Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, Liverpool: Hours, Address, Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre Reviews: 4.5/5
Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
4.5
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Friday
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Saturday
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 3:30 PM
About
A remarkable attraction in an unremarkable area of the city. Here is an extraordinary collection of tunnels and chambers commissioned by 19th century Victorian industrialist Joseph Williamson. His motivations for the work are still a mystery, but guided tours among what's thought to be just a small part of a much wider network offer plenty of insights.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Central Liverpool
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Attractions
567 within 5 kms
Williamson’s Tunnels – Friends of Williamson’s Tunnels
295
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Contribute
Popular mentions
4.5
390 reviews
Excellent
192
Very good
134
Average
43
Poor
13
Terrible
8
steve j
Rainford, UK40 contributions
Cold and wet
Feb 2020 • Couples
This is a really interesting look at a jewel under the streets of Liverpool. Waiting room first with a cup of coffee then the volunteers kick in with the guide beginning his narration below 62 mason Street which is still there on the surface. A great trip completely brought to life by these volunteers who have obviously been trained well. It was cold and wet down there
Written 23 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nicola G
2 contributions
A unique and interesting experience
Feb 2020 • Couples
I've been wanting to visit here since hearing about the tunnels several years ago. I was not disappointed. This is a unique and interesting part of Liverpool history.. Just a pity it isn't given the proper funding it needs to really become a major attraction
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mates
1 contribution
Fantastic heritage tour
Feb 2020 • Friends
Went with friends to view Tunnels. Fascinating insight given by our well informed volunteer, delivered with a scouse sense of humour, loved it!
Written 11 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JLizzieH
London, UK104 contributions
Enjoyable visit
Feb 2020
Many years ago I heard a song called the 'Mole of Edge Hill' and was reminded of this when the train I was on went through Edge Hill station. I spoke to the family I was staying with whether the song was true and we looked up the Williamson Tunnels. We went for a visit to learn more. The guide was very knowledgeable not just about the tunnels but also about other Liverpool attractions. The tunnels were interesting and took about three quarters of an hour to get round. Thanks for the information.
Written 9 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LeonBritton
Bootle, UK3 contributions
Fantastic educational discovery of the underground tunnels hidden below liverpool
Jan 2020
Entirely operated, and indeed excavated by volunteers this fascinating trip below the streets of liverpool looks to shed some light on the mysteries surrounding the maze, and to date fully undiscovered Williamson Tunnels.
The tour lasts about an hour, and after a safety briefing and being issued with a hard hat your tour begins...
The tunnels are lit, but still dark (obviously) and there are steps and wet surfaces. Family friendly, with hand railings when needed, but may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.
Enjoyed it that much, am taking the family with me next time.
Educational, and exciting to be able to watch their progress
The tour lasts about an hour, and after a safety briefing and being issued with a hard hat your tour begins...
The tunnels are lit, but still dark (obviously) and there are steps and wet surfaces. Family friendly, with hand railings when needed, but may not be ideal for those with mobility issues.
Enjoyed it that much, am taking the family with me next time.
Educational, and exciting to be able to watch their progress
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excursion819826
69 contributions
Hour to spare go here
Jan 2020 • Couples
Well worth the £4.50 entry fee
Lovely Pat the guide filled is with lots of information about the tunnels. We watched a video first as we arrived when a tour was midway so had to wait for the next one. Lasted 45 minutes and very interesting
Lovely Pat the guide filled is with lots of information about the tunnels. We watched a video first as we arrived when a tour was midway so had to wait for the next one. Lasted 45 minutes and very interesting
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Expatmike54
London, UK110 contributions
Tunnel Vision
Nov 2019
Explored the Williamson Tunnels on a frosty winter's day and we were pleased to find it was warmer in there than outside! Even better, this bizarre underground labyrinth is fascinating, especially the backstory of Joseph Williamson himself, which our tour guide Pat explained in charming detail.
We were shown only a small part of the underground network - the bits that obviously have been cleared as acceptable for health and safety reasons - but it was enough to leave us gobsmacked at the enormity of what Williamson did for the local community.
Just to note, there are lots of steps and stairs so wheelchair access is not possible and you need to be reasonably agile. It's not claustrophobic so don't worry about confined spaces, and kids can have fun trying to spot a number of 'moles' hidden along the way.
Highly recommended!
