Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool

What are the highlights of Royal Albert Dock?

There’s no better place to learn about Liverpool’s cultural and social history than the Dock. Boasting the largest collection of Grade I-listed buildings in the country, it has 5-storey warehouses that were constructed using over 23 million bricks. It’s home to several notable museums and galleries, including Tate Liverpool, The Beatles Story and the International Slavery Museum.

Located in a 19th-century warehouse, Tate Liverpool is one of the largest modern art galleries in the United Kingdom. Its collection includes art installations, sculptures and photos from all around the world. You can sign up for walks and workshops, which will take you behind the scenes of their exhibitions.

The Beatles Story is the world’s largest exhibition dedicated to the famous band. It features the group’s instruments, tour outfits, iconic photos and more. You’ll learn about each of their stories from growing up in Liverpool to achieving global stardom.

The dock also has seasonal events, from pop-up floating cinemas and boat festivals to the Christmas Light Walks.

For a memento of your trip, go to The Nest. You can get artworks and gifts from local artists, and you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank on souvenirs.

Where to eat in Royal Albert Dock?

If you want to experience Liverpool’s thriving food scene, go on a food crawl at this cultural hub. From Thai and Mexican cuisines to Pan-American delicacies, the dock has a vast selection of restaurants, serving seasonal produce and high-quality ingredients from all around the globe.

The dock even has themed restaurants like The Smugglers Cove. This pirate-inspired restaurant offers hearty meals for all ages. For coffee, ice cream and other refreshments after a tiring day of exploring, you can drop by Porters, Costa Coffee or Peaberry Ice Cream Parlour.

Go to Turncoat if you want to grab a drink or see how drinks are made. This gin distillery has artisanal spirits, bitters and a variety of beers. They make everything in small batches and by hand, and their drinks are free from artificial flavours and colours. Revolution, which is a vodka cocktail bar, is the place to go for drinks and dancing. They serve 30 handcrafted flavours of vodka.

How to get to Royal Albert Dock?

You can reach the dock on foot as it’s just a 20-minute walk from Lime Street via Liverpool ONE. It’s also within walking distance from the Museum of Liverpool and Cruise Liner terminal.

Another way to reach the dock is by public transportation. Take the C4, C5 and City Link, which will drop you off at Albert Dock and Liverpool ONE bus station.

If you’re driving, parking is available at the dock’s secure car parks on Gower Street and by the Salthouse Quay. They are open 24 hours, although parking isn’t free. Just take note that charges will apply by the hour every day of the week, including bank holidays.