The ultra-modern Pier Head Ferry Terminal located on Georges Parade is an example of the renewal and revitalization of the docks area of Liverpool. It sits in a UNESCO world heritage site opposite the city’s "Three Graces of Liverpool" and provides a striking contrast.
The ferry terminal was designed by Hamilton Architects of Belfast with a construction cost of £9.5m.
Hamilton Architects won the project in an international competition in 2006. They describe the building as ‘dramatic’ and striking.
The terminal is constructed from a metal frame, has unusual angles, is cantilevered on two sides and is clad in limestone to complement the new Liverpool Museum next door. (
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Mersey Ferries.There have been ferries sailing across the River Mersey for over 800 years. The first ferry service from Birkenhead to Liverpool was run by Benedictine Monks in 1150 AD, taking travellers to the small fishing village of Liverpool on market days.
The crossing from Birkenhead to Liverpool has been a royal highway since 1330.
Today the iconic Mersey Ferries are an essential part of the Liverpool City Region’s rich and diverse history.
"The ferries also took part in a daring offensive raid in the harbour of Zeebrugge during the first World War in 1918. In recognition of their courageous part in the raid King George V granted permission to add the Royal prefix to their names. Mersey Ferries are owned and operated by Merseytravel, the Executive body that provides professional, strategic and operational transport advice to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to enable it to make informed decisions. It is also the delivery arm, making transport happen.
Mersey Ferries offer a fantastic range of cruises all year round including a 50-minute River Explorer sightseeing cruise, which departs daily from Pier Head, Liverpool calling at Wirral terminals, Seacombe and Woodside, during the trip. Guided by expert commentary throughout the cruise, there is no better way to see the UNESCO World Heritage Waterfront and Liverpool’s skyline than from the deck of a Mersey Ferry.
Evening Cruises, fascinating day trips along the Manchester Ship Canal and sightseeing cruises to Liverpool Bay are also set sail throughout the year and give passengers the opportunity to learn more about the North West’s history and experience incredible scenery."
SOURCE: Mersey Ferries website: (
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Two ferries operate regularly from this terminal, The Snowdrop and Royal Iris of the Mersey.
The Snowdrop "The Snowdrop is the stunning Dazzle Ferry, colorfully created by Sir Peter Blake, as part of the First World War commemorations.
The eye-catching dazzle design is in honour of the patterns that were first used on vessels in World War One. They worked by ‘baffling the eye’ and making the ships difficult to target. Each ship’s pattern used unique colour and monochrome designs – to avoid making classes of vessels recognisable to enemy U-boats and aircraft.
The Dazzle Ferry, called ‘Everybody Razzle Dazzle’, is the only operating dazzle ship in the UK and the design was commissioned by Liverpool Biennial, 14–18 NOW the First World War Centenary Art Commissions, and Tate Liverpool in partnership with Merseytravel and National Museums Liverpool. Supported by Arts Council England, National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund and Department for Culture Media and Sport." SOURCE: (
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The Royal Iris of the Mersey.The Royal Iris of the Mersey, is one of their most famous ferries, and regularly sails along the river taking passengers on River Explorer Cruises, Manchester Ship Canal Cruises and Evening Cruises.
The Royal Iris of the Mersey has a traditional white, black and red livery and has a top speed of 12 knots. From launch in Devon in 1959 until a major refurbishment in 2001, she was named Mountwood. Following the major upgrade to the vessel, she was renamed Royal Iris of the Mersey on her return to service in April 2002.
In recognition of the part that Iris and Daffodil played in the raid on Zeebrugge during the First World War in 1918, King George V granted permission to add the Royal prefix to the names of these ferries. The Royal Iris of Mersey continues this tradition by retaining the Royal prefix." SOURCE: (
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