Ferry Cross the Mersey, Liverpool

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I've always wanted to go on a Ferry Across the Mersey - it was probably the Gerry and the Pacemakers song which was ingrained in my memory from all those years ago that did it! Rather by luck than judgement, Gareth & I boarded the Ferry, just as the sun was going down over Birkenhead giving some great photo opportunities. Our Ferry was called the Royal Daffodil which I thought was rather apt what with me being from Wales! It was a little cold being the beginning of November but we braved it and sat outside at the front of the Ferry to get some great views of the Three Graces, Albert dock and not to mention some fabulous views of the sunset with the occasional sea-bird flying past in the distance. It was a perfect most memorable experience.

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Every time I visit Liverpool I just have to go on the Mersey Ferry. I go on the River Explorer Cruise. This departs hourly from the Pier Head, crossing the Mersey and stopping at Seacombe & Woodside on the Wirral. With a return ticket you can start your journey at any of the three terminals, you can then break your journey along the way and rejoin the ferry later in the day. I stay on the ferry for the duration and the round trip takes 50 minutes. From the water you get spectacular views of Wallasey, Birkenhead and Liverpool. The Liverpool skyline with The Three Graces looks particulary impressive from the river. Obviously on the ferry you get to hear that song played as well.

For current prices & timetables, please see the link below.

DUCK MARINE (DM) is a water-bus. You can have a tour of the city center. During the trip a splash down into the water and you can enjoy the site of the City from the river Marsey. The Captain and the Guide are very funny people!!

Ferry crossing on this site exist from the early X centuary when Franciscans monks settled in Birkinhead area, and started ferring people across the Mersey.
In th early 1600s King Charles I, gave the monks Royal Charter, in wich is stated that they are the only ones who can do the ferring of people and & lifestock and be paid for that.
In the time of King Henry the VIII (1500s), he fall out with the Franciscan monks, and the Charted was desolved, after that the ferry buisnes went to the higher bidder. And it has been ever since.
it is great adventure for young & old.
Return ferry crossing ticket is 3.50 GBP
Ferry leaves every hour on the hour.
The ferry name is Snowdrop!

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There is just one boat operating across the Mersey at anyone time these days although there is a second boat that operates cruises on the Manchester Ship Canal. The ferry offers the best way to see the Liverpool skyline - I never get bored with this trip and have done it several times.
Take a train from any of the four city centre stations on the Wirral Line and get off at Hamilton Square ( the train goes under the river) and then it is a short five minute walk to the Woodside terminal where you get the ferry back to Liverpool. If you buy a day ticket at £4.30 this will be cheaper than a train ticket and then a ferry ticket.
The boat has refreshments on sale and there are souveniers too. The boat does not just cross the river but sails along the Wirral bank to Rock Ferry before crossing the river and sailing along the Liverpool bank to the Pierhead.
Work is going on at both river terminals ( Feb/March 09) that we saw but we did not go to the Seacombe terminal in Wallesey where there is a Spaceport and play centre for younger visitors.
I think the boat is fairly disabled friendly but pushing someone in a wheelchair up the ramp at Woodside could be difficult.

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The River Mersey has an incredibly rich and varied history and the ferry service itself is more than 850 years old. The River Explorer Cruise takes you on a ferry that not only crosses the Mersey, but also explores many of its most interesting facets, which are all described in a fascinating commentary (yes they do play the song). Taking you north on the river up towards New Brighton, before turning around and heading for the opposite piers the journey takes about 50 minutes.

River Explorer Cruises operate hourly from Pier Head, Liverpool, Seacombe and Woodside on the Wirral. You can start your journey at any of our three terminals and a return ticket allows you to break your journey at any terminal and rejoin the cruise later in the day.

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Definitely worth a trip on the ferry across the river. Relatively inexpensive to do and you get a great view of Liverpool's waterfront.

If it's a dry day, go on the top deck to get the best views. If you don't want to get off, just stay on until it returns to the Pier Head terminal.

A great childhood experience was of my father taking me on the mersey ferry from wallasey to liverpool and back on my first visit to liverpool. What an experience..

There's no better way to experience Liverpool and Merseyside than from the deck of the Mersey Ferry. Take the Ferry Across the Mersey Experience to learn about the city region's fascinating history, see its spectacular sights and discover its unique character. River Explorer Cruises run daily throughout the year and include a fascinating commentary on the 850 year history of the ferry service. The journey can be broken at Seacombe (Aquarium and Children's play area) or Woodside (Waterfront Cafe) which are both on the Wirral side of the river.

Other cruises include regular day long Manchester Ship Canal Cruises to Salford Quays from May through until October (return bus transfer to Liverpool included) as well as evening dance cruises.

Admission Charges
Adult- £4.65
Child- £2.60
Concession- £3.40
Groups- £11.99
Manchester Ship Canal Cruise £29.00
Evening Dance Cruises from £12 to £15 per person