If you’re wondering whether St George’s Hall Liverpool is worth visiting, especially when The Great Hall is open to the public, the short answer is yes.
For just £4 per person, we were able to explore one of Liverpool’s most iconic buildings, step inside the historic Crown Court, and learn stories we’d never heard before. It turned out to be one of the most fascinating and best-value heritage experiences we’ve had in the city.
What Is St George’s Hall Liverpool?
St George’s Hall Liverpool opened in stages – the Crown Court in 1841, followed by the rest of the building three years later.
The building wasn’t originally designed to house both a courtroom and a grand entertainment space. Two separate buildings were planned, but partway through construction the architects realised there wasn’t enough space, so both were incorporated into the one extraordinary space.
That decision created one of the most striking contrasts in British civic architecture. The outside of St George’s Hall is striking due to the size of the building and the amount of steps but it is inside that the real magic happens.
Lavish balls would be taking place inside The Great Hall while, just down the corridor, people were being sentenced in the Crown Court. It was even said that guests at the balls could hear the commotion from the courtroom.
Between the 19th and early 20th centuries:
- 131 men
- 6 women
- The youngest just 19 years old
were sentenced to death here.
Standing in the courtroom makes that history feel very real.
Visiting The Great Hall – What You’ll See Inside
We booked an unguided visit through City Hall Tours, expecting a quick look around. Instead, we found ourselves completely absorbed.
The scale of The Great Hall is breathtaking. The enormous Willis organ dominates one end of the room — so large that when it was installed, two of the original red marble pillars had to be removed. (You can now see those pillars in Sefton Park.)
The famous Minton tile floor, made up of around 30,000 hand-crafted tiles, was covered during our visit – more on that below!
The walls are lined with statues of influential figures connected to Liverpool’s history. There are also empty plinths awaiting future additions, including one planned for Mary Seacole.
Two figures we particularly enjoyed learning about were:
William Roscoe
Historian, abolitionist and major cultural influence in Liverpool. I loved that he encouraged education for both boys and girls, which was incredibly rare for his time.
Sir Robert Peel
Former Prime Minister and founder of the modern police force. He banned working underground for women and children and also included them in the Factory Act 1842.
Inside the Crown Court at St George’s Hall Liverpool
This was a great surprise to us – When we were being shown upstairs to The Great Hall, we were told to keep 10 minutes available at the end to pay a visit to The Crown Court. We ended up staying much longer than 10 minutes as it was fascinating to listen to the stories from the City Hall Ambassadors. We even booked a follow on Clink and Court Tour for next month as the courts were so interesting.
You can sit in the curved wooden seats that are still in great condition – and even sit in the accused’s seat. These were made bigger than usual due to Liverpool historically having so many gangs. You would find that the whole gang would be in the dock and if found guilty of one offence, then the whole gang would be sentenced. Quite chilling.
The follow on tour will allow us downstairs to actually go inside of the 12 cells and see the scratchings engraved into the walls by the prisoners.
The Unexpected William S. Gilbert Story
One of the most surprising stories we heard involved William S. Gilbert – later famous as one half of Gilbert & Sullivan.
While working as a barrister in Liverpool, he represented a wealthy woman who had been found guilty in the Crown Court. Furious at the verdict, she removed her shoe and threw it at him.
Gilbert reportedly decided that would be the last case he would ever take. He handed in his legal papers and chose instead to focus on poetry and music – a decision that led to international fame.
Charles Dickens & The Concert Room
St George’s Hall Liverpool wasn’t just about justice – it was also a cultural hub.
Charles Dickens was a frequent visitor, giving intimate readings of his work in The Concert Room.
The Concert Room is much smaller and more intimate than The Great Hall – ideal for talks and performances. We actually attended a Q&A evening with Jay Rayner there a few years ago and loved it.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit St George’s Hall Liverpool?
Tickets for open access to The Great Hall start from £4 per person.
Guided experiences such as the Clink Tour cost more and should be booked in advance via City Hall Tours.
For a building of this scale and historical importance, it’s excellent value.
Practical Visitor Information
- Located opposite Liverpool Lime Street Station
- Enter via the main St George’s entrance or Café 1854
- Toilets and refreshments available
- Lift access available (stairs also required for some areas)
- Allow at least one hour
The Minton Tile Reveal
For most of the year, the extraordinary Minton tile floor is covered for protection. However, between 17 July and 2 September 2026, the floor will be fully revealed to the public.
This rare event includes a series of special experiences, including a gala evening performance by Brad Kella, winner of Channel 4’s The Piano.If you’re planning a summer visit to St George’s Hall Liverpool, this is the time to go.
Is St George’s Hall Liverpool Worth Visiting?
Definitely! We absolutely loved it and found visiting The Great Hall so much more interesting than we expected. Everyone was so friendly and the City Hall Ambassadors were incredibly knowledgeable and friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions About St George’s Hall Liverpool
When was St George’s Hall Liverpool built?
The Crown Court at St George’s Hall Liverpool opened in 1841, with the rest of the building completed three years later. It was designed as both a civic court and a grand venue for public events, combining justice and celebration under one roof.
Can you visit The Great Hall at St George’s Hall Liverpool?
Yes — The Great Hall is open to the public on selected dates and special open days. Tickets can be booked through City Hall Tours, and prices start from £4 per person. Guided tours are also available, including the popular Clink Tour.
How much does it cost to visit St George’s Hall Liverpool?
Tickets for open access to The Great Hall start at £4 per person. Prices may vary depending on the type of tour booked. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially for guided experiences like the Clink Tour.
What is the Crown Court at St George’s Hall Liverpool like?
The Crown Court is a semi-circular courtroom designed so groups could be sentenced together. Between the 19th and early 20th centuries, 131 men and 6 women were sentenced to death there, the youngest being 19 years old. The court was Liverpool’s main court until 1984 and was briefly used again during Covid.
Is St George’s Hall Liverpool wheelchair accessible?
Access to The Great Hall involves several flights of stairs, but a lift is available for visitors who need step-free access. It’s best to check specific tour details in advance if accessibility is a concern.
What is the Minton Tile floor at St George’s Hall Liverpool?
The Minton Tile floor is an intricate Victorian tiled design that usually remains covered for protection. It is fully revealed to the public during special events, including the Minton Tile Reveal between 17 July and 2 September 2026.
Where is St George’s Hall Liverpool located?
St George’s Hall Liverpool is located on St George’s Place, opposite Lime Street Station in Liverpool city centre. Toilets and refreshments are available near the St George’s entrance, and Café 1854 is also located within the building.
If you’re planning a day in the city, you might also like our review of Escape Hunt Liverpool or our Royal Liver Building 360 Tour experience (Coming soon).
