Liverpool: Royal Liver Building 360 Tower Tour & Clock Show

Summary

Climb the Royal Liver Building for skyline views, history and clock tower secrets

You’ll follow local guides through Liverpool’s Royal Liver Building, ride lifts and climb stairs for sweeping skyline views, step behind historic clock faces for an immersive show with lights and wind machines, and stand beside the famous Liver Birds themselves. Expect stories that stick with you long after you’ve come back down.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what Liverpool looks like from above those two Liver Birds? I didn’t, honestly — not until we were standing in the lobby of the Royal Liver Building, waiting for our guide (her name was Sarah, with a Scouse accent you could practically hear smiling). There’s this hush inside, old stone underfoot and a faint echo of voices. We started with a bit about the building’s original owners — the Royal Liver Friendly Society — and I caught myself staring at some faded photos in the visitor centre. Something about seeing those faces from a century ago makes you feel small, in a good way.

The lift up to the 10th floor is quick but your ears pop a little. Out on the roof, wind straight off the Mersey hits you — sharp and salty, even though it was June. You get this wide-open sweep over Liverpool’s skyline; you can spot the Welsh hills if it’s clear enough (it was for us). Sarah pointed out where the docks used to be busier than London’s — she said her grandad worked there, which made me smile. The clocks are enormous up close; standing underneath them feels weirdly intimate, like being backstage at something famous.

There are stairs after that — 89 of them (I counted because my legs complained). The audio-visual show behind the West Tower clock faces is… well, I didn’t expect it to be so loud or windy. Lights flicker across brickwork and suddenly you’re inside stories about Liverpool: ships leaving port, crowds cheering football goals. At one point they blast air at you so it feels like standing on deck in a storm. Kids would love it but honestly I did too.

The last climb is steeper — another 35 steps to the very top. The city spreads out in every direction; cranes and cathedrals and tiny people below. Up there with those giant Liver Birds (Sarah told us their names: Bella and Bertie), I felt oddly proud of a city that isn’t even mine. We lingered longer than we meant to because no one really wanted to go back down yet. Still think about that wind up there sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Royal Liver Building and Views

• Watch safety and history video
• Take lift to 10th floor roof
• View River Mersey and Welsh Mountains
• Photograph Great George Liver Clocks
• Climb 89 stairs to 14th floor
• Experience 270° Audio Visual show
• Climb 35 stairs to 15th floor
• See Liver Bird sculptures
• Enjoy 360° city views

Top questions

How many stairs do you have to climb during the Royal Liver Building 360 tour?

There are 124 stairs above the 10th floor: first 89 stairs to reach the audio-visual show on the 14th floor, then another 35 stairs to reach the top viewing platform on the 15th floor.

Is there an age limit for children on this Liverpool tower tour?

No children under 5 are allowed on this tour due to safety reasons.

Does this experience include access to the clock tower?

Yes, you’ll enter behind the West Tower clock faces for an immersive audio-visual show as part of your visit.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed inside during your visit to Royal Liver Building 360.

How long does it take to reach the top viewing platform?

You’ll use a lift up to the 10th floor then climb stairs—plan for moderate physical effort; timing depends on group pace but expect several stops along the way.

Can people with epilepsy join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for those with photo sensitive epilepsy due to flashing lights in the AV show.

Are public transport options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Royal Liver Building.

What’s included

Your visit includes all entry fees and taxes plus guided access through exhibition spaces, multiple lifts and stair climbs up to rooftop viewing platforms, an immersive audio-visual show inside the historic clock tower—everything led by knowledgeable locals who share stories along every step.