Wheel of Liverpool
BEST FOR
Ages 0+
ENTRY
from £10
SETTING
Outdoors
WHERE
Liverpool
What it’s like
A slow 60-metre spin over the Albert Dock in a glass capsule, done and dusted in under 40 minutes.
You climb into one of 42 enclosed gondolas, the doors shut, and you're off on a slow loop above the waterfront. The whole thing takes 30 to 40 minutes door to door, with 12 to 15 minutes actually up on the wheel, so it's an hour-filler rather than a day out on its own. From the top you get the docks, the Liver Building and the skyline laid out properly, which is the bit worth the ticket price.
A family package (four people) comes to £45, or you pay £15 for an adult and £10 for a child if you're buying separately. There's also a VIP capsule with a glass floor, leather seats and a DVD player, sparkling wine and chocolates thrown in, though it's currently not taking bookings. £100 for up to four people is a proper splurge even when it is running.
It's open 365 days a year, rain or shine, right up to 10 or 11pm depending on the night. Two of the capsules have ramps and extra-wide doors for wheelchair access. No food or drink goes in the standard capsules, so eat before or after, not on the way round.
Bear in mind it does sway a little in windy conditions, and at 60 metres up that's not for everyone, especially anyone with a real fear of heights. Parking isn't run by the Wheel itself; it's the Kings Dock Car Park nearby, managed by the council, or you can walk from James Street station in about 12 minutes.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- No minimum age, though little ones may find the height a lot
- Parking
- Paid parking available nearby at Kings Dock Car Park (managed by Liverpool City Council)
- Wheelchairs
- Full disabled access with ramps and extra-wide doors on two capsules
- Dogs
- Assistance dogs only. Pets not permitted in event area or cabins
- Getting there by bus or train
- 12-minute walk from James Street Merseyrail station
- No outside food or drink allowed in standard capsules, medical needs excepted
- The VIP capsule isn't currently bookable, so check the standard options if you fancy a treat
- Digital tickets or a confirmation email are fine, no need to print anything
- It's a 12-minute walk from James Street Merseyrail station
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£15 for an adult, £10 for a child, or £45 for a family package of four. The VIP capsule is £100 for up to four but isn't taking bookings at the moment.
How long does the ride take?
Plan for 30 to 40 minutes altogether, with 12 to 15 minutes actually on the wheel.
Do we need to book ahead?
Tickets are also sold at the booth on Keel Wharf, so you can turn up and buy on the day.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
There's no minimum age listed, so babies and toddlers can ride, though the enclosed capsule and height might not suit every little one.
Can we bring snacks or drinks on board?
No food or drink is allowed in the standard capsules. The VIP capsule includes sparkling wine and chocolates as part of the price.
Is there parking nearby?
Paid parking is available at Kings Dock Car Park close by, run by Liverpool City Council rather than the Wheel itself. There are also car parks at Liverpool ONE and Albert Dock.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Two of the capsules have ramps and extra-wide doors for wheelchair users.
What if it's windy or raining?
It runs 365 days a year regardless of weather, though the capsules can sway slightly in windy conditions.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Liverpool · Things to do in Liverpool
MAKE A DAY OF IT
