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Planning your visit
Address: Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 4AA View on Google map
Opening Times: The Riverside Walk is open every day but if you want to use the locks you'll need to check boating information
Price: Once you're parked up, it won't cost you a thing
Toilets: There are toilets in Royal Albert Dock among the shop rows.
The Royal Albert Dock, opened by Prince Albert in 1846, is the stunning centrepiece of a network of ten Liverpool docks that form the South Docks.
Did you know that the docks have the greatest concentration of Grade I Listed architecture anywhere in the UK? It includes the Royal Liver Building, the Cunard Building, the Port of Liverpool Building and along the Liverpool Canal Link to the dock area.
So follow the Riverside Walk in front of the Three Graces and pass the city's historic waterfront of world famous museums, shops, restaurants and galleries. Or just stop and take in the incredible view across the Mersey.
Blue Flag status
In 2021 our marinas qualified for the world-renowned Blue Flag Award in recognition of the highest standards of environmental information and management, safety and services.
The International Blue Flag is a quality mark which means those visiting can be sure that the water is clean, safe and meets the highest environmental standards.
For the first time in England, the Royal Albert and Salthouse Dock marina are awarded this Blue Flag status.
Things to do and see
There are lots of things to do in and around the docks. Below are a few ideas and for details of events and attractions.
- Walking - check out our Top ten city walks
- Cycle along the Riverside Walk
- Canoeing
- Paddleboarding
- Accessible boating with Wheelyboats
- Pride of Sefton
- Sightseeing
- Spot a boat - as well as narrowboats you may even see tall ships and sometimes cruise liners
Places to eat:
- The Floating Grace
- Gusto
- What's Cooking?
- Spice Lounge
- Maritime Dining Rooms
- Costa Coffee
- The Gallery Cafe
Boat trips:
Trails:
- Liverpool Docks Trail
Our Explorers pages have a number of free to download fun activities and local trails
Wildlife spotting:
As well as the occassional swans and ducks on the Liverpool canals and at the Royal Albert Dock, you're more likely to see the marine wildlife thriving under the water. Look out for mussels and conga eels
Getting here
By car - pay & display parking is available at the Royal Albert Dock and multi-storey car parks. Also by the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool
By train - while James Street Station is the nearest, the main line Liverpool Lime Street Station is a 20 minute walk through the vibrant city streets
By boat - if you’re arriving by boat, we have two marinas. There are some permanent moorings and boat services available but for full details on how to book passage through the docks and locks see our Liverpool Link Canal page
If you’re arriving by boat, we have two marinas (link to blue flag page again) and here is a map of the South Docks and the facilities we offer (attached).
Things to do
(above walking)
There are lots of things to do in and around the docks. Below are a few ideas and for details of events and attractions https://www.visitliverpool.com/