One of Liverpool’s hidden gems has been recognised nationally by online travel website TripAdvisor.

Liverpool’s Old Dock Tour found underneath Liverpool ONE and run by National Museums Liverpool won a five-star certificate of excellence for its consistently positive reviews left by visitors.

Preserved during excavations in 2001, the Old Dock transports visitors back to the 18th century allowing them to see a glimpse of maritime history.

The site, restored to include a modern bridge and walkways, gives breath-taking views of the dock. With talks by expert tour guides from Merseyside Maritime Museum, tourists can see the dock but also learn about the story behind it.

The Old Dock, first built in 1715, was at the heart of Liverpool’s vast maritime network with ships from across the globe visiting the port. Although perceived a major risk during construction, the dock was hugely successful, paving the way to many decades of dock expansion.

As international trade took off and numbers started to swell, the dock struggled to cope. Increasing upkeep costs led to the dock being bricked and buried in 1826.

Estate director for Liverpool ONE, Chris Bliss, said:

“The Old Dock Tour celebrates Liverpool’s vast heritage, dating back to the early years of the maritime boom. I would like to thank our keen visitors for recognising this key part of Liverpool’s history and the continued support from the National Museums Liverpool for promoting the experience.

“We are delighted to win this award in such a special year for Liverpool as we celebrate our maritime past. From Cunard’s Three Queens lining our banks earlier this year to the T175 celebrations to come in July, Liverpool is proud of its maritime history and we are keen to be a part of this.”

Liverpool ONE has a unique way of recognising the city’s maritime past by installing a 3D audio soundscape experience, a world first for an open-air shopping destination. Playing every hour during retail opening hours until 5 July, The Crossing on South John Street is their nod to Liverpool’s transatlantic links with America by retelling the stories of passengers travelling to New York over 175 years ago.

For more information about the Old Dock Tour, please visit www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/docktours. Tours are organised by  National Museums Liverpool. Public tours are available on Tuesday and Wednesday at 10:30am, 11:30am and 2:30pm. All tours are free but places are limited, so booking is essential. Call 0151 478 4499 to reserve your place. Group bookings can be made by calling 0151 478 4788.