The Piermaster's House, Liverpool
Step into a 19th-century dock official’s home, now a 1940s wartime time capsule on Liverpool’s historic waterfront.
Tucked beside the Albert Dock, The Piermaster’s House is a small but evocative 19th-century redbrick building that once housed Liverpool’s piermaster, the official responsible for ship movements on the River Mersey. Now managed by National Museums Liverpool, it’s been restored as a 1940s wartime home, furnished with period items like ration books and gas masks. Entry is free, and a visit takes about 20–30 minutes, making it a quick, atmospheric stop in the heart of Liverpool’s maritime quarter.
A brief summary to The Piermaster's House
- Albert Dock, Kings Parade, Pier Head - Seacombe, Hartley Quay, Liverpool, L3 4BB, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.3 to 0.5 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit early in the day or on weekdays to avoid the busiest museum crowds nearby.
- Combine your visit with the Merseyside Maritime Museum and Museum of Liverpool for a full waterfront history experience.
- Allow 20–30 minutes; the house is small, but the period details are worth lingering over.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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On foot from Liverpool city centre
From Liverpool city centre, walk toward the waterfront along either James Street or the Pier Head; the route is flat and well signed, taking about 10–15 minutes to reach the Albert Dock area where The Piermaster’s House is located.
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By public transport to Pier Head
Take a bus or the Merseyrail to Liverpool Central or James Street station, then walk 5–10 minutes to Pier Head; the house is a short, level walk from the main waterfront attractions and museums.
The Piermaster's House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Piermaster's House
A Home by the Docks
Built in 1852, The Piermaster’s House stands as a quiet survivor of Liverpool’s bustling docklands. Originally one of four identical homes for senior dock officials, it was built to house the piermaster, the man in charge of ensuring ships could safely enter and leave the docks at high tide. The redbrick, Grade II–listed building reflects the solid, functional architecture of the Victorian port city, designed to withstand the damp, salty air of the River Mersey while providing a respectable home for a key figure in Liverpool’s maritime operations.Life in Wartime Liverpool
Today, the house is no longer a private residence but a living snapshot of the early 1940s, when Liverpool was a major port under constant threat during the Second World War. Restored and furnished with period pieces, it recreates the atmosphere of a middle-class Liverpool home during the Blitz. Visitors walk through rooms filled with 1940s domestic appliances, furniture, and everyday objects, including ration books, gas masks, and blackout curtains, offering a tangible sense of how families coped with shortages, air raids, and the constant hum of wartime industry.A Small Space with Big Stories
Though compact, the house packs a powerful narrative punch. It tells the story of Liverpool’s role as a vital Atlantic port, the dangers faced by dock workers and their families, and the resilience of ordinary people during one of the city’s most difficult periods. Original features and carefully chosen reproductions help bring the past to life, making it especially engaging for visitors interested in social history, wartime life, and the human side of Liverpool’s maritime legacy.Part of the Albert Dock Experience
The Piermaster’s House sits just steps from the Museum of Liverpool, the Merseyside Maritime Museum, and Tate Liverpool, making it an easy addition to a day exploring the city’s waterfront. Its location on the Kings Parade, right beside the Albert Dock, places it at the heart of Liverpool’s UNESCO–recognized waterfront, where grand Victorian warehouses now house museums, galleries, and restaurants. Because it’s free to enter and only takes 20–30 minutes to explore, it’s ideal for those with limited time who still want a deeper connection to the city’s past.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Legacy Sculpture
0.0 km
A powerful bronze tribute at Royal Albert Dock honoring Liverpool’s migrant heritage and the hopeful journeys to the New World.
Billy Fury
0.0 km
Celebrate the legacy of Liverpool’s rock and roll pioneer with the iconic Billy Fury statue at the historic Royal Albert Dock.
Mann Island
0.2 km
Contemporary waterfront landmark reflecting Liverpool's maritime heritage through striking architecture and cultural innovation.
The Port Of Liverpool Building
0.3 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.
Albert Dock Pride Sculpture
0.3 km
A vibrant public artwork at Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, diversity, and the city’s rich maritime heritage.
