ECHO writer Ryan Paton went on the famous journey and experienced first hand why our region’s charm captivated one of the biggest stars in the world
ECHO writer Ryan Paton went on the iconic ferry across the Mersey for the first time
“So ferry ‘cross the Mersey ’cause this land’s the place I love.” So goes the iconic chorus of the 1965 Gerry and the Pacemakers classic.
The ferry is one of the symbols of the city that is renowned across the globe. When one of the world’s most famous stars, Tom Hanks, came to the Liverpool Empire in 2023 as part of a book tour in celebration of his latest novel, he explained how Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey was his first introduction to the wonders of Merseyside.
The Hollywood icon, renowned for his roles in Big and Forrest Gump, has been spellbound by the idea of Liverpool described in the song since he was a child, when his dad used to play it during long drives in the car. He told the crowd at the Empire Theatre in November 2023: “This concept of a town where ‘people don’t care what your name is, boy. We’ll never turn you away.’
“As a 6/7 year old boy, I thought I don’t know where this thing takes place and I’m not too sure what the Mersey is but I think I’d like to live there.” The ferry is deeply embedded in Scouse culture, a must-do for anyone visiting the city and a rite of passage for anyone from here.
Yet still, despite knowing this all to be true, it is to my great shame to admit that it took this Liverpool resident until the grand old age of 30 to actually get on board. I have no real reason to explain why it took me until 2024 to actually go on the famous river cruise, other than I am notoriously terrible at being a tourist in my own city.
Whenever I travel to another city, a boat tour is a staple on the itinerary as I always think it’s the perfect way to get a unique vantage point of a place, get a whistlestop tour of the landscape and see what your new surroundings have to offer. However, I don’t know why I have never taken the opportunity that lay on my own doorstep to sail along the River Mersey and take in what my own city has to offer.
I corrected that wrong last year when I finally ventured on the River Explorer Cruise that was everything I hoped it to be. The infamous UK weather was of course at its worst on the day I embarked on a voyage down the Mersey as heavy rain battered the region.
While it would have been nice to breathe in the river air from the outside deck on a mild day, the inner deck would have to suffice on this occasion and we perched on a chair inside as our journey was about to begin. Of course, there was only one way the cruise could start and I was delighted to hear the jangly guitars of the Merseybeat classic kick in as the boat set sail.
As the boat sails away from the waterfront terminal, it’s amazing to see the scale of the incredible waterfront come into view and get a full picture of the Three Graces that are emblematic of how Liverpool has always been able to make an impact on a global scale.
Ferries have been crossing the Mersey for over 800 years and the boat’s audio guide takes you right back to the very beginning when Edward III granted the ferries a Royal Charter in 1330. Embarking on the ferry yourself truly makes you feel like a part of history, but the journey also gives you a fascinating insight into the city’s future.
Merseyside has always been able to evolve and the Liverpool skyline is representative of this as its architecture is an ideal blend of the past and present. The ferry takes you right down to outside Everton’s new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock, which symbolises an exciting new step in the city’s future.
It’s not just the Liverpool side of the Merseyside that tells a great story as the Wirral side gives you a look at Birkenhead Town Hall and explains the the pioneering engineering behind the Mersey tunnels that makes them such an impressive structural feat.
It also gives you a look at one our region’s most famous faces as you get a good view of the Paul O’Grady mural in honour of the late entertainer, who died in 2023. It’s fitting the legendary Lily Savage star is emblazoned on our skyline as he was a perfect ambassador of the vibrant and defiant spirit that makes Merseyside so special.
A relaxing and informative cruise on the River Mersey comes to an end after just under an hour when the boat loops back around to the terminal on the Liverpool side of the river. The journey is bookended as the mesmeric jangly guitars of Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey once again kick in. It’s easy to see why the charm of Liverpool would captivate a Hollywood star like Tom Hanks.