Albert Docks & Pier Head

Liverpool was built on its sea trade and Albert Docks, built in 1846, was once the lifeblood of the city. As with many British ports it fell into decline and it was last used commercially in 1972. However it is now Liverpool's biggest tourist attraction, and has earnt highly prized World Heritage Status.

Some of Liverpool's best museums are to be found in the docks and there are plenty of places to grab a beer or coffee as well as some excellent restaurants.

Pier Head lies just north of the Albert Docks and is where you can catch an obligatory ferry across the Mersey. It was the last land many emigrants set foot on during the huge waves of migration that passed through Liverpool in the 18th century; it is most noted for the three fine buildings known collectively as the "Three Graces" - the Port of Liverpool Building, Cunard Building and Royal Liver Building all dating from the turn of the 20th century.