Pier Head

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About Pier Head

Pier Head is the part of Liverpool's waterfront on the banks of the River Mersey where the three buildings known as the Three Graces stand, built in the early 20th century when the port was at its peak. The Royal Liver Building, from 1911 with two clock towers, has the Liver Birds atop it — the bronze birds that became the city's symbol; legend says if they fly away the city would cease to exist. Beside it are the Cunard Building, of the shipping company, and the domed Port of Liverpool Building.

The Royal Liver Building offers guided tours, the RLB360, which go up one of the towers and behind the clock faces — larger than Big Ben's — to the river view. On the promenade there are statues of the Beatles walking, memorials to sailors and to the Titanic (whose company was headquartered in Liverpool), and a canal with boats.

The Museum of Liverpool, a modern 2011 building, tells the story of the city, the port, immigration, football and music, with free entry to the permanent collection; check before visiting. The museum's viewpoint has huge windows overlooking the Mersey.

From Pier Head's quay the Mersey Ferry departs, offering about a 50-minute narrated trip along the river, stopping at Seacombe and Woodside on the opposite bank, from where you get a view of the entire waterfront.