River cruises
Manchester Ship Canal Cruise
by Mersey Ferries
Mersey Ferries' Manchester Ship Canal cruise is a full-day sailing from Seacombe and the Liverpool Pier Head up the Ship Canal towards Warrington and back, normally lasting six to seven hours. It runs on set dates each year, announced by Mersey Ferries.
Booking is with Mersey Ferries. Old Town Liverpool does not sell tickets.
A full-day cruise from the Mersey up the Manchester Ship Canal towards Warrington and back, on one of the Mersey Ferries. It leaves from Seacombe and calls at the Liverpool Pier Head ten minutes later, and you return to the terminal you left from.
Mersey Ferries runs these sailings on set dates each year. The route and turning point can vary, and the cruise can run longer because of weather, locks and commercial shipping, which has priority on the canal.
What you see
- The Manchester Ship Canal towards Warrington
- Departs Seacombe, calls at the Pier Head
Meeting point
Pier Head ferry terminal
Georges Parade, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP
On this spot
What was here before
The cruise starts where the Mersey ferries have crossed since about 1150 and sails up the Manchester Ship Canal towards Warrington.
- c.1150
Ferries begin crossing the Mersey.
- 1330
Royal charter grants the right of ferry.
Old Town Time Meter
46/100
Historic
- Time on this spot876 years, since 1150 (Mersey ferry crossing)40/40
- Layers of history2 documented chapters6/15
An index of the documented time and history held by this place, part of Old Town Liverpool's Quantum Energy Mapping. How it is measured.
Make a day of it
Where to eat before or after
Restaurants and pubs close by, each with its own Old Town Liverpool guide.
And in the evening
What's on in Liverpool
More things to do
You might also like
Good to know
About Manchester Ship Canal Cruise
Where does Manchester Ship Canal Cruise start?
From Pier Head ferry terminal, Georges Parade, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP.
How long does Manchester Ship Canal Cruise take?
Normally 6 to 7 hours.
Where can I eat near Manchester Ship Canal Cruise?
Close to the start point you can try Etsu Japanese Restaurant, Hawksmoor Liverpool and The Pig & Whistle.
Sources: Wikipedia: Mersey Ferry.
Times and prices are taken from each operator's own published information and can change. Old Town Liverpool does not sell tickets; please confirm with the operator before you travel. Last checked 9 October 2026.