Family Day Out: Albert Dock, Liverpool
If you’re a Beatles fan, it’ll be the Fab Four that draw you to Liverpool. For football fans, there are too many sporting heroes to mention. But when you’re four, there’s only three names to strike proper excitement in your heart: Thomas, Bob and Sam.
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That’s Tank Engine, Builder and Fireman, if you haven’t already guessed. Mattel Play opened in Albert Dock earlier this year, one of the latest additions to the regenerated waterfront – and we’d been invited to discover what else there was to explore in this Mersey-side slice of Liverpool. Because I’ll admit, I need a bit more tempting than the Fat Controller alone.
With several other summer trips already lined up, we had just over 24 hours to explore the Albert Dock kids’ attractions – unsurprisingly we could have spent far longer, even without heading into the city proper.
Mattel Play has since closed – for more ideas of things to do in Liverpool with kids, check out this post
On a weekend where the sun only shone briefly, we were lucky: blue skies as we arrived, so after a fantastic burger with pulled beef in Revolution (for me, pizza for Minnie), we set off for a walk around.
It’s a lovely spot with bunting flying in the breeze, boats sailing in and out of the docks and history galore in the very bricks.
Opened in 1846, the docks soon became outdated with advances in shipping design meaning fewer and fewer ships were able to use it for its original purpose by the 20th century. While the warehouses endured a bit longer, it was basically derelict when the docks closed officially in the 70s.
Thankfully, it had also been protected thanks to its historical and architectural importance so after a string of suggested schemes came to nothing, the 80s finally saw redevelopment start until its eventual transformation by the first years of the 21st century.
Today, there are bars, restaurants, hotels, museums and lots of family activities during the summer as well.
For another fun way to explore, check out the Albert Docks treasure hunt from Treasure Map Trails – plus there’s 10% off if you use code MUMMYTRAVELS
We didn’t even get chance to head in to the Merseyside Maritime Museum or Tate Liverpool, and as my daughter thinks a Beatle is a small crawly insect, I decided to skip the various attractions in John, Paul, George and Ringo’s honour, including the Beatles Story.
If you’re visiting with older kids, check out the Liverpool Pass which includes entrance to a string of attractions, such as The Beatles Story and the British Museum Experience
Because when there’s a traditional Victorian carousel with an array of brightly coloured horses, a special Olympics area with brightly coloured oil drums to climb on (possibly not the use they were intended for) and all kinds of fascinating odds and ends in the shop windows, from an old-fashioned diving helmet to an installation at the Tate, you don’t need to step inside at all.
And that’s without any of the extra attractions on: we had managed to time our visit to miss some of the family-friendly Summer At The Dock fun and were too early for the Pirate Festival in September.
One thing I wasn’t about to miss was a trip on the Big Wheel, even if it had clouded over by then. With adult tickets at £9 and children over three priced £6.50, it’s not the cheapest 10 minutes in Liverpool but it’s definitely fun.
We hopped on, trying to spot landmarks including the cathedrals and Liver Building, casting an eye out back to the docks and the river, spotting a cruise ship on the horizon and generally enjoying the views from above.
Somehow the afternoon had vanished, and it was time to head back to our room at the Holiday Inn Express, another of the 19th century converted warehouses where we’d bagged one of the best rooms looking right out onto the water.
With plenty of room for us to spread out and sleep, there’s also a great buffet breakfast which fuelled us for our second day.
Because it was finally Mattel Play time. Minnie was almost bursting with excitement so we were more than ready for our slot at 10am opening time.
Even on a rainy school holiday day, it wasn’t too busy first thing although it started to fill up towards lunchtime – apparently slots are limited during very busy times. I still had to drag Minnie out after two hours (and she wasn’t the only distraught person I spotted outside) although one of the hotel staff revealed she’d once spent four hours inside.
It’s not hard to see why. First stop is Fireman Sam – not a particular favourite of Minnie but she spent most of the first hour pretending to put out fires, driving Jupiter the fire engine, carrying out complicated transactions in the shop, jumping on the slides down from jetski Juno and generally having a ball.
Only the lure of Thomas persuaded her to head upstairs… via Bob the Builder territory. I loved the way that each area had something rather different, rather than simply theming the same activities.
