Manchester Ship Canal Cruise
Set sail on a fascinating round-trip day cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal.
Manchester Ship Canal Cruise
2025 Sailing Dates Now on Sale
Set sail with Mersey Ferries for a day cruise on the captivating Manchester Ship Canal. On this fantastic round-trip cruise, you will depart from Liverpool and Wirral and travel through Eastham Locks for an unforgettable trip on the canal.
Relax as you travel under bridges and sail past swing bridges mostly unchanged since they were built over 125 years ago. Experience the rich legacy of Victorian architecture and engineering masterpieces like the Grade II listed Runcorn Rail Bridge, enjoy incredible views of the newly built Mersey Gateway Bridge and Grade II listed Silver Jubilee Bridge.
On this cruise along the inland waterway and River Mersey you’ll be surrounded by beautiful countryside, see historic buildings, industrial landscapes and will learn more about the history of the canal and landmarks from our Blue Badge Guide’s live commentary.
To make your journey on board even more enjoyable, you’ll enjoy live music from one of our talented local artists.
In the Warrington area the ferry will turn and sail back along the canal for the return journey. As you travel back to your departure point through Eastham Locks into the River Mersey, you will get a breath-taking view of the Mersey Estuary, see incredible panoramic views of the stunning coastline and Liverpool’s world-famous skyline.
Ticket Prices
Adults - £48
Groups of 20 plus - £42
May
AVAILABLE
Mon
May
19
10:30
June
AVAILABLE
Mon
June
16
10:00
AVAILABLE
Tue
June
17
10:30
July
AVAILABLE
Tue
July
1
10:30
AVAILABLE
Tue
July
15
10:00
AVAILABLE
Thur
July
17
11:00
Aug
AVAILABLE
Thur
Aug
14
10:00
Sept
AVAILABLE
Mon
Sept
29
10:30
Important Information
Cruises last approximately 6-7 hours. You will depart from Liverpool or Wirral, sail along the Manchester Ship Canal towards Warrington and enjoy a return trip along the canal before being dropped at your original departure point. The cruise will depart from Seacombe at the scheduled departure time and call at Liverpool 10 minutes later.
The duration of this cruise can be variable due to weather, possible lock delays and having to give priority to commercial shipping traffic. Please be flexible with your onward travel arrangements and timings due to the variable duration of this cruise. The actual route and turning point of the cruise may vary.
Tickets for this cruise can be booked online or in person at our ferry terminals. Tickets are subject to availability. A fully licensed bar will be open onboard throughout the cruise, so you can buy snacks and drinks.
Group bookings of 20 or more tickets are £42 per person. You can book group tickets online and the group price will be applied. If you need to contact us regarding a group booking, please email: [email protected]
Cruise Route
Getting to Liverpool Gerry Marsden
The Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal is a short walk from James Street train station.
Car parking is available at the Q-Park, Liverpool One. A 10% discount is available for Mersey Ferries customers who pre-book their parking.
Visit the Liverpool Gerry Marsden section on our Find Us page to pre-book your parking.
The postcode for this car park is L1 8LT.
For more detailed travel information, please call 0300 131 2881.
Getting to Seacombe Terminal
Address
Victoria Place
Seacombe
Wallasey
Wirral
CH44 6QY
Public Transport
Merseytravel's Journey Planner is a quick way to help you find a range of travel options, times and maps to help guide you on your way. Visit www.jp.merseytravel.gov.uk to start planning your journey.
If you're out and about on the move there is also the Merseytravel Journey Planner app, available for free in both Android and IOS versions. Search Merseytravel Journey Planner in your app store.
By Car
From the M56 westbound, turn right onto the M53 at Junction 11. Follow the M53 motorway to Junction 1, and then take the A5139 (Docks Link/Dock Road). At the roundabout, go straight over keeping on the A5139 (Dock Road) until you come to another roundabout and you can see the River Mersey in front of you. At this roundabout take a left onto A554 (Birkenhead Road). The terminal building is a short distance on the right hand side.
Car Parking
Car Parking at Liverpool Gerry Marsden (Pier Head) Ferry Terminal
Car parking is available near to the waterfront at Q-Park, Liverpool One, 35 Strand Street, L1 8LT. Check out their website for a 10% discount off standard Q-Park prices.
Car Parking at Seacombe Ferry Terminal
Pay and Display machines are in operation at the car park located next to Seacombe Ferry Terminal. The car park access is from Birkenhead Road.
Car parking charges are in force between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week including bank holidays. The cost to park for the day is £10.50 (12 hours). The pay and display machines take card payments only. Please note car parking charges are subject to change.
For more information visit the Eureka! Science + Discovery website.
On the day of your cruise
Join the Mersey Ferry at Liverpool or Wirral, for an enjoyable day cruise on the Manchester Ship Canal.
Can I change my sailing date?
Unfortunately, we are unable to change the date of a cruise once booked.
Can I request a refund?
Ticket refunds cannot be offered as per our Terms and Conditions.
How long does the cruise last?
The cruise duration is normally between 6-7 hours. The duration of this cruise can be variable due to weather, possible lock delays and having to give priority to commercial shipping traffic. Please be flexible with your onward travel arrangements and timings due to the variable duration of this cruise. The actual route and turning point of the cruise may vary.
Can I buy food on board?
Our on board cafe sells a range of snacks and sandwiches on board but you are more than welcome to bring your own packed lunches or picnic. There is also a full range of hot and cold drinks to buy as well as a fully licensed bar aboard. Due to licensing restrictions, you cannot bring your own alcohol on board.
Can I bring a dog?
Due to the duration of the cruise, dogs cannot be carried on the Manchester Ship Canal cruises. We do of course, accept assistance dogs.
Is smoking permitted?
All Mersey Ferries, premises, including vessels are designated as no smoking areas. Smoking is not permitted on the vessel at any time. This also includes electronic cigarettes.
How much are children's tickets?
We do not offer a child ticket for this cruise. Children under the age of 2 are free of charge, but still need to have an infant ticket, so please make sure you let us know at the time of booking.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Please remember that the cruise is likely to be between 6 and 7 hours in duration and the cruises do not have any children’s activities.
What are the arrangements for seating?
We offer free seating on board, we are unable to reserve seats and seats are on a first come first served basis.
Where can I park?
Parking is available at Q Park in Liverpool which is close to the Liverpool Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal. Pay and Display machines are in operation at the car park located next to Seacombe Ferry Terminal.
Manchester Ship Canal Cruise Accessibility
Wheelchair access is possible on to the main deck of the vessel only. Please note that outdoor areas on the main deck are extremely limited. The only access to the top deck is via steps.
Toilet facilities for passengers with disabilities are available on the main deck.
There is no parking alongside the vessel at any departure point. At Seacombe and Liverpool Gerry Marsden terminals the distance from the nearest drop off point is approx 150m.
At Mersey Ferries, we have been progressively improving accessibility throughout our terminals and vessels. Our aim is to ensure that all our customers are catered for, and there are no barriers to traveling with us.
Facilities available at Mersey Ferries
On Our Vessels
Main decks are fully accessible, including wheelchair access.
Accessible toilet facilities are available on the main deck.
Colour contrasting steps and handrails.
At Our Terminals
All Mersey Ferries terminals are accessible for wheelchair users.
Please note that the link span bridge, which connects the ferry terminal to the landing stage, can be quite steep, especially at low tide (times for low tide).
Accessible toilets are available at all ferry terminals.
Further Information
All Mersey Ferries information is available in alternative formats.
For further information about accessibility issues please telephone: 0300 131 2881