Liverpool - Salthouse Dock

AquaPaddle has arrived in the historic heart of Liverpool, offering a spectacular new route that invites paddleboarders, kayakers, and canoeists to experience the city's iconic waterfront from a completely new perspective.

Steeped in global maritime heritage, the new route launches from the beautifully preserved waters of Salthouse Dock—the city's oldest surviving dock, dating back to 1753. From there, paddlers glide seamlessly into the breathtaking Royal Albert Dock. Opened by Prince Albert in 1846, this architectural marvel was the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world, crafted entirely from iron, brick, and stone. As you navigate the water, you will glide past the colossal, Grade 1 listed red-brick warehouses that once secured valuable global cargoes of silk, tobacco, and sugar, offering a profound connection to the Industrial Revolution and Liverpool's seafaring past.

Beyond the jaw-dropping architecture, the docks host a surprisingly rich urban marine ecosystem. Since the revitalisation of the southern dock system, the clean, dredged waters have flourished with vibrant marine biodiversity. As you paddle, look down to spot thick clusters of blue mussels, sponges, and swaying seaweed clinging to the historic Grade 2 listed sandstone walls. The docks are also home to translucent moon jellyfish pulsing beneath the surface, alongside fascinating non-native species like the Australasian barnacle, creating a unique wildlife safari right in the middle of a bustling metropolis.