Here you could build with blocks or huge foam bricks, trace various pictures and dig up sand as well as getting a brief introduction to the characters on one of the screen around – it makes sense to have the shows playing, of course, but that was one of the few downsides for me, as Minnie would happily have sat and watched for a fair chunk of time rather than making the most of the activities.
At £12 per child and £3 per accompanying adult (or even the special offer for one parent and child at £10), that’s not really top of my list!
Fortunately there was plenty to distract her as we headed to Sodor. A chance to ride around in a miniature train (with plenty of additional pushing from the helpful staff and occasional shoves from me), a ball pit, Farmer McColl’s farm… the list goes on.
Only the ensuing meltdown when I insisted we did have to go to lunch gave me an excuse to skip the gift shop. (I know, mean).
Fortunately the fantastic decor at Circo and activity pack for kids consoled her a bit – who can be upset for too long when there’s a monkey mask available? [EDIT: Now closed although there are other Albert Dock kids-friendly places to eat]
With some delicious calamari for me plus a wonderful dish of pork belly to follow, I was also consoled about not being able to test out the cocktails or wine list as the afternoon held a long drive.
It’s somewhere I’d love to see in the evening. With the circus theme and opulent furnishings, I can imagine the entertainment on certain evenings is huge fun too and the lovely staff seemed as good at keeping small cross visitors happy as the big group sitting nearby.
Too full even to manage dessert, it gave me another good reason to return.
To take a look inside the Merseyside Maritime Museum, check out this post from Actually Mummy
PIN FOR LATER: ALBERT DOCK WITH KIDS
Disclosure: My stay, including a night at Holiday Inn Express, entry to Mattel Play and lunch at Circo was courtesy of Albert Dock. All other activities, including repeated carousel rides and the Big Wheel, were paid for. All opinions, Thomas-obsessed small girls and choice of what else to do, was my own. This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commissionu
Images copyright MummyTravels
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Oh Liverpool looks like a lovely town, I didn’t know… Another place to add to my never-ending bucket list!! 😉
Have a wonderful day,
Umberta
Definitely worth a visit – and lots more to discover than we saw that day
Looks great – certainly one forge list when baby E gets older #citytripping
Definitely
Having all 3 heroes under one roof is a huge draw. Far more going on in that area than I would have imagined or expected. Mr Toddler would love the fireman’s pole- Paw Patrol also has a lot to answer for.
#citytripping
It’s an impressive combination- she loved sliding down the pole (we have somehow managed to miss/avoid Paw Patrol)
Love the Ferris wheel on the water – those things are always a bit pricey though! #citytripping
They are fun- worth a few pennies too
It looks amazing and I never even knew Mattel was there, I feel like I really need to visit. I think my boy would absolutely love it! #citytripping
It’s only been there for about six months but definitely worth a trip with kids.
The Mattel Play centre looks like lots of fun – I would have a little bot in Thomas heaven with that! #citytripping
It really is heaven for kids from about 2-4/5.
I’ve heard so many good things about the Albert Dock recently – it just looks like such a bright, fun and really lovely family-friendly place to spend the weekend. My Jack would adore the Thomas ball pool x
It’s so easy to spend a day there – lots for different ages too.
I haven’t been here since I was about 8 – we keep saying we should take the girl. I think this has just about convinced me. Looks great!
Definitely- so much fun for a day out.
Great photos of the Dock. I can’t believe how it has come on over the years. I remember it mostly derlict (I am old) and I’ve been going every few years with my dad & brother 🙂
Thanks! I only visited briefly last time I was in Liverpool but I’m sure it’s changed even since then. So lovely to see it all regenerated.
What a fun afternoon for your daughter! #CityTripping
She had a great time.
This looks like so much family fun. I know my boys would just love this. I love the look of reclaimed areas like this. Thanks for sharing!! #CityTripping
It’s wonderful to see – and great for families.
This really does look like fun! My two were Thomas mad a few years back so this would have been a wonderful trip. I really must get up to Liverpool – I’ve never been and I feel like I’m missing out. #citytripping
There’s so much there – I felt bad that we didn’t get into the the city proper but Thomas won out for my daughter.
Liverpool has changed since I last visited on an emergency passport related matter in the early 80’s, time to revisit I think!
