Liverpool’s prime position on the banks of the vast River Mersey makes it a fabulous location for a sunset adventure. On a warm October afternoon, I spent a happy couple of hours exploring the heart of the city’s waterfront. My walk took me from the world-famous Albert Dock to the iconic Beatles statue.
When I arrived, golden hour had just started. Under the shadow of the Liver Building, a dozen or so skaters weaved their way through the steady stream of tourists. A battered old boom box blasted crackly reggae, competing with the busker across the road. The low sun reflected off the windows of the renowned port buildings.
The occasional blast of a ship’s horn filled the air. As the shadows lengthened, the sky turned a fiery orange. Passengers on the famous Mersey Ferry would have been in for a treat.
For those looking for a golden hour stroll along the historic waterfront, here are five of the best places to watch the sunset in Liverpool city centre.
1. Sunset at Liverpool’s historic Albert Dock
Best for: Enjoying the buzz of a busy city as the sun goes down.
The narrow passageways of Albert Dock were packed. A gentle hum of conversation rose from the waterfront restaurants and bars. The clinking of glasses and cutlery accompanied the chatter as diners embraced the opportunity to dine al fresco.
Formally known as Royal Albert Dock, this historic industrial site is the beating heart of Liverpool’s waterfront. During the 19th century, Albert Dock was packed full of warehouses, cranes and cargo ships, with thousands of workers enduring long, exhausting shifts around the clock.
Today, Albert Dock has gained a new lease of life as a leisure destination. Boasting dozens of restaurants, cafes and sleek bars, this is one of the best places to sample Liverpool’s burgeoning food and drink scene. Coupled with world-class museums such as the Tate Liverpool and The Beatles Story, Albert Dock is a destination in its own right.
How to find it: The Albert Dock is right on the waterfront, opposite the Liverpool ONE shopping centre and next to the M&S Bank Arena. There is a small car park on-site.
2. Golden hour at the famous Beatles Statue
Best for: Listening to a busker.
One of the city’s most popular tourist landmarks, Liverpool’s Fab Four stroll confidently towards the murky waters of the Mersey, frozen in time by sculptor Andrew Edwards. The statue has stood on Liverpool’s waterfront since 2015, when the world-famous Cavern Club donated it to mark the 50th anniversary of the band’s last gig in the city.
When I visited, a steady stream of tourists made a beeline for the figures of John, Ringo and Co. Serenaded by a nearby guitarist, belting out Beatles classics, an orderly queue waited for their turn to grab the iconic photo.
From their humble origins in the bars and clubs of Liverpool, The Beatles rapidly rose to fame, delighting fans across the globe with their revolutionary rock and roll sound. A worldwide phenomenon to this day, Liverpool is packed with opportunities for Beatles fans to pay tribute to this era-defining band. At sunset, however, this location on Liverpool’s waterfront is hard to beat.
How to find it: The Beatles Statue stands in front of the Cunard and Port of Liverpool buildings at the end of Brunswick Street.
3. Ferry Across the Mersey
Best for: A view of the Liverpool skyline on one of the UK’s most famous ferry crossings.
In late May 1964, Gerry and the Pacemakers recorded Ferry Across the Mersey, an iconic tribute to the gargantuan river that separates Liverpool’s historic waterfront from the Wirral peninsula.
Ferries have transported passengers and goods across the river for centuries. Records show that, in the early medieval times, monks at the Wirral-based Benedictine Priory would row passengers across the river for a small fee. Over the years, the route grew in importance.
Eventually, the first steam ferries began operating a service between Liverpool and Runcorn in the early 19th century. Today, ferries still operate, carrying thousands of commuters and tourists alike each day.
On this particular October walk, the sun was setting directly opposite the waterfront. Each ferry became silhouetted against the golden sky. From land, they made for a magnificent sight. For those on board, the view of Liverpool bathed in evening light must have been spectacular – a sublime sunset spot.
How to do it: Mersey Ferries offers a series of sightseeing cruises, as well as their standard commuter service between Liverpool and the Wirral.
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4. In the shadow of the iconic Liver Building
Best for: The most famous building in the city.
Built between 1908 and 1911 for the Royal Liver Assurance group, Liverpool’s iconic Royal Liver Building is a world-famous symbol of the city.
Perched atop its 322-foot tall towers, the two Liver Birds watch over the rooftops below. Each bird weighs four tonnes, reaching a height of 5.5 metres – they are instantly recognisable and can be seen for miles around.
Often, when the thick, damp fog rolls in from the wild Irish Sea, the Liver Birds poke their heads above the clouds. The fog was not a worry when I visited. Streaks of whispy clouds sat high in the sky, framing the building as a handful of photographers set up tripods to try and capture the scene.
I could just about make out a few faces in the windows. It looked like some office workers had stayed late. As views from a desk go, theirs was a pretty good deal. Whether from ground level or up high, the Liver Building is one of the best sunset spots on Liverpool’s waterfront.
How to find it: The Liver Building is easy to spot when you are on the waterfront. For those visiting during the day, you can take a tour up to the roof for a splendid view of the city.
Read next: 9 brilliant things to do when it rains in North Norfolk.
5. On the hunt for Liverpool’s quirky Superlambananas
Best for: Inspiration to explore more of Liverpool.
Standing over five metres tall, Liverpool’s original Superlambanana took up residency in the city in 1998. Created by artist Taro Chiezo, the sculpture is as quirky as its name – a gigantic banana-lamb hybrid. It quickly became an icon of the city.
In 2008, when Liverpool held the title of European Capital of Culture, the Superlambanana was joined by 125 unique miniatures. These small replicas each had a distinct design and found homes in public spaces across the city.
Most of the 125 mini Superlambananas have now been auctioned off. However, a handful remain on display in the city centre. This includes a small group that stands in front of the Museum of Liverpool, a stone’s throw from the lapping waters of the Mersey. They make an excellent stop on a sunset stroll along the cobbled walkway towards Albert Dock.
Nobody knows exactly where the rest of the Superlambanas are now. However, a sunset stroll to see the waterfront replicas might just prompt you to go on a hunt for other street art across the city.
How to find them: You can find the waterfront Superlambananas here. The original Superlambanana is a short walk away.