6th November 2023
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I recently had the pleasure of attending the Royal Liver Building 360 Tour, and I think it is a must-visit for anyone who lives in or visits the city. Tucked away at the west side of the building is a set of stairs which lead you down to the experience’s entrance. On arrival, you will be greeted by a surprisingly small gift shop with suitably themed wares and some information boards.
The Royal Liver Building is not only significant in its own right but also a wonderful medium through which to tell the story of Merseyside. After a short safety briefing, our excellent guide talked us through the history of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. This took us from its origins as the Head Offices of the Royal Liver Company, through to the modern day. There were so many incredible stories throughout the tour which not only taught me lots but also helped to bring a human side to the past.
One story which particularly stood out to me was that of Carl Bernard Bartels. Bartels was the original designer of Bertie and Bella, the 18ft Liver Birds who grace the building’s roof. Born in Germany, Bartels was a woodcarver by trade and moved to Britain after his honeymoon in 1887. When the Liver Building was designed, a national competition to design the Liver Birds took place. Bartels designs were selected, and they took pride of place upon the building’s completion in 1911. When the Great War broke out just three years later, Bartel was interned in a Prison of War camp due to his German heritage. His involvement in designing the Liver Birds was erased. Until a successful campaign in 2011 that rightfully restored Bartels’ place in history. I was glad to see the inclusion of this story in the tour alongside more light-hearted anecdotes.
Travelling through the building itself was exciting, as the series of lifts and staircases gave the building a maze-like quality. Halfway up the spiralling staircase of West Tower was an incredible projection show. The video transports you from the clock tower through 113 years of Liverpool’s history. The graphics were high quality, and what could have felt juvenile was genuinely compelling. It put me in mind of the now-closed Doctor Who experience in Cardiff (but fortunately without a room full of Weeping Angels).
One of the main selling points of the tour is the stunning views of the city from the Building’s roof. It was fun to get a bird’s eye view of Liverpool and spot familiar landmarks like the cathedrals and football stadiums. I was particularly excited to make out the University’s iconic Victoria Tower. The views were fabulous, but the tour doesn’t rely on them to sustain itself. The experience isn’t just a chance to observe the city, and instead has storytelling at its heart.
The only flaw with the tour is a lack of accessibility. To access the roof, you must use a very narrow spiral staircase. There are 350 steps in total, and while our guide made sure to put in some breaks, they felt very steep. The stairs are not accessible to anyone who uses mobility aids or particularly struggle with stairs. It should be noted that the video projection contains depictions of Liverpool’s bombing in WWII, and a tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster, which may need a warning for some.
Overall, for those who are physically able to, the Royal Liver Building 360 Tour is a must-visit. The stunning views and sensitive storytelling are the best way to experience the city, for first-time visitors and life-long scousers.
The Royal Liver Building 360 Tour is open most days. Adult tickets cost £16 when booked in advance (with a £1.75 booking fee per transaction) or £17.50 on the door. Opening times can vary, so check the website to avoid disappointment.
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