Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre image

Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre

Tourist attraction Historic site Historical place museum Charity

One of the Top rated Charities in Liverpool


Address

The Old Stableyard, Williamson Tunnels Heritage Centre, Smithdown Ln, Liverpool L7 3EE, United Kingdom

Website

www.williamsontunnels.co.uk

Contact

+44 151 709 6868

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (533 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: Closed
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM to 4 PM
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: Closed

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: tour (35) tunnels (27) interesting (25) guide (24) visit (19) history (12) knowledgeable (12) Liverpool (9) great (9) informative (8)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 D R. 4 years ago on Google
    An interesting glimpse of the past of Liverpool and life and times of Joseph Williamson. On the tour, which took about 40m, we were given hard hats and led through a series of the tunnels created under Joseph Williamson's direction, which largely consist of elaborate brick arches/vaulting over sandstone excavations. The tunnel system has narrow steps and although handrails are available, it isn't accessible for people with mobility issues. Our guide, Billy, shared a series of facts, theories, ideas, and anecdotes relating to the history of the tunnel system, and was very informative, especially in pointing out specific features of the tunnels. There's a shop, a café, toilet facilities and limited car parking on site; the Centre isn't too far from the city centre so is reachable on foot. It's a very interesting, and inexpensive, way to spend an hour learning about a rather unusual facet of Liverpool's history.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Lee 1 year ago on Google
    Good guide but you hardly see any of the tunnels. Mostly just informative. If they want to make this a good tourist or otherwise destination in the future they need to do a lot more work to make more of the tunnels part of the tour. It has a lot of potential but there is still a long way to go. Hopefully it can be a good place to go in the future.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jo P. 8 months ago on Google
    As an archaeologist I loved this place. It is run by volunteers so all the money goes to the dig. They take you on a 45min tour of what they have so far uncovered. Go and support a great cause and it is super interesting.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Магомед �. 1 year ago on Google
    I can not describe how happy I was when I got there. It was best thing that happened to me. I’ve been to catacombs in Paris and they are not even close to Williamson’s. It seems impossible for a human being to dig this tunnel under the house, and it even has 2 arches which is even more incredible. I was so sad that an excursion lasts only 45 minutes I wanted to stay there forever. I even stayed outside like for an hour just admiring the house itself. I couldn’t recommend you more to go there and see it for yourself. You thought after that point it couldn’t get any better but they charge only 5 pounds. Definitely must see thing!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kayleigh 10 months ago on Google
    We turned up without booking and managed to get a space on a tour that was about to depart. I didn’t know much about the tunnels beforehand, but the story is absolutely fascinating. The guide was great, explaining theories about the tunnels, and what they believe to be the case. The tour was a total bargain, I recommend.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jan H. 7 months ago on Google
    Spent a really interesting hour or so here. The guide was informative and friendly. What a strange place it is,nobody really knows why Mr Williamson created the Tunnels but they are fascinating! Wear something waterproof as it can be damp and good shoes.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Patrick M. 2 years ago on Google
    Considering very little is known about these tunnels we found it a well worth diversion. Well worth a visit and still thinking about why they were built now. Thanks to the tour guide as he made a little known very entertaining. Going to come back in a few years and see how you have progressed.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Hazel W. 1 year ago on Google
    Very informative guide. But unfortunately only one tunnel to see. And a short walk. Not recommended for children they would be board stiff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Verónica D. 1 year ago on Google
    It is a very interesting place to visit, it makes you travel in time and wonder many things. The tour lady was amazing, I recommend going to this place and visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karolina N. 4 months ago on Google
    This is one of the best and most interesting Liverpool attractions. The guide was telling amazing stories about tunnels and people of Liverpool, it was so interesting to listen. Thank you a lot! Definetly worth a visit. And a price is just 5 £, it should be more.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael 3 years ago on Google
    Cool voluntary venture, exploring the weird and sometimes wonderful world of the eccentric Joseph Williamson. Please give generously.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rachel F. 2 years ago on Google
    Had a tour of the tunnels with my 5 and 8 year olds and we were all really fascinated! The guide was brilliant and made it interesting for the kids on the half term tour. A must see!!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 G G. 1 year ago on Google
    I had to change my plans last minute so went on a random walk around Liverpool and stumbled across this place. I am very glad that I arrived. As I was the only visitor there at the time I was treated to an individual tour. The guide who was very knowledgeable brought Joseph Williamson to life for me. I learned quite a bit about his life, his work and in particular, his eccentricities. I won't give anything away in this review but the tour is very worthwhile going on. It only cost £5 for adults and lasts about 45 minutes. There are lots of mysteries surrounding those tunnels and Joseph's life in general. The work of Williamson tunnels is primarily excavation and archive work and I feel blessed to have been a part of that for a short period of time. It is operated by volunteers and they have some sort of scheme to help people back into work, much like what the suggest purpose of the tunnels were. Only the very rich and the very poor can afford to be so eccentric. I am in that category and I am certainly not very rich.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cristi G. 2 years ago on Google
    So interesting. Needs so much more publicity. Defo recommend
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Keith H. 9 months ago on Google
    Brilliant tour, very interesting. The tour guide really made it special, her passion about the subject really shone through as she guided us through the tunnels and told us about the history of the eccentric Williamson and his tunnels. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 joe c. 9 months ago on Google
    Well worth the visit, passionate volunteers and interesting history Tours seem to run every half hour, we went in on Saturday and arrived just in time for one to start. It was just our small group of three. Took around 45 minutes with lots of bits to see as well as even more to hear about, anecdotes and tales of the history. Lots of effort gone into the place, made our weekend visit
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Elizabeth A. 1 year ago on Google
    Went today. A little gem hidden away full of history. Guide was great and she does it volentry. Would highly recommend for anyone who is interested in Liverpool history. 👍😉
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Nikos L. 1 year ago on Google
    Although I expected something more extensive, it's been a nice experience. I visited it on a Sunday morning without pre-booking and there was no wait at all. The tour guide has been fantastic.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Emma T. 8 months ago on Google
    Great tour very knowledgeable. Wish it was longer 😁
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Monica B. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing!!! Creepy history! Book first on original website!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 O. M. 5 years ago on Google
    Entirely volunteer run, the tunnels have been slowly excavated over the past decade. Everyone there clearly cares about the project, and the 45 minute tour was insightful. Because not many people know about the tunnels, my partner and I got a private tour due to the lack of other attendees.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Jaron 7 months ago on Google
    Wir haben zu Viert eine Tour gebucht. Es war sehr interessant und informativ. Unserer Tourguide konnte uns viel über die Geschichte detailliert erklären. Nur finde ich leider nicht das die Tunnels schon bereit für Tourismus sind. Überall stehen Baumaschinen und ausgrabstellen. Unserer Tourguide erzählte auch das man aktuell nur 3% der Tunnels besichtigen kann schade das man nicht mit dem öffnen wartet um bessere Touren zu bieten. War trotzdem mega spannend und falls man ein bisschen Zeit hat kann man das ruhig machen.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alison T. 5 months ago on Google
    Fascinating place. Our guide was very informative.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sue C. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting tour with Malcolm. Lots of historical facts. Would recommend.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rob H. 1 year ago on Google
    Really interesting, well worth hunting this place down. The guided tour was superb. The lady taking us around was very enthusiastic, friendly and knowledgeable. The other staff/volunteers were equally as nice. Keep up the work.