Cunard Building
0.4 km
A majestic waterfront landmark embodying Liverpool’s rich maritime history and Cunard’s legacy of luxury ocean travel.
Old Wall Arch Albert Dock UK
0.4 km
Historic Georgian gateway at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending maritime heritage with vibrant cultural life and scenic waterfront charm.
'The Great Escape' statue
0.5 km
A powerful bronze horse symbolising freedom and human liberation at Liverpool's historic waterfront.
Sir Alfred Lewis Monument
0.5 km
A striking bronze memorial at Liverpool’s Pier Head honoring Sir Alfred Lewis Jones, maritime pioneer and founder of tropical medicine research.
Royal Liver Suite
0.5 km
Celebrate your special moments with panoramic Mersey views in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Suite, blending heritage and elegance.
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.
Oriel Chambers
0.6 km
Oriel Chambers: Liverpool’s revolutionary 1864 office building that pioneered the metal-framed glass curtain wall and modern skyscraper design.
Liverpool Empire
0.6 km
Discover the historic Liverpool Empire Theatre, a cultural gem showcasing the finest live performances in the heart of Liverpool.
Liverpool Parish Church (Our Lady and Saint Nicholas)
0.6 km
Historic Anglican parish church in Liverpool, symbolizing centuries of maritime heritage and resilience through tragedy and renewal.
Liverpool Town Hall
0.7 km
Explore Liverpool Town Hall, a stunning Georgian masterpiece and historic civic venue at the heart of Liverpool’s cultural heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tate Liverpool
0.0 km
Discover Tate Liverpool’s vibrant contemporary art and family activities at RIBA North, Mann Island, amidst Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.
Waterfront Pier Head Promenade Liverpool
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s iconic waterfront promenade featuring historic landmarks, vibrant culture, and stunning views of the River Mersey.
Maritime Museum
0.1 km
Explore Liverpool’s maritime past at the free Merseyside Maritime Museum, nestled in the historic and vibrant Royal Albert Dock.
House of Spells
0.1 km
Step into Liverpool’s largest fandom shop at Albert Dock, where magic, cult TV, and iconic collectibles come alive across two immersive floors.
Graving Docks
0.2 km
Historic 18th-century dry docks at Canning Dock, Liverpool, now opening as a transformative cultural and contemplative waterfront space.
RENNIE BRIDGE
0.2 km
Historic iron swing footbridge linking Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, showcasing John Rennie’s engineering legacy and maritime heritage.
Pump House
0.2 km
Waterside Victorian pumphouse turned lively pub-restaurant on Albert Dock, serving classic British dishes and seasonal ales with dock views.
The Dock Traffic Office, Liverpool
0.2 km
Historic Grade I listed Dock Traffic Office in Liverpool’s Royal Albert Dock, a symbol of maritime heritage and Victorian industrial design.
The Mann Island - Waterfront Photos
0.2 km
Discover Mann Island’s vibrant waterfront where Liverpool’s rich maritime history meets striking modern architecture and lively urban culture.
Salthouse Quay
0.2 km
Historic Liverpool dock with scenic waterside moorings, rich maritime heritage, and vibrant connections to the Royal Albert Dock waterfront.
Museum of Liverpool
0.2 km
Explore 10,000 years of Liverpool’s story on the UNESCO waterfront – free entry, powerful stories, and a city’s soul on display.
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
0.3 km
A beautifully restored 19th-century dock turned vibrant waterfront hub of culture, dining, and history on the River Mersey.
Liverpool wheel
0.3 km
Experience breathtaking 360-degree views of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront from the 60-meter Wheel of Liverpool at Royal Albert Dock.
Magical Mystery Tour
0.3 km
Explore Liverpool’s Beatles heritage on the iconic Magical Mystery Tour, visiting legendary sites from childhood homes to the world-famous Cavern Club.
The Beatles Story Museum, Liverpool
0.3 km
Immerse yourself in the ultimate Beatles experience at Liverpool’s iconic waterfront museum celebrating the Fab Four’s legendary journey.