We were shown only a small part of the underground network - the bits that obviously have been cleared as acceptable for health and safety reasons - but it was enough to leave us gobsmacked at the enormity of what Williamson did for the local community.
Just to note, there are lots of steps and stairs so wheelchair access is not possible and you need to be reasonably agile. It's not claustrophobic so don't worry about confined spaces, and kids can have fun trying to spot a number of 'moles' hidden along the way.
Highly recommended!
Written 29 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natgooders
U.K27 contributions
Last Minute Visit
Nov 2019
Very informative - Eric was great and knowledgeable. Amazing trip and run as a charity type attraction. Well worth a visit.
Written 25 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The_Kayaking_Failure
Liverpool, UK58 contributions
Great and bizarre place!
Nov 2019
Visited today with my father and we both really enjoyed the tour given by a lovely female guide who had exceptional knowledge of the tunnels and local history. It's really great to be able to walk through part of the tunnels and see excavation work going on below. I would recommend to all.
Written 7 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
meach
Brighton, UK8 contributions
Wouldn't rush back, but archeologist knew her stuff!
Oct 2019
Difficult place to find, and eligible for a 'Days Out Guide' 2-4-1 discount. Needs to be more interactive and modern day in its approach. Cafe was poor, but luckily toilets were available.
Written 4 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi,
Thank you for your review, however I am afraid you have reviewed the wrong Williamson's Tunnels. You visited the Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre on Smithdown Lane.
I can be sure of this as we do not offer 'Days Out Guide' 2-4-1 discounts as our tours of Paddington are Free and the Friends of Williamson's Tunnels do not have a café I'm afraid.
If you would like to come for a visit of the wider network of Williamson's Tunnels with FoWT, you would be very welcome to visit us at Joseph Williamson's House Site on Mason Street.
Regards,
Chris
Written 5 November 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CaveatEmptor60
99 contributions
I understand there is a small parking area. If that is full is there anywhere else nearby?
Margaret M
Preston, UK37 contributions
Sorry no idea ,we went by the 79 bus which stops almost outside. However it is in a non commercial area, in a housing area so would probably not be a problem
Keith H
0 contributions
Cost and length of tour.
Tunnel_Boss
Liverpool0 contributions
£4.50 for adults, £4 for concessions, £3 for childre, Under 5's - free. The guided tour through part of Williamson's labyrinth takes about 45 minutes.
Saramoney
NorfolkEngland4 contributions
My husband is claustrophobic how would he find the tunnels
Tunnel_Boss
Liverpool0 contributions
Our usual advice is to give it a go. If there is a problem, visitors can leave immediately.
Gill B
0 contributions
Are there lifts? Is it suitable for elderly visitor??
Tunnel_Boss
Liverpool0 contributions
The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre does not have lifts. There are some stairs but as a general rule we find that visitors who can manage to get up and down stairs in an ordinary house can manage the stairs at the tunnels. There are handrails throughout and the tour is taken at a fairly slow pace. Hope this helps.
david s
Crewe, UK41 contributions
Can anybody tell me if there is parking at the center and if so what is the charge?
Ron P
Greenfield, UK1,538 contributions
Hi, There is limited parking space beside the entrance to the Williamson Tunnels. This is an old stable yard with room for maybe 8 to 10 cars. There is no parking charge.
Hope this helps.
Regards. Ron P.
98elaine
Scarisbrick, UK1 contribution
Is the tour available daily and what is the charge please
Tunnel_Boss
Liverpool0 contributions
The Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre is open every day except Monday during the Summer (April to September inclusive). The Centre is also open on Bank Holidays and every day during Liverpool schools half-term.
Tours run every 20 minutes between 10.20am and 4.00pm.
Admission Prices
Adults £4.50
Concessions £4.00
Children £3.00
Family Ticket £14.00
(Two adults and up to three children)
Frequently Asked Questions about Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre
- Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre is open:
- Fri - Sun 10:30 - 15:30
- Hotels near Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre:
- (0.14 km) I Liv Aparthotel
- (0.17 km) Sidney Place
- (0.90 km) 2 Blackburne Terrace
- (0.88 km) Hope Street Hotel
- (1.46 km) The Resident Liverpool
- Restaurants near Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre:
- (0.26 km) Cocozza
- (0.31 km) Yo's Restaurant
- (0.75 km) The Art School
- (0.81 km) The Blackburne Pub and Eatery
- (0.87 km) Remora