Princes Landing Stage ferry terminal (Pier Head)

George’s Pier Head is more commonly known simply as Pier Head or as Princes Landing Stage if referring specifically to the ferry terminal. Pier Head is part of the Liverpool Maritime Mercantile City UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is characterised by a trio of landmark buildings: the Grade I-listed Royal Liver Building and the Grade II*-listed Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building. All three buildings date from the early 20th century and remain symbolic of Liverpool’s maritime heritage.

The most southerly, and the more centrally located, of the ferry terminals is the Liverpool Pier Head Mersey Ferries terminal on Albert Dock waterfront in front of the Cunard Building (where you can find the British Music Experience) and just a short walk to the Museum of Liverpool, Tate Liverpool and James Street station.

A ferry trip across the River Mersey has been a popular tourist activity ever since Gerry and the Pacemakers had a hit with Ferry Cross the Mersey in 1964. There are two routes: to Woodside in Birkenhead and to Seacombe in Wallasey with more frequent service on the Seacombe route (as Birkenhead has alternate bus and rail services across the Mersey that are more convenient for commuters).

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and Manx Ferries both sail to Douglas on the Isle of Man. Ferries to the Isle of Man depart from Princes Landing Stage just a short walk north of the Mersey Ferries terminal.  This terminal is less than a 10-minute walk from James Street station.

If you’re catching a cruise ship from Liverpool, you will most likely leave just north of here, just north of the Titanic Memorial (which is surely a cheery sight before taking a long boat ride).

Ferries to Ireland do not depart from here. The Stena Ferry to Belfast departs from a larger ferry terminal across the river in Birkenhead and Seatruck ferries to Dublin leave from the port at Bootle.