#citytripping
Absolutely. Time to go back 🙂
I’d like to do the Big Wheel:) nice photos! #city tripping
Thanks! The wheel was really fun
I’ve thought about visiting Liverpool. As I’m not the biggest Beatles fan ever, I thought I wouldn’t enjoy the city so much but the dock area seems like a nice place ! #citytripping
It’s lovely – and lots to explore in the cities as well, apart from the Beatles.
Looks like a busy and fun trip! Can’t say I’d want to do the Mattel themed attractions, but I can see why kids like it. Loved your little video about the trip! 🙂 #citytripping
Thanks! And I can’t see many adults queueing for Mattel without kids 😉
This is hilarious and what an awesome attraction for kids!! Makes Liverpool even more exciting, if you ask me! #citytripping
Thanks – and definitely, small child heaven.
I’ve not been to Liverpool for ages. It looks as pretty as I remember it. Time for another visit I think
Absolutely – we had such a fun time.
Mrs T would love Mattel play…but would two hours be enough? I’ve only been to Liverpool a couple of times and never properly explored it – and not st all with kids. You’ve made me realise I really must! #citytripping
I think two hours is the minimum… for kids. It was about right for me
Haha – yes indeed. Just watched your video. The Holiday Inn room looks good…like the exposed brickwork.
Yes, really cool rooms.
Omg.. I just read about Albert Dock and was WOW-ing over Mattel Play and Circa but it’s really the THOMAS that got me! My boys would absolutely go crazy! What an amazing place, packing so much fun for the little ones. Really.. Singaporeans should stop equating Liverpool to soccer… there’s so much more to Liverpool that that soccer club! #CityTripping
There really is! You’d have so much fun there I think…
hahahah I Love how you introduced Thomas, Bob and Sam! At first I was confused! But not anymore when I read the next paragraph! Totally know who these names belong to. The weather looks divine! Yes, I would equate Liverpool to football [as what Bumble Bee Mum] shared above. Little do I know about Liverpool and I really cannot wait to make a trip to London and more with the kids. My “London for Kids” or “Liverpool for Kids” will be soo soon long! #CityTripping
Oh there’s definitely masses for kids in London – but it’s not hard to fill a weekend in Liverpool too.
I love Albert Dock – really lovely area and the Beatles museum is fab. but yeah, its all about Thomas, bob and sam here too so the Mattel Play would be ideal! #citytripping
The Fab three! 🙂
We visited Liverpool a couple of years ago and loved it. We did a 2 hour Beatles taxi tour which, in retrospect, was a little over long for the kids! Mine are too old for Mattel Play now but I’m guessing it would have been a big attraction. #citytripping
It’s a fun city, isn’t it – I definitely think one of the Beatles tours/attractions should be on our list when she’s older and has a finer appreciation of music than the Frozen soundtrack though! (My husband is trying…)
Liverpool is definitely my kind of visit.
We had a great time.
My kids would LOVE this! Sounds amazing!
It’s so much fun – loads to explore and I think you have pretty much the right age range for Mattel Play (possibly your daughter would be a bit old, but who doesn’t like a bit of tracing and pretending to put out fires?!)
Sounds like it was great fun for Minnie. Thanks for sharing your review of Albert dock.
Very much!
I visited Liverpool several years ago pre-baby but would love to return, especially to explore around the historic dock area. Certainly looks like there is a lot to do with kids. Would love a ride on the big wheel, I miss the Brighton version. Polly #CityTripping
It was such a fun day out – you could easily spend a weekend at the docks alone, I think. And I never did make it on Brighton’s big wheel, although I do have my eye on the new i360…
A ride on a ferris wheel is always a great idea 😉 Sounds like a fun day, I need to visit Liverpool next time I’m in the UK as well 😀
They’re fun, aren’t they – and I love drinking up the views from the top.
Liverpool? I’ve always loved that place. How lucky are you
It’s a great city – lovely to get back there.
Now there’s a city I fancy visiting – and then I would have a post for your linky!!
I had no idea Albert Dock had so much there. Looks great fun.
#notcitytrippingtathemoment 🙁
Well that’s two excellent reasons for visiting 🙂 I was impressed how much there was at the Albert Dock alone.