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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: David Atkinson

The northern counterpart of the world-renowned Tate enterprise occupies a converted warehouse on the waterfront at Liverpool’s iconic, cast-iron Albert Dock. Built in 1846, this grand complex of Grade-I listed buildings was considered revolutionary in its design; a suitable environment, then, to house the Tate’s eclectic collection of British art dating from 1500 to the modern day.

Expect a diverse and inspired programme of special exhibitions plus plenty of children’s activities on offer. There’s also a great on-site shop and café with a strong art motif.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Albert Dock is in the heart of Liverpool. Park either at the multi-storey car park at Kings Dock or on Strand Street. The nearest train station is James Street Station, a ten-minute walk away.

Tickets are usually available on the door, but can sell out, and it’s recommended to book online in advance. The main collection is free but visiting exhibitions are charged. At time of writing, there are no guided tours, and unfortunately, no audio guides either.

When to do it

The gallery is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Hard Days Night Hotel

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]

For a frisson of Beatlemania, get back to this Cavern Quarter hotel for a night surrounded with memorabilia from Liverpool’s swinging Sixties.

Official star rating:

Malmaison Liverpool

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

Sexy rooms, cool cocktails and a waterfront location, handy for the Albert Dock, make this a great base for a weekend away. The cheeky, boudoir-chic vibe is one for couples seeking privacy.

Official star rating:

Baltic Hotel

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]

Urban chic and good vibes are always on the menu at this stylish, contemporary hotel in the city’s up-and-coming Baltic Quarter. One for the night owls and people seeking plenty of ‘vibes’.

Official star rating:

Hope Street Hotel

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.5 miles]

Cool Scandinavian-chic style and the best food in town create an unbeatable city centre hotel.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Liverpool

Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)

Home of the world’s most successful ever-band and one of the world’s top football clubs, the reborn city is also a cultural powerhouse, with top-notch museums, rich maritime heritage and cultural events galore.

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Overview >

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Beatles Story

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.2 miles]

This popular museum, located in the Albert Dock, traces the Beatles’ journey from The Cavern, via the dizzy heights of Beatlemania, to the final days. Colourful and engaging with lots of pop trivia, it’s one for curious and serious fans alike.

Best for ages: 13+ | £18

Museum of Liverpool

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]

Fascinating waterside museum exploring Liverpool’s industrial, cultural and social heritage – including the Beatles and football.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

British Music Experience

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.5 miles]

A colourful, interactive museum dedicated to the story of chart-toppers – from The Beatles to Freddie Mercury. Highlights include outfits worn by David Bowie, hand-written song lyrics from Adele and an interactive gallery where you can play instruments along to your favourite tracks.

Best for ages: 8+ | £16

Walker Art Gallery

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[1.4 miles]

The largest collection of art outside London, with works of European art from the 14th-20th centuries.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Overview >

Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Exterior of the Merseyside Maritime Museum in the Albert Dock on the banks of the River Mersey.
Experience

Liverpool Maritime Museum

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

This museum celebrates Liverpool’s seafaring heritage, including links to the Titanic story and a collection of vintage cruise posters. Don’t miss the Life on Board gallery, which documents the golden age of ocean liners from the 20th century to the current day.

Best for ages: 8+ | Free

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Overview >
Young girl staring at display cabinet in the museum
Experience

International Slavery Museum

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.1 miles]

A sobering visit, this thought-provoking museum (part of the Maritime Museum, below) has contemporary artworks responding to the history of transatlantic slavery and its legacy. The modern slavery collection contains oral histories and objects to highlight forms of modern slavery.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Aerial view of the city of Liverpool in United Kingdom
Experience

Three Graces

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

A waterfront stroll along the River Mersey banks via the Albert Dock showcases Liverpool’s maritime-heritage architecture. The Pier Head is home to Liverpool’s iconic Three Graces, namely The Royal Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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Overview >
Exterior of the buildings from the street
Experience

RLB 360

Liverpool, Merseyside, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]

This tour offers a rare glimpse inside one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings, the Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building. Catch the cityscape views from the 10th floor balcony then climb up the historic clock tower to watch the audio-visual show.

Best for ages: 13+ | £15

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Overview >