Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock, which takes its name from Prince Albert (husband of Queen Victoria), was first built in the 1840’s.

With over seven acres of water enclosed by massive warehouses with iorn colonnades, this was one of the world’s first enclosed docks and at the time was a major feat in engineering.

When Liverpool’s economy went into decline in the mid 20th century the Albert Dock suffered greatly, and as industries left the area so the warehouses shut one by one.

In 1952 the whole of the Albert Dock was Grade 1 Listed, making it the largest site of Grade 1 listed buildings in the UK.

Nevertheless that didn’t stop the decline of the docks and by the second half of the 20th century they were essentiall a no-go area, with a reputation of dereliction and even violence.

But then the 1980s saw extensive renovation of Liverpool’s docklands, and so today they are once again at the heart of the city.

The Dock is also now a mecca for tourists, with lots of shops, boutiques, restaurants and bistros to tempt you.

In addition this is where you will find some of Liverpool’s premier tourist attractions, for example the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate Gallery Liverpool, the Museum of Liverpool Life and The Beatles Story.

Close by is Pier Head which is the place to visit if you want to take a “Ferry ‘cross the Mersey”.