Overlooking the River Mersey and dominating one of the world’s most famous waterfront skylines, is Royal Liver Building.

This iconic symbol of Liverpool, built in 1911, and at the time, the tallest building in Europe, has the enviable status of a Grade 1 listed landmark building.

The tour of the West tower of this Iconic building was conceived in 2018 and is operated by Heritage Attractions as part of their portfolio of visitor attractions.

The full tour involves climbing 124 stairs above the 10th floor, and this guide has been produced to enable guests to make informed decisions.

 

Please note that where assistance is required visitors are asked to ensure they are accompanied on their visit. Due to the nature of the tour Children under 5 years of age are not permitted & children between the ages of 5 and 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Wheelchair and users of small compact mobile scooters can access the building from the front using the ramp on the main building entrance where the reception team will organise lift access down to the Visitors Centre.

For visitors with accessibility requirements who cannot complete the tour the Visitors Centre can be accessed for free.

This is not suitable for wheelchair/mobility scooter users as the access to floor 10 is restricted and further progress requires negotiation of 124 steps, 71 of which are a narrow spiral stone staircase. In the event of an emergency evacuation there is a need to negotiate 300 steps from the 10th floor to reach the Ground floor exits.

At the visitor centre, customers will be allocated to groups and given a quick safety briefing by their tour guide.

From the exhibition space there is a gently sloping corridor leading to the elevator. The elevator has a capacity of up to 8 persons (of average build) and a weight limit of 640kgs. Each party will be accompanied by a member of staff for the journey. The lift will travel directly to the level 10 viewing platform.

For visitors who may not feel comfortable travelling in the lift there is an option to use the 300 stairs (10 flights) up to the 10th floor. Please inform a member of the team on arrival if this is required.

On arrival at level 10, there is a narrow corridor leading to two steps out onto the roof terrace to enjoy views of the clock face and tower as well as across the River Mersey. This level is open to the elements and will be affected by inclement weather.

From here the tour continues on foot to the upper floors. Visitors with medical conditions that are affected by physical exertion, heights and confined spaces should consider the following before continuing:

There are 53 steps to a short holding area before a further 37 steps leads to the upper clock floor where there will be a digitally mapped audio/visual display. Please note this will contain flashing lights and loud sounds which may affect you if you suffer from photo sensitivity epilepsy.

Following the display the tour continues via another 34 steps to the 360° panoramic view point above the clocks. This is outside and will be affected by inclement weather. NOTE: the clock strikes on the quarter hour and is very loud at this level. Ear protectors are available free of charge from the dispenser in the briefing area and should be used upon leaving the 14^th floor if required.

Because of the restricted access to each of the areas the time allowed at each of the areas is strictly controlled to allow each party to safely move from area to area.

On returning to the 10th floor the lift returns you to the lower ground floor. Should the lifts become unusable at any time due to a breakdown or emergency then you will have to walk down a maximum of 408 steps.

Essential companion tickets are available for any visitors who may require one.

Booking an Essential Companion ticket can be done at point of purchase if booking in person or on the phone.

When booking online, please purchase any paid tickets required then send an email with the booking reference and your request for a companion ticket to info@liverbuildingtour.com. Our team will then add the  ticket to your booking for you.

We may ask for appropriate evidence of need (such as a documentation from relevant authorities or a recognised disability access scheme) to be presented either at booking or on arrival. This will be handled sensitively and in confidence.

There are unisex toilet facilities and an accessible toilet facility located in the lower ground floor exhibition space only. The tour lasts for between 60 – 70 mins so be sure to visit the toilet before commencing on the tour.

The exit is via the tour shop which is flat-level access in the lower ground floor level and returning to the front of the building via the entrance steps.

Wheel chair users will take the lift to the ground floor area to exit via the main doors and entrance ramp.