Overview

Fascinating tour of the first wet dock in the world. Excavation led to its discovery under the city and remains are below the modern shopping centre of Liverpool One. Amazing archaeology & fascinating history the walking tour has been made fully wheelchair accessible and it makes a rare treat for those of us who need to use them.

Transport & Parking

We were staying nearby so didn't need transport , but there is a bus station across the road from the Albert Dock , where the Maritime Museum can be found and where tour starts. There are three blue badge parking spaces in the car park on the left hand side of the road leading into the Albert Dock, These are about 150 yards from the main entrance to the museum. The route from this car park to the museum entrance is paved, and involves crossing one road at a pedestrian crossing. Another four designated blue badge spaces are available in the on-street parking on the approach road, which are slightly further away from the museum building. Charges apply for parking in both these areas. My reason for not giving 5 stars is that not having tried to use the parking , I don't know how easy it would be to park as all the spaces were full when we went passed the car park .

Access

Good signage to the museum, wide and easy ramped access and automatic doors at the Maritime Museum. Access to Old Dock is about 4 -500yds from the Museum under the shopping centre , Liverpool One and is not open to the public except with escorted tours. Easy access, using a lift and then for wheelchairs , a very good , robust platform lift which takes you down 2 flights of stairs. You can access the platforms around the Old Dock as easily as anyone able bodied.

Toilets

Changing places toilet in Maritime museum on 2nd floor. I didn't assess the facility as immediately went on the tour , but just having one in place automatically impresses and hence the score as can be used by anyone- so well done Liverpool Museums ( others take note!)

Staff

Everyone really helpful , informative and friendly.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Loved being able to enjoy the tour - the guide was so knowledgeable and had such an entertaining and interesting way of sharing his expertise in Liverpool history and archaeology. Numbers are limited so everyone has to book and important to let them know about being in a wheelchair as route into Dock is different to the walkers and they make sure they have another member of staff to assist. Entry is free. Route to Maritime Museum involves some cobbles and a distance of 1/4 mile between start of tour at Museum and the site of the Old Dock. This might be daunting to some users , but staff assure me that if the tour booking staff are consulted in advance , joining the tour outside the shopping centre and entrance to old dock could easily be arranged. If you can make it work , do it - a great and very different experience that is well worth doing

Photos