Royal Liver Building
Royal Liver Building
4.5
About
At the heart of Liverpool's famous, iconic and always developing waterfront. Visually, nothing defines the city more than the Royal Liver and accompanying Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings by Pier Head. Known collectively as the "Three Graces" and loosely based on the skyline of early 20th century Chicago, the interiors are sadly not open to the public.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Neighbourhood: Central Liverpool
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4.5
730 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
244
Average
55
Poor
8
Terrible
8
Jsea
Northampton, UK137 contributions
Mar 2020
The tour is a bit more than an hour long, it included some education on the building, but they don't have a lot of information or documents relating to the build which I found strange. Apparently they built it in a rush, and a lot of stuff was lost!??
The parts of the building that you are allowed in are generally 'service' areas, i was looking forward to seeing ornate parts of the building, possibly including the grand board room. It was all dragged out a bit, and could probably have been done in 30 minutes. They wouldn't let our 6 year old go up the 100 odd stairs, so i had to lie and say he was 7. But i think any fit 4-5 year old could climb these stairs. The tour was worth it, but wasn't anything spectacular. Worth doing once for the experience, but wouldn't do a second time.
The parts of the building that you are allowed in are generally 'service' areas, i was looking forward to seeing ornate parts of the building, possibly including the grand board room. It was all dragged out a bit, and could probably have been done in 30 minutes. They wouldn't let our 6 year old go up the 100 odd stairs, so i had to lie and say he was 7. But i think any fit 4-5 year old could climb these stairs. The tour was worth it, but wasn't anything spectacular. Worth doing once for the experience, but wouldn't do a second time.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve S
44 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
This may sound churlish as the visit was a birthday gift (I haven’t told them how poor it was) but don’t waste yours or anybody else money on this unless you just want to see the views from the top (then you need reasonable weather). Climbing stairs with sticky yucky handrails is not my idea of fun.
The video around the clock area was very good but had little to do with the building.
You don’t get to see any of the inside of the building apart from the basement, the staircases and what was once the clock area where they show the video. Honestly, I would never go again.
The video around the clock area was very good but had little to do with the building.
You don’t get to see any of the inside of the building apart from the basement, the staircases and what was once the clock area where they show the video. Honestly, I would never go again.
Written 2 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JTJD
United Kingdom1,027 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Unfortunately we ran out of time & were unable to take the tour of this magnificent & majestic building. However, we certainly weren’t short of beautiful photos of this iconic building that we took during our visit to Liverpool.
It’s spectacular, it’s stunning…truly gorgeous from every angle, daytime & nighttime.
It’s spectacular, it’s stunning…truly gorgeous from every angle, daytime & nighttime.
Written 27 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hazysun
14 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
An acceptable tour, including a couple video/projection sessions.
The stairs are a reasonable width similar to those in a house; so not difficult to negotiate.
The tour was a little under an hour, and although there are good views from the top, we felt it was overpriced at £16 (no concessions); £10 - £12 being a more realistic price.
The stairs are a reasonable width similar to those in a house; so not difficult to negotiate.
The tour was a little under an hour, and although there are good views from the top, we felt it was overpriced at £16 (no concessions); £10 - £12 being a more realistic price.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard-Liverpool
Liverpool, UK3,319 contributions
Jan 2023
You dont really need a review of the Liver Building - it is simply part of Liverpool. What is good though is the cafe inside on the ground floor open to the public. Very comfortable great design good foor and ace coffee. A good space to sit and relax. No looney background music either just comfort peace and quiet and nice calm people.
Written 26 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil K
Liverpool, UK829,522 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
Without a shadow of a doubt the most famous building in Liverpool is the beautiful Royal Liver Building.
This wonderful building is one of what are collectively known as The Three Graces namely The Port Of Liverpool Building, The Cunard Building and this building.
Constructed between 1908-1911 and built from designs from architect Walter Aubrey Thomas this great Grade I listed building dominates the skyline of the waterfront, the standout features are obviously the clock towers ,the clocks are actually bigger than the clocks in Westminster in London ,the famous Liver Birds atop the towers were the work of German emigre Carl Bernard Bartels and have an impressive wingspan of 24 feet and the Liver Birds go by the name of Bella & Bertie,Bella looks out over to the ships on the River Mersey while Bertie looks out to make sure the city's pubs are open,all in all its a beautiful building to view and well worth checking out if you're in the area or planning to visit Liverpool.
This wonderful building is one of what are collectively known as The Three Graces namely The Port Of Liverpool Building, The Cunard Building and this building.
Constructed between 1908-1911 and built from designs from architect Walter Aubrey Thomas this great Grade I listed building dominates the skyline of the waterfront, the standout features are obviously the clock towers ,the clocks are actually bigger than the clocks in Westminster in London ,the famous Liver Birds atop the towers were the work of German emigre Carl Bernard Bartels and have an impressive wingspan of 24 feet and the Liver Birds go by the name of Bella & Bertie,Bella looks out over to the ships on the River Mersey while Bertie looks out to make sure the city's pubs are open,all in all its a beautiful building to view and well worth checking out if you're in the area or planning to visit Liverpool.