Essential places to dine
Gusto Italian
0.2 km
Stylish Italian dining in Liverpool’s Edward Pavilion, blending classic Milanese flavors with a sleek, inviting atmosphere.
Revolución de Cuba Liverpool
0.2 km
Discover authentic Cuban cuisine at Revolución de Cuba Liverpool—where vibrant culture meets exquisite flavors in a lively lounge setting.
The Botanist Albert Dock
0.2 km
A lush botanical bar and restaurant at Liverpool’s Albert Dock, blending garden-inspired charm with creative cocktails and vibrant dining.
What's Cooking
0.3 km
Hearty American-Mexican grills with Mersey views in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock—a dockside dining staple since 1978.
PANAM Restaurant & Bar
0.3 km
Savor Scouse stew and craft cocktails amid Albert Dock's glittering waters—PANAM blends Liverpool's maritime soul with vibrant brunches and live music nights.
Rudy's Pizza Napoletana - Albert Dock
0.3 km
Authentic Neapolitan pizzas served in a lively waterfront setting at Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Maray Albert Dock
0.3 km
Mediterranean and Middle Eastern small plates in a vibrant waterfront setting at Liverpool’s historic Royal Albert Dock.
Lunyalita
0.3 km
Authentic Catalan tapas and deli delights with stunning Albert Dock views in Liverpool’s historic Britannia Pavilion.
Miller & Carter Albert Dock
0.3 km
Savor expertly crafted British and Irish steaks with panoramic Albert Dock views in Liverpool’s vibrant waterfront steakhouse.
Madre
0.3 km
Vibrant Mexican taqueria at Albert Dock: authentic tacos, killer margaritas, and waterfront terrace vibes in Liverpool's heart.
Floating Grace
0.3 km
Dine and cruise the Mersey aboard a historic vessel, combining fresh cuisine with scenic waterfront views and entertaining skipper commentary.
The Exchange Restaurant
0.4 km
Elegant British dining with seasonal menus and scenic park views at Hilton Liverpool City Centre’s premier restaurant.
Etsu
0.4 km
Authentic Japanese flavors and warm hospitality await at Etsu, Liverpool’s premier destination for refined dining on The Strand.
Meet Argentinian Restaurant
0.5 km
Premium Argentine beef grilled over open flames in Liverpool's most authentic steakhouse since 2006.
OH ME OH MY
0.5 km
Historic waterfront tea house with rooftop views, afternoon tea, and elegant events space.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pride of Liverpool
0.1 km
Whistle-stop souvenirs celebrating Liverpool pride and Britain's iconic cities in the heart of Royal Albert Dock's historic colonnades.
Lost Soles
0.2 km
Unique graphic tees and menswear in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock – independent style with waterfront flair.
With Love From Liverpool
0.2 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.
Off The List Luxury
0.2 km
Discreet luxury watch boutique in Liverpool's business heart, offering Rolex Datejust and elite timepieces with expert, professional service.
The Nest Liverpool
0.2 km
Unique gifts and local crafts in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock—a perfect waterfront stop for authentic Scouse souvenirs.
Nature's Treasure
0.2 km
Intimate jewellery boutique in The Colonnades, offering handcrafted pieces, bespoke commissions and restoration inside Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock.
Annabel's Accessories
0.2 km
Fashion accessories in Liverpool's historic Royal Albert Dock, blending style with UNESCO heritage at The Colonnades.
The Fab4 Store
0.3 km
Liverpool's ultimate Beatles emporium: official merch, rare finds, and Fab Four magic at Albert Dock's heart.
KENJI Liverpool ONE
0.6 km
Discover cute plushies, quirky gifts, and local makers in Liverpool ONE's playful arcade-gift haven—perfect for unique souvenirs and fun finds.
Oliver Bonas
0.6 km
Colourful, design-led fashion and homeware in Liverpool ONE — a boutique atmosphere for stylish gifts and everyday statement pieces.
Menkind
0.6 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.
House Of Gifts
0.6 km
A fun-filled Liverpool novelty shop packed with souvenirs, local memorabilia, and quirky gifts for visitors and locals alike.
