29-Jul-2026
Everyone knows the song. By Gerry and the Pacemakers, released in 1964:
...People around every corner
They seem to smile and say
We don't care what your name is boy
We'll never turn you away
So I'll continue to say
Here I always will stay
So ferry 'cross the Mersey
Cause this land's the place I love
And here I'll stay...
What you need for your own cross-Mersey experience is Mersey Ferries. You can do all manner of tours with them, or you can just buy a ticket on the commuter service, which is what we did. According to the info board at the dock, ferries have been crossing the Mersey since 1150, when Benedictine monks ran the first service from Birkenhead to Liverpool.
We just missed a boat, but they're fairly frequent, and we had a pleasant chat with the staff while we were waiting for the next one (it's amazing who turns out to be a budding artist, or has trekked Machu Picchu).
Once you're aboard, it's a very pleasant little ride, with good views of Liverpool's iconic waterfront:
On the other side of the river, it's a world away from the busy city:
Remembering the Hillsborough disaster
Buildings and beaches
It's Manannan!
A couple of the area's many mermaids. They were sculpted by local artist Barry Canning-Eaton, and differently decorated by locals schools and arts groups. The Black Rock Mermaid was said to have appeared to a local sailor in the 18th century...
It's interesting to observe changes in the public grieving process over time. Rather than make fancy headstones (or maybe they do that as well), people will dedicate and decorate a bench. It's a nice idea. You can spare a thought for the dead and the bereaved, and enjoy the sitting opportunity
New Brighton
The Sea Shanty is an excellent little cafe, with good cakes and a lovely garden
New Brighton also sports a fair amount of street art
All in all, a very successful expedition, and a lovely change of pace.