England: Merseyside : Liverpool : Albert Dock
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The Alber Dock is one Liverpool's finest achievements and a major urban regeneration success. The derelict mess of old dock buildings and warehouses had closed in 1971 as the city fell sharper into decline. Although there had been many ideas for development of the site nothing was done until almost 10 years later when work finally began, in 1981, on the dock's redevelopment. WHile most of England seemed to be doing well under the Thatcher Government Liverpool fell further into decline. With a typical Liverpudlian (the correct name for somebody from Liverpool rather than "Scouser" which is more commonly known) upbeat outlook the Merseyside Development Corporation (MDC) managed to raise sufficient funds to develop the site into the highly successful multi-function attraction we see today. For many the redevelopment of the Albert Dock was the starting point of the regeneration of the whole city and in 2009 Liverpool became the European Capital of Culture.
A Brief History Of The Albert Dock
Liverpool had built the world's first commercial wet dock in 1715 and had quickly developed into a substantial port. By the start of the 1800s the port was handling around forty percent of the world's trade and expansion was desperately needed. The new dock would have to be modern and highly efficient so when work began on the plans in 1837 the main feature was to be that goods would be loaded and unloaded directly to and from the warehouses in a similar fashion to the pioneering London dock of St Katherine's. After meticulous attention to detail, which went as far as the building of huge structures to test the ability of particular designs to withstand the effects of fire, the plans were submitted in 1839. Following the necessary Act of Parliament work was allowed to commence in 1841 and the Albert Dock opened in 1846.
The cast iron, brick, sandstone and granite construction created was ahead of it's time and was an instant success. Two years after it opened it featured the first hydraulic cranes in the world. The Albert Dock remained extremely busy, and extremely efficient, for a number of decades but ships were getting larger and within 50 years the dock was becoming too small to handle more recently built shipping which required a larger expanse of water in which to navigate and load/unload cargoes. Within another 50 years the Albert Dock faced the distinct posibility of being demolished courtesy of the German Luftwaffe, especially during the May Blitz of 1941 (during World War II). Although the dock sustained some damage is remained standing but after the war trade was almost extinct and the docks closed in 1971.
The Albert Dock Today
Following the redevelopment by the MDC the Albert Dock became home to a number of first class tourist attractions, is a Grade I listed building (parts are Grade II) and is part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City, a UNESCO designated World Heritage Site. Today it is the most visited tourist attraction in Liverpool with over a staggering 4 million visitors a year passing through the Albert Dock Gate.
Popular attractions within the Albert Dock complex include the wonderful Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool (the biggest contemporary art gallery outside of London) and, in celebration of Liverpool's favourite sons, the Beatles Story. You will also find a fine selection of bars and restaurants within the complex making a superb place to visit at any time of the day. It is even possible to stay in the Albert Dock. If you are interested you should book in at the Express by Holiday Inn Albert Docks.
Contact
The Albert Dock
22 Edward Pavilion,
Albert Dock,
Liverpool
L3 4AF
Tel: 0151 708 7334
Getting To The Albert Dock
It is a fair old walk from Liverpool city centre to the Albert Dock but it is pleasant (and flat) with plenty to see on the way there.
| Nearest Railway Stations | Nearest Car Parks | Nearest Airports |
| Liverpool Lime Street Station | Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool and Albert Dock multi storey car park | Liverpool John Lennon Airport |
| Manchester Airport | ||
| Liverpool One's Q Park | ||
| John Lewis car park |
Please Note: There is liimited parking is available actually on the Albert Dock but it can be difficult to find a free space. Coaches can drop folk off at the Albert Dock Gate and the Gower Street bus stop.
Opening Times
Opens: 10am-6pm
Most attractions and shops open at the above hours but opening hours may vary.
Please Note: Only Assistance Dogs are allowed on the Albert Dock.
Hotels Near The Albert Dock
Express by Holiday Inn Liverpool Albert Docks
This superb hotel is situated within the Albert Dock complex. Read more...
Jurys Inn Liverpool
This 3 star hotel opened in April 2008 and is actually adjacent to the Albert Dock. Read more...
Ibis Hotel Liverpool City Centre
This 2 star hotel is right by the new L1 shopping centre and less than a quarter of a mile from the Docks. Read more...
Find More Hotels Near The Albert Dock >
Check Availability Of Albert Dock Hotels
Useful Albert Dock Links
The Albert Dock
The official site for the stunning Albert Dock.
Liverpool Bed & Breakfast
Listings of guest houses and hotels in Liverpool.
Hotels in Liverpool
Listings of Liverpool hotel accommodation.
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