Mersey Tunnel Tours: A Unique Underground Liverpool Experience
Explore Liverpool’s iconic Queensway Tunnel on a fascinating guided tour revealing engineering, history, and underground adventure.
Mersey Tunnel Tours offer a rare behind-the-scenes look at the iconic Queensway Tunnel beneath Liverpool. This 2 to 2.5-hour guided tour reveals the tunnel’s engineering marvels, control rooms, and rich history, including its role in Hollywood films. Tours run Tuesday to Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings, welcoming visitors aged 10 and above. Participants must pre-book and wear hard hats, making it a fascinating and safe exploration of Liverpool’s underground infrastructure.
A brief summary to Mersey Tunnel Tours
- Pier Head, Georges Dockway, Liverpool, L3 1DD, GB
- +441513301004
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 7 am-7 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
- Thursday 7 am-7 pm
- Friday 7 am-7 pm
- Saturday 7 am-7 pm
- Sunday 8 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Book your tour in advance as places are limited and tours often sell out quickly.
- Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing as parts of the tour are underground and can be cool.
- Children must be aged 10 or over to participate in the tour for safety reasons.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour start time at Georges Dock Building.
- All participants are required to wear hard hats, which are provided during the tour.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train
Take a train to James Street Station, approximately a 3-minute walk from Georges Dock Building where the tour starts. Trains run frequently from Liverpool Lime Street and other central stations. Tickets cost around £3-£5 depending on origin.
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Bus
Use the Liverpool One Bus Station, served by multiple routes from across the city and surrounding areas. The bus stop is a short walk from the tour start point. Single fares typically range from £2 to £4.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services can drop you directly at Georges Dock Building. Travel times vary but usually take 10-20 minutes from Liverpool city center. Expect fares around £7-£12.
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Walking
If staying in central Liverpool, walking to the tour start is feasible and pleasant, taking 10-20 minutes depending on your location. The route is flat and accessible, suitable for most visitors.
Mersey Tunnel Tours location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Mersey Tunnel Tours
Discovering Liverpool’s Underground Marvel
The Mersey Tunnel Tours provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore one of Liverpool’s most significant engineering achievements: the Queensway Tunnel. This tunnel, running beneath the River Mersey, connects Liverpool with the Wirral Peninsula and has been a vital transport link since its opening in 1934. The tour offers an immersive experience, allowing guests to walk beneath the road surface and witness the tunnel’s inner workings firsthand.Engineering and Operational Insights
During the approximately 2 to 2.5-hour tour, participants gain an in-depth understanding of the tunnel’s construction and ongoing operation. Highlights include visits to the control room, where the complex monitoring and management of tunnel traffic occur, and explanations of the safety and ventilation systems that keep the tunnel functioning smoothly. The tour emphasizes the scale and sophistication required to maintain such a busy underground passage.Historical and Cultural Significance
Beyond its technical aspects, the Queensway Tunnel holds a rich place in Liverpool’s history. The tour delves into its construction during the early 20th century, reflecting the city’s industrial growth and ambition. Visitors also learn about the tunnel’s cultural footprint, including its appearances in several Hollywood movies, which underscore its iconic status and architectural uniqueness.Visitor Experience and Practical Details
The tours run on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings at 5 pm, and on Saturday mornings at 10 am. Booking in advance is essential due to limited availability, with group tours available by arrangement. The experience is suitable for children aged 10 and over, and all participants are required to wear hard hats for safety. The tour starts at Georges Dock Building, located at Pier Head, Georges Dockway, Liverpool.Atmosphere and Accessibility
The tour’s atmosphere combines adventure with education, offering a behind-the-scenes look at a vital piece of Liverpool’s infrastructure rarely seen by the public. The setting underground creates a distinct ambiance, blending historical significance with modern engineering. The location is accessible by nearby public transport, including James Street railway station and Liverpool One bus station, facilitating easy arrival.Why the Mersey Tunnel Tour Stands Out
What makes this tour truly special is its blend of technical fascination, historical narrative, and cultural relevance. It appeals to a wide range of visitors, from engineering enthusiasts to history buffs and those curious about Liverpool’s unique urban landscape. The careful balance of safety, education, and immersive experience ensures a memorable visit that reveals a hidden side of the city.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
The Port Of Liverpool Building
0.0 km
The oldest of Liverpool’s Three Graces, this Edwardian Baroque masterpiece at Pier Head is a powerful symbol of the city’s golden age as a global port and a defining feature of its historic skyline.
