The Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Liverpool and the seat of its archbishop. In Liverpool, it offers free entry and is about a 7-minute walk from Aachen Hotel, making it an easy landmark to add to a city-centre day.
- Location: Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool, L3 5TQ.
- Typical opening: daily, 7:30am–6:00pm; last entry is 5:45pm.
- Entry: free, with donations welcome.
About the Metropolitan Cathedral
The Metropolitan Cathedral is Liverpool’s Roman Catholic cathedral and the seat of the archbishop of the Archdiocese of Liverpool. Its address is Cathedral House on Mount Pleasant, within walking distance of other central landmarks.
The building is commonly called Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. It is a notable stop for anyone tracing Liverpool landmarks, and its free admission makes it straightforward to include in a day around the city. You can pair a visit with the walkable one-day Liverpool route if you want to plan several central stops together.
Architecture and features to notice
The cathedral’s architecture is the main reason to take time inside as well as view its exterior. The Crypt is another part of the building to consider, with its own opening pattern and access arrangements.
Photography is permitted throughout the cathedral except during services, concerts and rehearsals. Photography and video are not permitted in the Crypt Treasury, and video cameras and drones are not permitted. If you plan to take photographs, be mindful of worship and scheduled activities.
The Crypt is usually open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. Closures can affect access, so check the cathedral’s notices before you set out.
How do you walk to the cathedral?
The cathedral’s address, Cathedral House, Mount Pleasant, gives you a clear destination to use when planning the short walk.
If you are combining the cathedral with other central stops, you can build a walking day around nearby sights. For wider journeys around Liverpool, see the guide to getting around Liverpool by public transport.
The cathedral also gives a 10-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street station and a 10-minute walk from Liverpool city centre. If you are travelling by bus, routes listed from Liverpool One Bus Station include 79, 86A, 86 and 86C; from Queen Square Bus Station, routes 79 and 7 serve the cathedral.
Visitor information and respectful visits
The cathedral is generally open daily from 7:30am to 6:00pm, with last entry at 5:45pm. Entry is free, and donations are welcome. Access can be limited during special events or unforeseen circumstances, so check the official site before you go.
Free guided tours can be booked in advance by email or requested on the day at the Welcome Desk, subject to availability. A set tour runs every Saturday at 11:30am, and the cathedral suggests a £5-per-person donation.
Audio tours cost £5 each and are available from the Welcome Desk Monday to Saturday, 10:00am–3:30pm, in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Polish and Chinese. They are unavailable during services.
Step-free access is available by a sloping garden path from the pavement-end gate of the car-park approach road. A lift in the Lower Porch connects the underground car park to cathedral level, and another lift in the Rotunda provides access to the Crypt.
Accessible toilets are available in the Lower Porch and at Crypt level; wheelchairs can be obtained from the Security Office in the cathedral car park.
Hearing loops are fitted in the cathedral and Crypt Chapel. Large-print service sheets are available at Sunday, choral and special services. Prams and pushchairs are accommodated, and only assistance dogs are permitted inside. For a stay nearby, see Aachen Hotel.
FAQs
Is entry to Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral free?
Yes. Entry is free, and donations are welcome.
How long is the walk from Liverpool Lime Street station?
The cathedral gives a 10-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street station.
Can you visit the Crypt every day?
The Crypt is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, with last entry at 3:30pm. Check the cathedral’s notices for closures before visiting.
Are guided tours available?
Yes. Free guided tours can be booked in advance by email or requested at the Welcome Desk on the day, subject to availability. A set tour runs every Saturday at 11:30am.