The Mersey Ferries have operated across the River Mersey for over 850 years, forming an essential link between Liverpool and the Wirral Peninsula. The service began in 1150 AD when Benedictine monks from Birkenhead Priory established the first ferry from Birkenhead to the small fishing village of Liverpool, primarily to transport travellers on market days. A charter in 1318 confirmed the Liverpool to Woodside route under the Prior of Birkenhead. After the dissolution of the monasteries, the righ

The new Mersey Ferry, named Royal Daffodil, is being built at Cammell Laird's shipyard in Birkenhead. This is the first new vessel for the Mersey Ferries fleet in over 60 years, with a cost of £26 million. The keel was laid in January 2025, the hull was launched onto the River Mersey in November 2025, and it is currently undergoing fit-out and trials in the shipyard's basin. The ferry is expected to enter service in summer 2026. It features fully accessible design, stylish interiors, open-plan s

Liverpool waterfront and historic buildings from above