  • 5/5 andy g. 6 months ago on Google
    Absolutely unique amazing place that has a curious background. It very busy which is a pity because it is such an interesting place. Excellent and knowledgeable tour guide and inexpensive. Parking on site. Highly recommended

  • 5/5 Lucy M. 6 months ago on Google
    Amazing visit, Billy the tour guide was fantastic - very engaging and knowledgeable. A really great day out.

  • 5/5 Phil F. 6 months ago on Google
    Great History and the staff are very knowledgeable.

  • 5/5 Liz 6 months ago on Google
    Very interesting tour. Really bought to life the history of the tunnels. Well worth a visit and reasonably priced

  • 5/5 Glyn N. 10 months ago on Google
    A fascinating historical monument with a rather strange history & its something special here in Liverpool that many locals don't even know exists! The tour guides a lovely & really helpfull. Not ideal site for people with limited mobility though as lighting is dim & there are lots of steps.

  • 5/5 Andrew W. 4 months ago on Google
    Excellent. Jane the guide knew her stuff and presented it well to a group of adults and children in an inclusive way. Only two volunteers on duty today but both really good at what they do. This attraction really deserves a higher profile in the city

  • 5/5 Jim M. 10 months ago on Google
    Brilliant tour with very knowledgeable guide. Quirky interesting and informative. Went with friends from the South who loved it. Highly recommended. Thanks.

  • 5/5 Daniel N. 4 months ago on Google
    A great little venue which hosted Homotopia and Eat Me and Preach. Great space. Amazing staff. A good experience all round.

  • 5/5 Maria D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very interesting tour, such a hidden gem! Billy our tour guide was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humour!

