Waterside regeneration specialists Peel Waters have gifted the Docklands Trail a two-year extension to its lease, ensuring the attraction will remain as an integral part of the Collingwood Dock community within Liverpool Waters whilst supporting their aspirations to expand their education and visitor offer.
Located between Everton Football Club’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium and Central Docks, the Dockland’s Trail has become a popular attraction for tourists, heritage groups, schools and local history enthusiasts, offering visitors the opportunity to step inside the dock walls and discover the vital role that Liverpool’s northern docks played in powering Britain’s industrial revolution.
The dedicated exhibition space showcases a unique collection of images and artefacts that bring the rich maritime and industrial history of the area to life. Among the highlights is a special section focused on Bramley-Moore Dock – charting its heritage and looking to its future as the new home of Everton Football Club, the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Alongside its exhibitions, the Docklands Trail has recently expanded its educational and visitor programmes. In partnership with the Canal & River Trust the team has launched a school contact programme that provides a no-cost resource to support schools in delivering their History and Geography curriculum. Equipped with Docklands Trail workbooks, students explore exhibitions that reveal the heritage of Liverpool’s docks and their global impact. Hands-on workshops – including canal building activities and walking tours of the historic Stanley Flight of locks – bring learning to life, while occasional visits to neighbouring dockland buildings, such as the Titanic Hotel and Hill Dickinson Stadium, highlight how 19th-century structures have been repurposed for modern-day use.
The Docklands Trail has also introduced a new self-guided Docklands Trail Walk, enabling visitors to journey from the Museum of Liverpool to the Visitor Centre at Collingwood Dock.
Looking ahead, the Docklands Trail is seeking funding to expand its exhibition spaces, with new themes include The History of Merseybeat and The Presence of the US Armed Forces in Merseyside during World War II. With the growing number of cruise ship visitors to the city, these additions are expected to attract even more people to the project.
Liza Marco, Senior Asset Manager at Liverpool Waters, said:
“We are thrilled to continue our support for The Docklands Trail with the gifting of this new lease. Protecting, sharing and celebrating the rich history of Liverpool’s docks is an important part of what we do at Liverpool Waters, and The Docklands Trail plays a key role in helping us achieve that. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors to experience this unique window into our city’s heritage.”
Les Ellis, Trustee of the Docklands Trail, added:
“Our mission has always been to bring the history of Liverpool’s docks to life for as many people as possible. With the continued support from Peel Waters and our growing education and visitor programmes, we’re excited to continue developing The Docklands Trail, introducing new themes, and creating opportunities for both local communities and international visitors to engage with this unique part of our city’s heritage.”
The Docklands Trail at Collingwood Dock, Liverpool Waters is open on Wednesdays and Sundays 10:00 – 13:00 and is open the rest of the week upon request.
Watch Peel Waters’ Reflections Series featuring Les Ellis, Trustee of the Docklands Trail here.
Find out more about the Docklands Trail here.
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