Well worth a visit – if you can get a place. The original ‘pool’ of Liverpool
VISITORS FLOCK TO OLD DOCK
Liverpool ONE underground attraction booms
More than 1,000 visitors have toured Liverpool’s revolutionary Old Dock just one month after opening as the city’s latest historic attraction.
They have been able to soak in the atmosphere of the world’s first commercial enclosed wet dock which was the birthplace of modern Liverpool. Ships from many parts of the world tied up at the quayside following the dock’s opening in 1715.
Free ticketed tours for schools and members of the public started from Merseyside Maritime Museum on 4 May 2010. Visiting schools receive a free Old Dock resource pack of lesson plans and activity ideas.
Three public tours are held every Tuesday at 1100, 1300 and 1430 hours with school tours on Wednesdays. The Tuesday tours are now fully booked until September.
During the summer holidays there are public tours at 1100 and 1300 hours on Wednesdays 4, 11, 18 and 25 August 2010. These are rapidly filling up.
Visitor host Yazz Vanducci says: ”The tours have been a big hit with visitors fascinated by the dock and its history. There’s a great wow factor when they see this unique survival of old Liverpool.”
Chris Bliss, Liverpool ONE’s estate director, says: “Grosvenor incorporated the Old Dock into the design of Liverpool ONE and developed the visitor facility being run by National Museums Liverpool. We are delighted with the public response to the tours.”
The internationally-important Old Dock has been carefully preserved under the new Liverpool ONE. For the first time in centuries the bed of the Pool – the creek that gave Liverpool its name – can be seen.
The Old Dock was discovered during excavations in 2001 after being buried since 1826. Developers made it publicly accessible as an important reminder of Liverpool’s historic status.
Guided tours organised by National Museums Liverpool start at the Merseyside Maritime Museum and visitors walk to the nearby Old Dock. Schools and members of the public can book places, which are limited, by calling 0151 478 4296.