  • 5/5 Aly Lou (. 2 years ago on Google
    Went to a club night there time ago, was a good venue and a good atmosphere and from what I can remember wasn't any sweat dripping from the roof like yer average techno night 👍🏻👏🏻 could actually breath 😁🥳🎶🎵🎧🎛️🤯🤕😃😃😃

  • 4/5 Peter C. 2 years ago on Google
    Get your shovel.and start digging. There's an awful lot of stuff to move. Very interesting and intriguing.

  • 5/5 Wayne R. 2 years ago on Google
    A must visit! Guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. Mr. Wayne Ramwell Law LL.B. (Hons), LL.M. (Distinction) Policy (Administrative) Assistant for a Member of Parliament (MP)

  • 5/5 Marcus C. 2 years ago on Google
    Such a fascinating place with a bizarre and mysterious history. A unique tour, with a really engaging guide. Fantastic value. Recommended to all!

  • 5/5 Siân E. 2 years ago on Google
    On a school trip with children in year 2. Very interesting and friendly place to visit.

  • 1/5 Mick G. 2 years ago on Google
    Please god no... for a start, these are not tunnels as such... they are holes in the ground that have been filled in by brick work that gives the appearance of a tunnel. We walked a huge distance from the city centre to get there, but managed to get a taxi back. If I'm honest, we couldn't get away quickly enough. I felt sorry for the guy taking us round as you could hear so much stiffled giggles. You'll definitely need a pint after this!

  • 5/5 J. T. M. 5 years ago on Google
    Had a fantastic time at the tunnels. The guide was great, very enthusiastic with lots of story's and history. The tour lasts about 45 mins and is a defo on the things to do in liverpool list. Very cheap free parking toilets and a little tuck shop

  • 4/5 Tollets T. 6 years ago on Google
    It was curiosity and wonderment that made me want to see this humble structure. Why would a man hire men to dig tunnels and then get them to put the dirt back into the same tunnels again. He was called the " King of Edgehill" or the Mad Mole of Edgehill" how ever u hold regard of me. His story makes me think that as human he was a beautiful person. Definitely wellies ware to go through and water repellent clothing. If u like a mini adventure, this is an interesting place. Not suitable for wheels or those with listed mobilities.Their very ordinary toilet was the warmest place in all of Liverpool.

  • 5/5 Daniel F. 2 years ago on Google
    Very informative and interesting visit, it was only the two of us on the tour and our guide Carl had a fantastic sense of humour!

  • 4/5 ian h. 1 year ago on Google
    Decided to visit at the last minute, didnt realise we should have booked in advance, however we were tagged on to a tour 15 mins after we arrived. Very interesting!!! The guide was very knowledgeable. Glad we did it!

  • 5/5 Rosaline W. 2 years ago on Google
    What an incredible place! The tour is top notch, Thank you! It was very interesting :)

  • 5/5 rosie j. 2 years ago on Google
    Great tour given by Colin, fabulous way to spend a Sunday morning learning about these tunnels

  • 5/5 Neil M. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to visit the tunnels today with the family found it so interesting would recommend people to go and visit, our guide Karl was so knowledgeable it’s just a pity they can’t get more of it open at the moment

  • 5/5 Suzanne Worsley B. 1 year ago on Google
    Truly fascinating place. Defo worth a visit. The volunteers have done a fabulous job

  • 5/5 Jim W. 1 year ago on Google
    A fascinating insight into one of Liverpool's great philanthropists. Guided tour was excellent. Best to book before you go, although not ultra busy when we were there. Only open Friday Saturday and Sunday at the moment Not a lot of parking on site although Paddington Village multi storey is just up the road, but maybe for residents only (best check)

  • 5/5 Rhos L. 1 year ago on Google
    This was my second visit, having visited 6 years ago with all my children. Sadly there were no further tunnels accessible to the public but our guide was fantastic, funny and informative and it is genuinely fascinating to get an insight into the tunnels. There is a small free car park on site and a very cheap cafe along with a small gift shop and basic facilities. I would certainly visit again should there be more discoveries.

  • 5/5 Sandra C. 1 year ago on Google
    What a great find in Liverpool. I was born in Liverpool and never knew about these tunnels until a friend told me about them. Our guide was really good and very knowledgeable. The tour is only about 45 minutes long but well worth a visit.

  • 5/5 Azaria W. 1 year ago on Google
    Really interesting tour of the tunnels, lived above them for years and never knew! All the staff were friendly and knowledgeable- would reccomend a visit


Call +44 151 709 6868 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom

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