Mersey Tunnel Tours
Last year our visitor reception area had a stunning new refurbishment which tells visitors all about the history of the tunnels through archive photographs and new information panels.
Our Mersey Tunnel Tour takes you on a unique behind the scenes look at the famous Queensway Mersey Tunnel, which opened in 1934.
To ensure our customers get the best experience with our guides, the tours are limited to 24 people per tour. For more information about Tunnel Tours please see our FAQs.
Tour Details
Starting at George's Dock Building, the tours take place on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 5pm and Saturdays at 10am, the tour will take approx two hours. Please be aware that the Saturday tours are now sold out until June 2026. Unfortunately, only children over 10 years of age are allowed on the tour.
As well as learning about the construction of the tunnel, you will visit the original control room, see a giant ventilation chamber and go down to watch the traffic in the tunnel, deep below the city streets. You will also find out which Hollywood movies the tunnel has featured in!
There are a lot of steps to walk up and down during the tour and therefore it is not suitable for people with mobility, breathing and sight difficulties. The tour is also inadvisable for people in the later stages of pregnancy.
The price of the tour is £14 per person.
For groups of 11 or more - tours are available other times by prior appointment. Contact our team on [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881.
You can now buy our gift vouchers online or visit our Travel Centres located at Queen Square, Liverpool One and Birkenhead.
Vouchers cost £14 and they are valid for 12 months.
For enquiries, groups and gift vouchers email [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881.
Tour highlights
Learn how the tunnel was constructed
See a giant ventilation chamber
Visit the original tunnel control room
What happens if I am unable to attend?
If you are unwell and unable to attend the tour please email [email protected] to rearrange your booking to another date.
If you have a problem within an hour of being due to arrive for your tour please contact 0300 131 2881 and they can pass a message to the guides.
When are the tours?
Tours run on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 5pm, and Saturday mornings at 10am. We do ask participants to be at George's Dock Building 15 minutes before tour starts.
Do I have to book to come on a tour?
Yes, pre booking is essential as there are only a limited number of places available. We can accept walk ups on the day if there is still availability
How long are the tours?
The tour usually takes around 2- 2 ½ hrs depending on the size of the group.
How much are the tours?
The tours cost £14 per person, there are no concessions. The web link is www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tunneltours or customers can call 0300 131 2881 for further information on the tours.
Groups of 11 or more book directly with Mersey Tunnel Tours and get a discounted price of £12pp (published rate £14pp). Please contact [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881.
How do I pay for the tour?
Tours for individuals are paid at time of booking.
For groups please email [email protected] for payment options
Is there any parking?
There are no parking facilities onsite, but customers can get 10% off parking at Q-Park Liverpool ONE when you pre-book using the code MERSEYTT10 on their website: www.q-park.co.uk.
Q-Park is open 24/7 and features PaSS Technology (Automated Number Plate Recognition) for seamless entry and exit. Selected sites also offer convenient electric vehicle charging stations - for more information on how to use these facilities, click here.
Do you do any alternately timed tours?
Yes, we offer a tour on a Saturday afternoon at 1.00pm for organised groups of 15-24 people (24 maximum). Other times, such as weekends, can be arranged subject to prior arrangement. Monday – Friday we can take groups of 11-24 people. If an evening tour is booked out fully by a group, a start time of up to 6pm can be offered. Please contact [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881.
Do you offer educational/special needs group/specialist tours?
Yes, education or groups with special needs can be offered a slightly shorter daytime tour (guide availability permitting) please refer request to [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881. These tours are charged at £10 per person for local education groups within the LCR and can be invoiced if required. Maximum group size is 24. Education groups from outside the LCR pay £12 per person (group leader goes free) when booking 11+ places via [email protected].
Regarding Engineering tours or other groups who wish to come during the daytime, these can also be organised by prior arrangement and will be £12 per person and one free place for the group leader.
How many people can I bring?
There are a maximum number of 24 people per tour. If a tour has less than 5 people booked on it then participants will be asked to come on an alternative date.
Are children allowed on the tour?
Children aged 10 and over are allowed on the tour, there must be 1 adult to 2 children. Larger groups of children can be accommodated by prior arrangement.
What type of clothing should I wear?
Warm clothing and comfortable shoes are recommended. The industrial area can be a little cool and dusty so darker clothing is advisable.
How many steps are there?
There are approx 600 steps, but these are taken in sections, the largest being 120 steps in one go, which is down to the road deck. They are all normal concrete stairs apart form a small section of metal stairs, which spiral down under the road deck. There are no vertical ladders.
Is there a lift?
Yes there are 2 lifts; however, we cannot guarantee that these will always be working, so participants must be able to manage all stairs if necessary. Even with the lifts there will still be just under 300 stairs to go up or down.
Can I take photographs/video footage?
Yes, photographs can be taken anywhere apart from on the road deck area where flash photography is forbidden. Short bursts of video for personal use are permitted.
