Royal Liver Building 360 Tour

What it’s like

Climb up above the clock face of the Royal Liver Building for 360 degree views and a close look at the Liver Birds on the roof terrace.

This is the climb for a kid who's always asking what's at the top of things. You go up 124 stairs, 71 of them a narrow spiral stone staircase, to a viewing platform above the famous clock face, then out onto the roof terrace to get close to the Liver Birds themselves. There's an interactive video exhibition along the way too, so it's not just stairs and views. The tour runs 60 to 70 minutes, and they suggest adding 30 minutes for the visitors centre, which is included in your ticket.

It's not for the very young. Under-fives aren't allowed on at all, and even for older kids that spiral staircase is a proper climb, not a stroll. The clock strikes loudly on level 14, which could catch a five-year-old off guard, and the outdoor sections mean weather matters. If it's blowing a gale up there, that roof terrace bit won't be much fun.

Adult tickets are £18.50, kids aged 5 to 15 are £13. If you just fancy the visitors centre without the climb, that's £2 on the day. Tours run subject to demand and can sell out well ahead during busy periods, so booking online is the safer bet, though you can try on the day at reception if you're feeling lucky. There's no lift once you're past the visitor centre, so this one's out for wheelchair or mobility scooter users beyond that point, though an escorted route through the main building is available and essential companions get their own tickets.

James Street Merseyrail station is a five-minute walk, which beats the twenty-minute trek from Lime Street if you've got tired legs already. Parking right by the building is limited to on-street spaces, but there are car parks dotted across the waterfront and city centre.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Ages 5 and up who can manage a long staircase climb

Booking

Online booking up to 1 hour before tour start time

Parking

Limited on-street parking. Multiple car parks across waterfront and city centre (Capital and Princess Parade closest)

How long to allow

70 minutes for tour, plus 30 minutes for visitor centre

Wheelchairs

No access above visitor centre

Getting there by bus or train

Liverpool Lime Street station (20-minute walk)

• The spiral staircase has 71 steps on its own, so it's a proper climb, not a gentle stroll.
• The clock strikes loudly on level 14, which can startle younger kids.
• James Street station is only a five-minute walk, much closer than Lime Street.
• Ticket date changes need to be requested at least 72 hours before your visit, and only once.

Plan your visit

Featured in 1 Huddlepin list

See all Aquariums & Sea Life in Liverpool · Things to do in Liverpool