One of Liverpool’s most celebrated waterfront landmarks is preparing to welcome the public through its doors for a unique double celebration of maritime history. 

On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, the historic Cunard Building will host a specialised heritage market alongside exclusive guided tours, perfectly timed to coincide with a day-long visit from the prominent cruise liner, Queen Anne.

The Grade II* listed structure will open its grand, historic arrivals hall to accommodate a 50-stall artisanal marketplace. 

Outside on the River Mersey, Queen Anne will spend the day berthed at the Liverpool Cruise Port. 

As the newest addition to the famous Cunard fleet, the luxury vessel shares a permanent bond with the region; it was officially named on the Mersey during a spectacular 2024 ceremony where the city of Liverpool was named the ship’s official godparent, marking a global first for an entire municipality.

The Cunard Building Heritage Market will welcome visitors between 10 am and 5 pm, showcasing a diverse collective of independent local traders. 

Shoppers can browse a wide array of regional products, including artisanal food, drinks, original artwork, bespoke gifts, and handmade jewellery. 

Admission to the marketplace is entirely free of charge, with public access directed through the main Strand entrance.

Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Access and Subterranean Maritime History

This upcoming event represents the second time the civic building has hosted the heritage marketplace, following a highly successful debut during the Liverpool visit of the Queen Mary 2 last year. 

For this summer’s iteration, organisers are expanding the public offering by selling tickets to rare, behind-the-scenes guided paths through the architectural landmark.

Led by experienced regional historians, these intimate excursions grant visitors entry into restricted sectors of the premises that remain strictly closed to the general public during regular operational hours. 

Ticket holders will descend into the building’s sprawling basement, which formerly served as a high-density maritime operations hub, and explore the atmospheric original Arrivals Lounge.

The journeys are designed to uncover the human stories of transatlantic shipping legends, intricate architectural choices, and the specific role the headquarters played in defining Liverpool’s global maritime identity.

Preserving World War II Air Raid Shelters and Historic Shipping Safes

The collaborative event highlights Liverpool’s ongoing commitment to showcasing its architectural treasures to both residents and international maritime tourists.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: 

“These Cunard Building tours are an incredible opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Liverpool’s most important landmarks and discover more about this vital piece of our city’s history.

“The Three Graces form an iconic part of our world-famous skyline, and the Cunard Building has its own special story to tell.

“17 June offers the unique chance to combine one of these tours with a browse around our popular heritage market and a shoreside viewing of the newest ship in Cunard’s fleet, Queen Anne, ahead of the hugely anticipated Four Queens visit in 2028.”

Alan Smith, Liverpool’s Head of Heritage, Preservation and Development, added: 

“We’re pleased to be able to continue to host the tours of the Cunard Building, which take people down into its working heart.

“It’s amazing to see the infrastructure that is still in situ, from the massive shipping line’s safes, where passengers’ valuables were held, to the luggage racking, which gives a genuine insight into what travellers to the New World encountered.

“Then visitors descend into the basement areas to see how the building was used as an air raid shelter during the Second World War.

“It is a great opportunity to see the operations of one of Liverpool’s most iconic venues.”

Because individual group sizes are strictly limited to preserve the historical spaces, all participants must book their tickets well in advance. 

Demand for the mid-June date is projected to be exceptionally high due to the cruise ship’s arrival. 

To secure tour reservations and review pricing structures, enthusiasts can visit the official Cunard Building Heritage Tours site, while broader operational details regarding the independent stalls can be found by clicking here.

READ MORE: Cunard’s Queen Anne Returning to Liverpool this June