Are there any toilets on the tour route?
No, the only toilets available are at the beginning and end of the tour.
Is the tour ok for people who suffer claustrophobia?
We have had people who suffer from claustrophobia who have been fine throughout the tour, however we have had people who haven’t, and they have had to leave the tour early. There are no confined spaces but obviously, you will be underground.
Please email [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881 if you have any specific questions about the tour route.
Do you sell gift vouchers?
Yes, we do. Gift vouchers are £14 each and are available online or in person from Liverpool One, Queen Square and Birkenhead Bus Stations (card payments only). Gift vouchers are valid for 12 months.
Do you allow guide dogs on the tour?
Unfortunately we cannot accommodate guide dogs. The tours are unsuitable for anyone with sight problems.
Is it well lit?
The majority of the tour is in large well lit areas but the Exhaust Chamber and air inverts have slightly decreased lighting but are still categorised as ‘safe working lighting’
Are there any rats?
In 20 years of running the tours we have never come across a rat. They will be up at the entrances where there is a food supply but there is nothing for them to eat in the areas that we go.
Can I take a bag
We have a secure room where we can lock away large bags and luggage. Small bags are permitted but bear in mind you will need a free hand to use the stairs safely.
Are the tours accessible
George's Dock Building is a Grade II listed industrial building so unfortunately the tour is not accessible for wheelchair users. The tour is also unsuitable for anyone who has sight, mobility or breathing problems and is not recommended for anyone who is heavily pregnant.
Note:
Groups of 11 or more contact [email protected] or call 0300 131 2881.
Mersey Tunnel Tours is a behind the scenes tour of an industrial Grade 2 listed building. The foyer is accessible via four steps and the original Control Room is accessible via a lift. The tour however is unsuitable for people with mobility, breathing or visual difficulties as there are over 600 steps up and down during the course of the tour and lighting can be low level in some areas. The industrial area of the tour has a high level of background noise. Lifts can be used but there will still be around 300 stairs without lift access.
All participants will be required to wear a hard hat.
Pre-Arrival
- Bookings can be made via online or telephone
- Nearest railway station is James Street. 3 minute walk
- Nearest bus stops are at Liverpool One Bus station
Arrival & Car Parking Facilities
- No car park on site
- Nearest car parks are Q Park on the Strand, or Liverpool Capital NCP car park on Fazakerley Street
Main Entrance, Reception & Ticketing Area
- Entrance via ramp with handrail.
- Automatic door opening
- 4 steps up to reception and area with display cabinets and photographic exhibition
- Seating available in reception
- Quiet reception area
Public Areas - Hall, Stairs, Landing, Corridors etc
- Tour participants are escorted upstairs or in lift to 5th Floor original Control Room.
- No access to full tour for people with mobility or sight difficulties due to number of stairs and dim lighting. No Guide/ Service dogs or emotional support dogs allowed.
- Doors in the industrial side of the tour are airlock doors which have a raised metal lip to step over (approx. 10 cm high)
- Stairs on tour all have handrails.
- Tours can be provided for guests with hearing difficulties if they bring own signer. Signer will be free of charge.
- People with learning difficulties catered for by prior arrangement – we can offer private group tours and cater tours to the needs of the individuals (i.e. avoiding particularly noisy areas)
Additional Information
- All staff DDA trained
- All guides first aid trained
- All guides Welcome Host trained
- As it is an industrial building there is a high level of background noise on the tour
Address:
Mersey Tunnel Tours
George's Dock Building
Pier Head
Liverpool
L3 1DD
Website for online bookings: www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tunneltours
Hours of operation: Tours held Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 5pm and Saturday at 10am. Groups of 11 or more, tours by arrangement.
We welcome your feedback to help us continually improve. If you have any comments please phone 0300 131 2881 or email [email protected]
- DEFINITIONS
1.1 When the following words with capital letters are used in these Terms, this is what they will mean:
Agent: is defined as Ticket Quarter Limited or any other 3rd party distributor appointed by
Merseytravel from time to time
Event Outside Our Control: is defined in clause 7.1;
Tunnel Tour: the services that We are providing to you
Terms: the terms and conditions set out in this document; and
We/Our/Us: Merseytravel and its employees or agents
1.2 When We use the words "writing" or "written" in these Terms, this will include e-mail unless we say otherwise.
2. OUR CONTRACT WITH YOU
2.1 Your contract with us shall take effect from the time that you purchase and/or make your booking either via Merseytravel or via one of our Agents
2.2 By making a booking with us you accept that these Terms of Business and any terms and conditions of our Agents will apply both to you and all persons on whose behalf your purchase is also made and you thereby confirm that you have the necessary authority of such persons to do so on their behalf.
2.3 Your contract with us is governed by English Law and the English courts shall have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute with us.
3. CHANGES TO TERMS
3.1 We have the discretion to amend these Terms from time to time replacing all previous versions published by Merseytravel.
