Immortalized in song, the Mersey Ferry is one of the best known attractions in Liverpool. Early morning and early evening it operates a direct commuter service from one side to the other which takes ten minutes. However, it is more fun to take the fifty minute River Explorer tour which comes with an interesting commentary pointing out buildings on the shore (Birkenhead Priory, Wallassey Fort, The Liver Building) and some of the history of the River and the part it has played in the city's economy. The ferry leaves from the Pier Head in Liverpool (near the ALbert Dock and the Liver Building) and then stops at Seacombe and Woodside, before making its way back to the Pierhead.

Disembark at Seacombe for the Aquarium or for Spaceport (a new attraction) or at Woodside for a coffee and a cake in the wonderful Edwardian cafe which overlooks the river, providing a superb spot from which to look at the impressive city skyline. You can also pick up busses from the ports to other destinations on the Wirral. In summer the cruise is slightly longer as it sails right down to the mouth of the Mersey, almost to the sea. One downside is that it can be quite fumey and although the water is not rough, I have seen people feeling nauseous because of the fumes.

The boat and the entry points are 100% wheelchair accessible, as are the toilets on the ferry. A family ticket costs £13.20 (Autumn 2006) and admits two adults and three children. Adults pay £2.50 single, £4.95 return and children (5-15 years) pay £1.45 single, £2.75 return. Direct ferry crossings are cheaper  £1.35 single and £2.15 return for adults and £1.05 single and £1.60 return for children. River Explorer tours operate on the hour from the Pier head between 10am and 3pm weekdays and between 10am and 6pm weekends. Summer timetables vary, check at the time of travel at www.merseyferries.co.uk  And if you enjoy it as much as I did, you have to drop in at the gift shop at the Pier Head where you can buy all kinds of kitsch Mersey Ferry related souvenirs.

I challenge you to take a river cruse and not sing the song; altogether now "Ferry 'cross the Mersey ..."