Written 10 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara B
liverpool4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
I got married at the venue in April this year. It was originally booked for May 2020 but that was re arranged a few times due to covid. Now in that time there where many staff that left or went off on maternity, but they where all very helpful. Just before our wedding the current staff memeber zara left and she was amazing I was sad to see her leave. The lady who took over from her went through everything with me however she was harder to get hold of and didn't reply as fast as the other members of staff had.
Everything was set for the day. On the day of the wedding I had my phone on me whislt getting my makeup done to see she had emailed me to say the link I'd sent for the music hadn't worked.
1... It was the day of the wedding surely a phone call would have been a better way.
2.. Why wasn't this checked before the day of the wedding.
This was quickly sorted out. I arrived at the venue and everything went well. After the ceremony we where supposed to go into another room for a drinks reception whislt they turned around the main room and then we could go back in there and get pictures taken on the balcony. This is where it goes wrong. They turned the room round and them no one came and got us, they left a partion up so we where left in the other room with just access to the bar. By the time I went and found someone, the guests where already leaving to go to the other venue. I didn't get to use the balcony, or get any pictures on there which is the main feature of the room.
The decorations I had brought for the room where now under a table in the corridor that we had to walk past to get out!
I complained about these things and I was offered the opportunity to come back and it was lovely and something I really want to do. However the general manger every time I ask about a day we can come or when there is availability she never replies. Then I'll get another email saying when best for you, again I'll reply with possible days and nothing. Its now October and I still haven't had what I was promised to make up for the things that happened on the wedding day. Zara and Karen where the best members of staff. I think karnw is on maternity leave now and zara has moved somewhere else. I would just like to say the 2 security staff where amazing and always so lovely
Everything was set for the day. On the day of the wedding I had my phone on me whislt getting my makeup done to see she had emailed me to say the link I'd sent for the music hadn't worked.
1... It was the day of the wedding surely a phone call would have been a better way.
2.. Why wasn't this checked before the day of the wedding.
This was quickly sorted out. I arrived at the venue and everything went well. After the ceremony we where supposed to go into another room for a drinks reception whislt they turned around the main room and then we could go back in there and get pictures taken on the balcony. This is where it goes wrong. They turned the room round and them no one came and got us, they left a partion up so we where left in the other room with just access to the bar. By the time I went and found someone, the guests where already leaving to go to the other venue. I didn't get to use the balcony, or get any pictures on there which is the main feature of the room.
The decorations I had brought for the room where now under a table in the corridor that we had to walk past to get out!
I complained about these things and I was offered the opportunity to come back and it was lovely and something I really want to do. However the general manger every time I ask about a day we can come or when there is availability she never replies. Then I'll get another email saying when best for you, again I'll reply with possible days and nothing. Its now October and I still haven't had what I was promised to make up for the things that happened on the wedding day. Zara and Karen where the best members of staff. I think karnw is on maternity leave now and zara has moved somewhere else. I would just like to say the 2 security staff where amazing and always so lovely
Written 12 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Blondie
Milton Keynes, UK22 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
I really wasn't sure what to expect but this beautifully maintained building was definitely worth a visit. Steeped in history with some amazing views I would recommend this tour. Our tour guide Charlie was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and clearly had a passion for what he was doing.
Written 26 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna M
Woking, UK53 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The most iconic building in Liverpool is a must to visit. Having kept the public out for so many years it’s great to be able to venture inside. Staff were really friendly and we had a really good tour guide. The most fascinating part of the tour was being in the clock tower and then the views from the top were wonderful. Even had the bell strike two, watch out because it’s very loud. Watched the ferry cross the Mersey and could hear Gerry Marsden singing in my ear. Would definitely recommend visiting in you are in Liverpool.
Written 19 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kunduku
Wirral, UK346 contributions
Jan 2023
The iconic and beautiful Liver Building can speak for itself but we would like to add a few points more. We had an excellent 360 Tour to see the Liver Birds and Clock Towers and then had a wander inside, looking up. We then headed to the restaurant; the facilities were excellent (once I'd worked where they were all hidden!!) and every member of staff we had cause to speak to was pleasant, helpful and welcoming. Our only quibble is no butter on the baguettes. The fillings were tasty, which we ate and enjoyed but the dry bread was impossible to eat and was taken home for the birds. Everything else was delicious and whilst we would return, we would have to choose differently next time.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it possible to go to the top for the view without booking a tour?
Written 11 May 2021
Don't think so ,unsure to be honest but I think a tour guide is obligatory
Written 14 May 2021
We plan to go to the Royal Liver Building in July 2021 Do you have to book in advance?
Written 27 March 2021
I would book in advance in these strange pandemic times we are in ,its probably not essential to pre book but I would to be on the safe side,enjoy your visit to our wonderful city ,all the best from Neil.
Written 27 March 2021
Is the stairs steep and hard to climb if you have a bad knee?
Written 23 May 2019
I didn't find them too steep or narrow and my knees are not in the best of condition. There are handrails and it is possible to stop and let people pass if you need a rest. You don't climb them in one go. If you have stairs in your own house, count them and walk up and down them a few times with suitable rests.
Written 24 May 2019
Hi, How do you book a tour of the Liver Building?
I would like to come today if possible? Prices?
Thanks
Steve
Written 31 August 2016
As far as I am aware the Royal Liver building is not open to the public for tours but only to people who have business to do in the building itself.
Written 1 September 2016
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