River cruises · Sightseeing
Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise
by Mersey Ferries
Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise is run by Mersey Ferries and starts from Pier Head ferry terminal, Liverpool. Tickets start at £14 per adult. Weekdays: hourly from the Pier Head, 10am to 4pm.
Booking is with Mersey Ferries. Old Town Liverpool does not sell tickets.
The ferry across the Mersey, as a sightseeing cruise. The River Explorer runs from the Pier Head to Seacombe on the Wirral and back, with the Three Graces, the Liver Building and the Albert Dock in view across the water.
Commentary comes through a free digital audio guide in eight languages: scan the QR code at the terminal or on board, and bring headphones. Online tickets can be used on any date and time.
What you see
- Pier Head, Liverpool
- Seacombe, Wirral
- The Three Graces from the river
When it runs
- Weekdays
- Hourly from the Pier Head, 10am to 4pm
- Weekends, 10 Oct – 1 Nov 2026
- Hourly, 10am to 4pm
- Weekends, 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027
- Hourly, 10am to 3pm
- Weekends, 13 Feb – 28 Mar 2027
- Hourly, 10am to 4pm
Runs daily. Departures from Seacombe are at 20 minutes past the hour.
Prices
- Adult (16+)
- £14.00
- Child (5–15)
- £9.00
- Under 5
- Free
- Concession (over 60s, students)
- £12.50
- Family (2 adults, up to 2 children)
- £39.00
- Family (2 adults, 3 children)
- £42.00
Meeting point
Pier Head ferry terminal
Georges Parade, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP
On this spot
What was here before
People have been ferried across the Mersey since about 1150, when the Benedictine monks of Birkenhead Priory charged a small fare to row passengers over. Edward III granted the priory the right of ferry by charter in 1330.
- c.1150
Birkenhead Priory's monks row passengers across the Mersey.
- 1330
Edward III grants the priory the right of ferry.
- 2015
Snowdrop is painted in Peter Blake's dazzle livery.
- 2026
Royal Daffodil enters service.
Old Town Time Meter
62/100
Landmark
- Time on this spot876 years, since 1150 (Mersey ferry crossing)40/40
- Layers of history4 documented chapters12/15
- Continuity876 years in the same use (ferry across the Mersey)10/10
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 Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise
When does Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise run?
Weekdays: Hourly from the Pier Head, 10am to 4pm. Weekends, 10 Oct – 1 Nov 2026: Hourly, 10am to 4pm. Weekends, 7 Nov 2026 – 7 Feb 2027: Hourly, 10am to 3pm. Weekends, 13 Feb – 28 Mar 2027: Hourly, 10am to 4pm. Runs daily. Departures from Seacombe are at 20 minutes past the hour.
Where does Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise start?
From Pier Head ferry terminal, Georges Parade, Pier Head, Liverpool, L3 1DP.
How much does Mersey Ferries River Explorer Cruise cost?
Adult (16+) £14.00; Child (5–15) £9.00; Under 5 Free; Concession (over 60s, students) £12.50; Family (2 adults, up to 2 children) £39.00; Family (2 adults, 3 children) £42.00. Prices are set by Mersey Ferries and can change.
Where can I eat near Mersey Ferries River Explorer 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.