Cunard Building
0.1 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Royal Liver Suite
0.2 km
Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
Mann Island
0.2 km
Contemporary waterfront landmark reflecting Liverpool's maritime heritage through striking architecture and cultural innovation.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.2 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
Oriel Chambers
0.2 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Hargreaves Buildings
0.3 km
Victorian banking landmark preserving Liverpool's golden age of maritime commerce and financial power
Liverpool Town Hall
0.3 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
Billy Fury
0.3 km
Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Legacy Sculpture
0.4 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
1 Exchange Flags
0.4 km
Historic Liverpool landmark featuring WWII command bunker, elegant architecture, and a courtyard rich with maritime and mercantile heritage.
Viewing window to the Old Dock
0.5 km
Step through a glass window into the world’s first commercial wet dock, the birthplace of Liverpool’s global maritime legacy.
Cilla Black
0.5 km
Celebrate Liverpool’s beloved entertainer with the life-size bronze statue of Cilla Black on iconic Mathew Street, near the legendary Cavern Club.
Liverpool Beatles Museum
0.5 km
Explore the largest authentic Beatles collection in Liverpool’s historic Mathew Street, celebrating the band’s legendary journey and legacy.
Cotton Exchange Bldg Old Hall Street
0.5 km
Historic heart of Liverpool’s cotton trade, blending Edwardian grandeur with modern business life on Old Hall Street.
Unmissable attractions to see
Port of Liverpool
0.1 km
An Edwardian Baroque masterpiece and one of Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, symbolizing the city’s rich maritime heritage.
The Three Graces
0.1 km
Explore the breathtaking Three Graces in Liverpool: a stunning trio of architectural landmarks showcasing the city's rich maritime heritage.
The British Music Experience
0.1 km
Step into the story of British rock and pop at Liverpool’s national museum of popular music, where iconic costumes, instruments and interactive studios bring decades of music to life.
Liverpool Beatles Tours
0.1 km
Explore the legendary Beatles heritage in Liverpool with immersive tours to iconic sites, childhood homes, and musical landmarks.
Piazza Fountain
0.1 km
A dynamic 1960s kinetic water sculpture in Liverpool’s historic Goree Piazza, blending art, history, and community spirit.
Liverpool Canal Link - Waterfront Albert Dock
0.1 km
Discover Liverpool’s historic waterfront brought to life by the scenic and engineering marvel of the Liverpool Canal Link at Albert Dock.
Canada Blvd
0.1 km
A serene waterfront promenade in Liverpool honoring Canadian wartime valor with memorials, maple trees, and iconic maritime views.
Museum of Liverpool
0.1 km
Explore 10,000 years of Liverpool’s story on the UNESCO waterfront – free entry, powerful stories, and a city’s soul on display.
The Beatles Statue
0.2 km
A life-sized tribute on Liverpool’s Pier Head celebrating the Fab Four’s timeless legacy against the iconic Mersey waterfront.
The Liverpool Waterfront
0.2 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, where historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and maritime heritage meet along the scenic River Mersey.
Tate Liverpool
0.2 km
Discover cutting-edge modern art and family-friendly creativity at Tate Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront home at RIBA North.
Royal Liver Building 360 Tour
0.2 km
Discover Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building with immersive tours, panoramic skyline views, and rich historical insights from its 15th-floor vantage point.
Pier Head
0.2 km
Liverpool’s iconic waterfront hub, Pier Head blends historic maritime grandeur with vibrant cultural and recreational spaces.
Mersey Ferries
0.2 km
Experience Liverpool’s iconic Mersey Ferries—over 800 years of rich maritime history and stunning river cruises from the historic Pier Head.
Graving Docks
0.2 km
Historic 18th-century dry docks at Canning Dock, Liverpool, now opening as a transformative cultural and contemplative waterfront space.
Essential places to dine
Etsu
0.1 km
Authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality await at Etsu, Liverpool’s premier destination for refined dining on The Strand.
Meet Argentinian Restaurant
0.1 km
Premium Argentine beef grilled over open flames in Liverpool's most authentic steakhouse since 2006.
OH ME OH MY
0.2 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Hawksmoor Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience premium British steaks and seafood in a stylish, lively Liverpool setting with exceptional service and classic flavors.
Mowgli Street Food Water Street
0.3 km
Contemporary Indian street food in a vibrant, casual setting with bold flavors and communal sharing plates.
Bacaro
0.3 km
Experience vibrant Venetian small plates and authentic Italian flavors in the stylish heart of Liverpool’s Castle Street.
San Carlo - Liverpool
0.3 km
Experience authentic Italian elegance and vibrant city dining at San Carlo Liverpool, where classic flavors meet stylish ambiance.
Castle St Townhouse
0.3 km
A stylish all-day dining venue in Liverpool’s historic heart, blending heritage charm with vibrant food, drinks, and social atmosphere.
Riva Blu Italian Restaurant & Bar, Liverpool
0.3 km
Modern Italian dining and cocktails in the heart of Liverpool, with a stylish terrace and a unique vaulted private dining room for special occasions.
