …

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Liverpool has a fascinating maritime history and there’s no better place to find out about our seafaring past and get a taste of what life at sea used to be like than at the Maritime Museum.

There’s always lots to see, including a permanent exhibition revealing the untold story of the Titanic, and the new Life on Board gallery which explores life at sea through the experiences of seamen and passengers.

It’s really family-friendly, and it’s free – you just need to make sure you book before you visit, any time from 10am to 5pm, and remember it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Book a visit here.

International Slavery Museum

The Black Lives Matter movement has really brought Liverpool’s links to slavery back into focus.

The International Slavery Museum tells the untold stories of enslaved people and examines the history of Trans-Atlantic slavery, and how slavery continues in the modern day.

A permanent display, Challenging Histories: collecting new artworks, features a collection of powerful contemporary work responding to slavery, which encourages visitors to engage and understand it in a different way.

Like the Martime Museum, the International Slavery Museum is free, and open Wed-Sun from 10am to 5pm, but booking in advance online is essential.

Book here.

Tate Liverpool

Tate Liverpool is one of the best art galleries in the world, with four floors of exhibition space and regularly changing displays.

A new route allows visitors to follow a one-way system and discover artworks including an audio-visual installation by Mikhail Karikis, the Ideas Depot featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Nicola Tyson, Salvador Dalí and more, and Constellations where you’ll find works by Aubrey Williams, L.S. Lowry and Matisse. There’s also the fabulous Op Art in Focus, which has been extended until January and is one massive photo opportunity.

If it’s photos you love, a new paid exhibition by photographer Don McKullin opens on September 16 and features more than 250 iconic images captured over the last 60 years.

Entry to most exhibitions is free, but you will need to book a time slot online first here.

The Beatles Story

So many of us are still yet to explore @beatlestory on @theAlbertDock. Here's why you should ? #LoveYourLiverpool ? pic.twitter.com/ZZTvpNY3MO

— The Guide Liverpool (@TheGuideLpool) August 13, 2020

This award-winning attraction is an absolute must-see for any Beatles fan, or just anyone with a passion for music.

It’s the largest permanent exhibition dedicated to the Fab Four, and  it really is like stepping back in time to the Sixties with recreations of places that played such a huge part in their history such as the Casbah Club, the Cavern of course, Hamburg and Abbey Road Studios.

There’s also some amazing authentic memorabilia including instruments, Lennon’s glasses, Ringo’s drum kit and handwritten lyrics.

The Beatles Story is open Mon-Sun, 10am to 3pm, and because of reduced capacity timed tickets must now be booked in advance here.

Escape Hunt

If you’re fed up of doing the same run-of-the-mill things on days out with family or friends, then Escape Hunt is the perfect way to spend time together, trying to crack the code and escape.

Immerse yourselves into the game in a totally themed room and, with the clock ticking, experience the adrenaline-fuelled pressure of an escape attempt.

You compete in teams of two or six people and there’s a choice of escape room or outdoor adventures.

To decide which you fancy, and book in advance, visit the website here.