Urban Outfitters
0.6 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and eclectic homewares at Urban Outfitters Liverpool, a vibrant hub for style and culture in the city centre.
Utility
0.7 km
Independent Liverpool gift shop specialising in quirky, design-led presents, cards and small homewares with a friendly, well-curated atmosphere.
Hard Days Night Shop
0.7 km
Explore the heart of Beatles heritage with exclusive memorabilia and authentic merchandise at Liverpool’s iconic Hard Days Night Shop.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Revolution Liverpool - Albert Dock
0.3 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
0.3 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
0.3 km
Liverpool's premier dockside sports bar: epic screens, killer cocktails, and stacked sandwiches amid Albert Dock's historic charm.
The Bierkeller Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience the ultimate Bavarian beer hall vibe in Liverpool with giant steins, live Oompah bands, and a lively party atmosphere.
The Slaughter House
0.5 km
Historic Liverpool pub blending hearty gastropub fare with lively live music and comedy in a warm, rustic setting.
The Alchemist Liverpool
0.5 km
Experience Liverpool’s premier cocktail bar where molecular mixology meets bold flavors and vibrant city vibes.
Baltic Fleet
0.6 km
Historic flat-iron pub in Liverpool's docks, pouring craft ales and cask brews amid maritime heritage and Baltic Triangle buzz.
Slug & Lettuce - Liverpool
0.7 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.
Rubber Soul
0.7 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife and Beatles heritage at Rubber Soul, a lively bar with three unique atmospheres and nightly live music.
Brass Monkey
0.9 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
0.9 km
Intimate Liverpool cocktail bar blending expert drinks, music culture, and warm hospitality in a stylish, relaxed setting.
FunnyBoyz Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's premier drag cabaret venue: interactive shows, live entertainment, and unforgettable nights out.
Sub Rosa
0.9 km
Quirky outdoor bar in Liverpool's Baltic Triangle: fire pits, craft brews, street food, and industrial charm for unforgettable gatherings under glitter balls and warehouse skies.
Kazimier Garden
0.9 km
Liverpool's original garden bar: quirky outdoor oasis with craft brews, live gigs, and fairy-lit magic in the heart of Ropewalks.
Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six
0.9 km
Experience immersive cocktails and themed nights at Alcotraz Liverpool: Cell Block Three-Six, a unique cocktail bar that offers an unforgettable night out.
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.
Flares - Liverpool
0.7 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Flares on Mathew Street, where great cocktails and unbeatable party vibes meet iconic music heritage.
Mambo Club Liverpool
0.7 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife at Mambo Club, where electrifying music and lively crowds create unforgettable Saturday nights.
Heaven Nightclub Liverpool
0.8 km
Experience the lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit at Heaven Nightclub in Liverpool, a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.
Mansion Nightclub
0.8 km
Liverpool’s vibrant nightclub with the UK’s largest LED ceiling, laser shows, and a dynamic party atmosphere in the city centre.
XOXO Nightclub Liverpool
0.8 km
Dive into Liverpool's electric basement beats at XOXO Nightclub, where diverse DJs and immersive vibes craft unforgettable weekends from 10pm till dawn.
GBar Liverpool
0.8 km
Liverpool's legendary late-night gay club: pop upstairs, bass downstairs, dancing till dawn on Eberle Street's vibrant strip.
Elysium Nightclub
0.8 km
Experience Liverpool’s vibrant nightlife with dynamic DJ events and an energetic atmosphere at Elysium Nightclub, open late on weekends.
Stanley St Gaay Quarter LGBT Bars And Clubs
0.8 km
Discover the vibrant Stanley Street Gay Quarter in Liverpool, a hub of LGBT nightlife with diverse bars, clubs, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Supper Club at Blundell Street
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate supper club: fuel up on hearty meals, then dance the night away to drag shows, tributes, and non-stop hits near Echo Arena.
Popworld - Liverpool
0.9 km
Liverpool's ultimate cheesy pop haven: 90s bangers, cheap drinks, and dance-'til-dawn vibes in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
0.9 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
1.0 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
1.0 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Historic
- Scenic
- Cultural
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