4. THE SERVICES
4.1 Subject to Clause 8 and 9 We will supply the Tunnel Tour to you for the date and time agreed at the time of your booking.
4.4 Tunnel Tours require a minimum of 5 or more bookings per tour. Merseytravel reserve the right to re-arrange or re-schedule the Tour if the minimum number of bookings has not been achieved.
5. RETURNS AND REFUND
5.1Tickets cannot be returned to Merseytravel or refunded after purchase, unless the Event is cancelled, or the Customer is instructed to do so by Merseytravel. Where an event is cancelled, please return your ticket to Merseytravel with proof of purchase.
5.2 These terms and conditions do not and shall not affect the Customer’s statutory rights.
6. PRICE AND PAYMENT
6.1 The price of the Tunnel Tour will be set out in our price list in force at the time you purchase your ticket. You can access the price list at www.merseytravel.gov.uk/tunneltours and at www.ticketquarter.co.uk/online/mersey-tunnel-tours
6.2 All prices include VAT but exclude any administration fees (or postage costs should that be necessary)
7. GROUP BOOKINGS
7.1 To make a group booking we require a minimum of 11 people and we can only allow for a maximum of 24 people.
8. CANCELLATIONS AND/OR DELAYS IN THE SERVICE
8.1 We will make every effort to deliver the Tunnel Tour on time. However, there may be delays or a cancelled tour due to an Event Outside Our Control as described in clause 8 for which Merseytravel will not be held liable.
8.2 If a tour is delayed or cancelled due to an Event Outside Our Control We will endeavour to reschedule the tour for either a later time on the same day or for a different day. This decision will be at Merseytravels’ sole discretion.
8.3 Merseytravel may consider refunding tickets for delayed or cancelled Tunnel Tours however this will be a decision made at Merseytravels’ sole discretion and only if one of the alternative methods of remedy described in clauses 8.2 would not be suitable.
8.4 Merseytravel will not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses that may arise as a result of a cancellation or delay in a Service, but not limited to, Merseytravel will not be liable to pay for any accommodation or alternative travel costs.
8.5 Merseytravel will not be liable for the reimbursement of tickets, as a direct result of the customer subsequently being unable to attend a pre-booked tour.
9. EVENTS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL
9.1 An Event Outside Our Control means any act or event beyond Our reasonable control, including without limitation incident within the tunnels, strikes, lock-outs or other industrial action by third parties, fire, explosion, storm, flood, high tides, earthquakes, bad weather, fault in machinery, or any other natural disaster, or failure of public or private telecommunications networks.
9.2 If an Event Outside Our Control takes place that affects the performance of Our obligations under these Terms, Our obligation under these Terms will be suspended and the time for performance of Our obligations will be extended for the duration of the Event Outside Our Control.
9.3 Where the Event Outside Our Control affects Our performance of the Tunnel Tour to you, We will reschedule the tour as soon as reasonably possible after the Event Outside Our Control is over. Wherever possible Merseytravel at their absolute discretion may continue with the Tour avoiding the Event Outside Our Control if they deem it is safe to do so
9.4 Merseytravel accepts no responsibility for any loss and/or damage suffered by you as a result of any Event Outside Our Control (including any distress, inconvenience, anxiety, loss of enjoyment or damage to any property). This does not affect your statutory rights.
10. CONDUCT
10.1 You are expected at all times to conduct yourself in a manner which respects the health, comfort and safety of all other persons on the tour. You are also expected to comply with any reasonable request made by a member of our staff. If you do not, or if in our opinion your conduct is likely to give cause for concern, we reserve the right to refuse entry to the tour or may request that you leave the tour at any point. Under such circumstances we will not refund any money that you have paid for the tour and shall have no liability to you as a result of the cancellation.
10.2 All visitors must pay attention to and comply with all regulations and notices relating to the safety and security for the duration of the tour.
10.3 Smoking is strictly prohibited.
10.4 Any visitor that appears to be intoxicated may be refused entry by Merseytravel staff or employees
11. OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS
11.1 Only persons authorised by Merseytravel are permitted to sell or offer for sale any tickets for the Tunnel Tour outlined in these Terms.
11.2 Each of the paragraphs of these Terms operates separately. If any court or relevant authority decides that any of them are unlawful, the remaining paragraphs will remain in full force and effect.
12. DISCOUNTED TICKETS
12.1 We offer a discounted rate to local educational establishments. Please call for further details.
13. MERSEYTRAVEL DISCLAIMER
13.1 Merseytravel shall not be liable for any injury to and/or death of any visitors or loss of/or damage to any property of visitors whilst in the custody or control of Merseytravel, unless such injury/death or loss is due to the negligence of Merseytravel.
13.2 Mersey travel shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential losses suffered by any visitors.
13.3 Due to the nature and physicality of the Tour we cannot be held responsible for any damage to clothing or property. The Tour is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 10 years old, anyone who is visually impaired or anyone who has any breathing or mobility issues.