Paige Williams

Explorer Tom The Royal Liver Building watches Liverpool's Pier Head from beneath two great Liver Birds, one looking towards the city and one towards the Mersey. Tom reckons they take turns checking whether the ferries have behaved. The birds are a playful emblem; the building beneath them tells a serious story about Liverpool's commercial confidence. Designed by Walter Aubrey Thomas, the building opened in 1911 for Royal Liver Assurance. Together with the Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Building, it forms the waterfront group known as the Three Graces. Its clock towers and birds make it easy to recognise from across the river. A local legend says the city would cease to exist if the birds flew away; enjoy that as a legend, not a warning. The structure remains in use as an office building, so the public tour is a specific experience rather than permission to roam every floor. Start at Pier Head where you can see all three neighbouring buildings and the river that gave them their setting. The Royal Liver Building tour offers a guided route, an exhibition and high views, but ticket choices and access can change. Check its current visitor details before booking, particularly if stairs or height are a concern. You can also appreciate the exterior from the public waterfront without a tour. Move along the quay and see how the paired birds change their poses against the skyline. Tom will keep watch for any bird taking flight. You can leave the legend in its proper place and look at the real landmark: a building that still makes Liverpool's waterfront unmistakably its own.