The Royal Liver Building is the symbol of Liverpool, its twin clock towers topped by the Liver Birds that have watched over the river for more than a century. For most of its life the building was closed to the public, but the Royal Liver Building 360 experience now takes small groups to the top. The tour begins in the visitor centre on the lower ground floor, where an exhibition explains how the building was constructed for the Royal Liver insurance company in the early twentieth century, one of the first major buildings in the world to use reinforced concrete. A guide then leads you up to the 10th floor and on to the 15th floor of the clock tower, with sweeping 360-degree views across the Pier Head, the Mersey, the docks, the cathedrals and, on clear days, as far as the Welsh hills. Inside the tower, a projection show plays across the walls behind one of the building’s huge clock faces, bringing the history of the waterfront to life. Groups are limited to sixteen, and the live commentary is in English, with audio guides in six other languages. This page links to the Tiqets ticket.
How to visit: the Royal Liver Building stands on the Pier Head, L3 1HU, beside the Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building. The main entrance is in the courtyard just off Canada Boulevard. Check in at the experience reception in the visitor centre before your time slot and show your smartphone ticket. Tours run through the day from 9am, with the last one in the late afternoon. Large bags are not permitted, and the ticket is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. If you miss your slot, you cannot join a later tour, so allow time to get there.
What to expect: the tour lasts about seventy minutes, and you must complete the whole tour once you start. The projection in the clock tower includes flashing lights and loud sounds, so it may not suit visitors with photosensitive epilepsy. The views from the 15th floor are the highlight, so a clear day makes a big difference, and late afternoon light in winter can be beautiful over the river.
Making the most of it: book the tour for a dry day and arrive fifteen minutes early to look round the exhibition. Afterwards, walk round the Pier Head to see the Beatles statue, the Museum of Liverpool and the British Music Experience next door in the Cunard Building.
What to expect
The experience
A seventy-minute guided tour from the visitor centre exhibition to the 10th and 15th floors of the clock tower, with panoramic views and a projection show.
Best time
A clear day, ideally in the afternoon when the light falls across the river and the city.
How long
Seventy minutes, plus fifteen minutes for the exhibition before your slot.
Tips
Arrive early, as late arrivals cannot join, and leave large bags behind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want the best view of Liverpool and the story of its most famous building.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the views and the clock tower, but the clock tower projection is loud and has flashing lights.
- Couples
- A memorable shared view over the Mersey, best in the low light of a winter afternoon.
- Pair with
- The Museum of Liverpool and the British Music Experience, both a few steps away.
- Time needed
- About an hour and a half.
Good questions
How long is the Royal Liver Building 360 tour?+
The guided tour lasts about seventy minutes. You must complete the whole tour once it starts.
Which floors does the Royal Liver Building tour visit?+
It visits the 10th and 15th floors for 360-degree views, after the exhibition in the visitor centre. It also includes a projection show inside the clock tower.
Where is the entrance to Royal Liver Building 360?+
The main entrance is in the courtyard just off Canada Boulevard on the Pier Head. Check in at the experience reception in the visitor centre.
Can I cancel my Royal Liver Building 360 ticket?+
No, the ticket is non-refundable and cannot be rescheduled. If you miss your slot, you cannot join a later tour.
Is the Royal Liver Building tour suitable for everyone?+
The clock tower projection uses flashing lights and loud sounds, which may affect people with photosensitive epilepsy. Large bags are not permitted on the tour.