Gusto Italian
0.4 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Blakes Restaurant
0.4 km
Experience British classics with a Beatles twist in Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Hotel restaurant.
Shiraz BBQ
0.4 km
Charcoal-grilled Mediterranean excellence with generous portions and unbeatable value in central Liverpool.
Revolución de Cuba Liverpool
0.4 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Revolución de Cuba Liverpool—where vibrant culture meets exquisite flavors in a lively lounge setting.
The Exchange Restaurant
0.4 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal menus and scenic park views at Hilton Liverpool City Centre’s premier restaurant.
NYL Restaurant and Bar
0.4 km
Stylish American dining and cocktails in Liverpool's commercial heart, where upmarket meets approachable.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
House Of Gifts
0.4 km
A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Off The List Luxury
0.4 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
Hard Days Night Shop
0.4 km
Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
Menkind
0.4 km
Discover quirky gadgets and imaginative gifts for men and boys at Menkind Liverpool, your go-to spot for unique presents in the city centre.
The Gallery
0.4 km
Discover Liverpool’s musical heritage and unique local crafts at The Gallery, your destination for Beatles memorabilia and authentic souvenirs.
Cool Britannia
0.4 km
Liverpool's vibrant gift shop packed with Britpop t-shirts, Beatles nods, and Cool Britannia souvenirs—your one-stop for cheeky, affordable UK mementos in the city center.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.5 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
Cavern Walks - Shopping Centre
0.5 km
Boutique shopping arcade in Liverpool's Beatles epicentre, linking stylish retail to Cavern Club legacy on vibrant Mathew Street.
As Above So Below Emporium Ltd
0.5 km
A darkly elegant witchy emporium in Liverpool’s historic Cavern Walks, blending mysticism, tarot, and alternative culture.
Pride of Liverpool
0.5 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
Oliver Bonas
0.5 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
Lost Soles
0.5 km
Unique graphic tees and menswear in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock – independent style with waterfront flair.
With Love From Liverpool
0.5 km
Liverpool's ultimate souvenir haven in the Royal Albert Dock, brimming with Beatles treasures, Scouse spirit, and authentic gifts that capture the city's unbeatable vibe.
The Nest Liverpool
0.5 km
Unique gifts and local crafts in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock—a perfect waterfront stop for authentic Scouse souvenirs.
Nature's Treasure
0.5 km
Intimate jewellery boutique in The Colonnades, offering handcrafted pieces, bespoke commissions and restoration inside Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Slaughter House
0.2 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.2 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.4 km
Liverpool's ultimate cocktail spot in a historic building—2-for-1 drinks, bottomless brunches, and three floors of festive vibes for groups and celebrations.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
Rubber Soul
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.5 km
Vibrant cocktails, riverside vibes, and non-stop nightlife in Liverpool's legendary Albert Dock—where dockside history meets modern revelry.
The One O'Clock Gun
0.6 km
Raise a glass to Liverpool's maritime heartbeat at this dockside pub, where historic time signals meet modern merriment and Mersey views.
The Long Shot Bar
0.6 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
Ex-Directory
0.6 km
Discover Liverpool’s hidden speakeasy with quirky charm, expertly crafted cocktails, and a vibrant atmosphere on Vernon Street.
Brass Monkey
0.8 km
Liverpool's quirky cocktail haven on School Lane, blending inventive drinks, British bites, and lively vibes from midday to late-night revelry.
Present Company
0.8 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
Baltic Fleet
0.8 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
Motel Bar
0.8 km
A moody, music-first Fleet Street dive bar famous for band-backed karaoke and late-night crowds in Liverpool city centre.
Be At One - Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's cocktail epicenter: 100+ mixes, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclass shakes in a chic Seel Street hotspot.
Kazimier Garden
0.8 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Playground Liverpool
0.4 km
Liverpool's luxury nightclub haven in the Hilton, pulsing with upscale beats by the Mersey waterfront – exclusive nights await in the heart of the city.
Mambo Club Liverpool
0.4 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
Flares - Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
GBar Liverpool
0.5 km
Liverpool's legendary late-night gay club: pop upstairs, bass downstairs, dancing till dawn on Eberle Street's vibrant strip.
Mansion Nightclub
0.5 km
Liverpool’s vibrant nightclub with the UK’s largest LED ceiling, laser shows, and a dynamic party atmosphere in the city centre.
Elysium Nightclub
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic DJ events and an energetic atmosphere at Elysium Nightclub, open late on weekends.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.5 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.8 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
Modo, Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
0.9 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
Baa Bar Liverpool
1.0 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Aura
1.0 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Ink Bar Liverpool
1.1 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Educational
- Scenic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
