School Trips
Take a Ferry 'Cross the Mersey with your class this term!
Enjoy a 50-minute River Explorer Cruise on the world famous Mersey Ferry, and see incredible views of Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront.
Our on board commentary highlights the River Mersey’s key landmarks as well as their history, so the cruise is the perfect mix of fun and education for your class.
River Explorer Cruises depart every day, on the hour from Liverpool Gerry Marsden, Pier Head, and also stop at Woodside Ferry Terminal on the 50-minute round trip. You can choose to take a single journey from Liverpool Gerry Marsden, Pier Head to Woodside, Birkenhead or vice versa. This is a popular option for schools that want their coach to drop off on one side of the river and collect on the other side.
River Explorer Cruise - Child (5 to 15yrs)
£7.50
River Explorer Cruise - Single Journey - Child (5 to 15 yrs)
£5.00
Advanced booking is required for your trip on the ferry, and we offer one free teacher/supervisory adult per 6 paying children. For any additional adults the cost is £11.50 per person, or £6.50 per person for a single journey.
We have two Mersey Ferries; the Royal Iris of the Mersey in traditional black, white and red livery and the Dazzle Ferry, the only operating Dazzle Ship in the UK. The eye-catching design was created by Sir Peter Blake as part of the First World War commemorations.
If you need help planning your day out and completing your risk assessment, please see our school safety plan document which is available to download at the bottom of this web page.
To book your school trip please complete the following booking form, if you need to speak to one of our team please call 0151 330 1420 (Mon-Fri 9am - 4.30pm).
How do I make a school booking?
Please use our online booking form to book your school trip. We will send you an email to confirm the booking. We offer a free teacher/supervisory adult ticket for every six pupils. If you need to speak to a member of our team about your visit, please call 0151 330 1420 (Monday to Friday 9am-4.30pm)
When should I arrive at the Ferry Terminal on the day of my trip?
Please arrive at the ferry terminal 10 minutes (minimum) before your scheduled departure time.
Is there parking?
Parking is not available the Liverpool Gerry Marsden terminal at the Pier Head. However, groups can be dropped off and picked up outside the Liverpool Garry Marsden Ferry Terminal on Canada Boulevard.
However, there is free coach parking at Woodside Ferry Terminal.
Are there toilets at the terminals and on the ferries?
There are toilets and accessible toilets at all ferry terminals and on both Mersey Ferries.
Can we eat packed lunches on board and at the terminals?
Packed lunches can be eaten on board both Mersey Ferries. There are a variety of tables, chairs and benches both indoors and outdoors for groups to sit at whilst they eat their lunch. Bins are also provided on board. There are cafes serving hot drinks and refreshments on board both ferries, should teachers wish to purchase their lunch on board. Please note there is no available space to eat packed lunches at Liverpool Gerry Marsden or Woodside Ferry Terminals.
How do we pay?
We will invoice the school/educational establishment following the trip.
Do you have a Risk Assessment?
Our School Safety Document will help you plan your day out, as well as help you to complete a standard risk assessment.
Are the boats accessible?
Terminals and both Mersey Ferries are accessible, for more details see our Accessibility page or please call 0151 330 1003 (7 days a week 8am-8pm)
When is the Dazzle ferry operating?
Mersey Ferries operate two vessels the Dazzle Ferry (Snowdrop) and the Royal Iris of the Mersey. The Royal Iris has a traditional black, white and red livery. The Dazzle Ferry timetable will tell you when the ferry is operating on the river. Please note we reserve the right to amend the calendar for operational reasons and cannot accept liability if the timetable is changed at short notice.
Is the commentary available in other languages?
The commentary is only available in English. However, we have fact sheets in seven languages, so your class can learn more about the landmarks they will see on the River Explorer Cruise. Please request foreign language fact sheets when you make your booking.