Radio CIty Tower
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St John's Beacon Liverpool

4.6
·2k reviews·, United Kingdom

An iconic radio and observation tower, once offering panoramic city views, now a prominent feature of Liverpool's skyline.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
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Radio CIty Tower

St John's Beacon Liverpool

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic radio and observation tower, once offering panoramic city views, now a prominent feature of Liverpool's skyline.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"This is an absolute must-visit in Liverpool, especially if you're a fan of breathtaking views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Viewing Gallery Closed

The public viewing gallery is permanently closed as of Dec 31, 2024. No longer accessible for city views.

Iconic Skyline Spot

Even closed, it's a key landmark to spot and photograph from around the city. :camerawithflash:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views (Past)

Panoramic City Views (Past)

Viewing Gallery (Closed)

Once offered breathtaking 360° views of Merseyside, North Wales, and beyond. A unique perspective on Liverpool's landscape.

Iconic Liverpool Landmark

Iconic Liverpool Landmark

City Centre

A distinctive radio and observation tower, a recognizable symbol on Liverpool's skyline, visible from afar.

Historical Context

Historical Context

Tower Exterior

Built in 1969, this Grade II listed structure has a fascinating history, from a revolving restaurant to a broadcasting hub.

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Planning Your Visit

Last Chance for Views!

The St. John's Beacon viewing gallery closed permanently on December 31, 2024. While the tower remains an iconic landmark, the panoramic city views are no longer accessible to the public. Check for any potential future re-openings or alternative viewing platforms.

Iconic Skyline Feature

Even though the viewing gallery is closed, the St. John's Beacon (Radio City Tower) is a prominent and recognizable part of Liverpool's skyline. It's a great landmark to spot from various points in the city and a symbol of its modern architecture.

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Which viewpoint is higher? Radio Tower or Liverpool Cathedral?

Viewing Gallery Closed

The public viewing gallery is permanently closed as of Dec 31, 2024. No longer accessible for city views. Reddit

Iconic Skyline Spot

Even closed, it's a key landmark to spot and photograph from around the city. :camerawithflash:

reddit.com

The view of Liverpool, as seen from St John's Beacon, 120 metres up in the air.

reddit.com

Radio City Tower / St John’s Beacon Views

Navigational Aid

Useful for orienting yourself in Liverpool, especially when arriving by train. :world_map:

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Tips

from all over the internet

Viewing Gallery Closed

The public viewing gallery is permanently closed as of Dec 31, 2024. No longer accessible for city views. Reddit

Iconic Skyline Spot

Even closed, it's a key landmark to spot and photograph from around the city. :camerawithflash:

Navigational Aid

Useful for orienting yourself in Liverpool, especially when arriving by train. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The St. John's Beacon viewing gallery, once a highlight for its breathtaking city panoramas, has permanently closed. Visitors previously praised the stunning 360° views and the tower's iconic status. However, some noted inconsistent staff experiences. The closure means this unique perspective on Liverpool is no longer available.

"This is an absolute must-visit in Liverpool, especially if you're a fan of breathtaking views! From the top, you get a stunning panorama of the entire city, including the bustling port and all the major landmarks. It's truly the best way to appreciate Liverpool's unique landscape.

The staff were generally friendly and helpful, though I did have a slightly odd encounter with the entrance attendant who wasn't exactly welcoming. However, that small hiccup didn't detract from the overall amazing experience.

I highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Liverpool. It's definitely worth checking out!"

USIF

"An iconic landmark in the heart of Liverpool!
Great view of the city and beyond from the top perfect for photos. Even just seeing it up close is a cool experience. A must-visit if you're in town.

#Liverpool #RadioCityTower #CityViews"

Taimur Khan

"St John's Beacon, commonly known as Radio City Tower, is an iconic landmark in Liverpool, England, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.

🏗️ Overview & History
Location: Situated in the heart of Liverpool, adjacent to St John's Shopping Centre.

Height: 138 meters (452 feet) tall; including its 10-meter antenna, it stands as the tallest structure in Liverpool.

Construction: Completed in 1969, designed by James A. Roberts Associates.

Opening: Inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971.

Original Purpose: Initially built as a ventilation shaft for the shopping centre, it was later converted into a revolving restaurant.

Revolving Restaurant: Operated from 1971 until its closure in 1979 due to health and safety concerns.

Subsequent Use: In the early 1980s, it briefly reopened as a "Buck Rogers" space-themed restaurant before closing again.

Refurbishment: In 1999–2000, the tower underwent a £5 million refurbishment, transforming it into a radio broadcasting studio and observation tower.

Radio City Studios: From 2000 to 2024, it housed the studios for Hits Radio Liverpool and Greatest Hits Radio.

Grade II Listing: In November 2020, Historic England listed the tower as Grade II, recognizing its architectural and technological significance.

👀 Viewing Gallery
Opening to Public: In 2010, the first floor was opened to the public as a 360° viewing gallery.

Features: Offered breathtaking panoramic views of Merseyside, including vistas of the Wirral, North Wales, Lancashire, and, on clear days, Snowdonia and Blackpool.

Accessibility: The gallery was wheelchair accessible, with no stairs to climb.

Closure: The viewing gallery closed to the public on December 31, 2024.

🎙️ Radio City Tower
Broadcasting Hub: Served as the broadcasting hub for Hits Radio Liverpool and Greatest Hits Radio until December 2024.

Notable Events: The tower witnessed significant broadcasting moments, including live coverage of major events and celebrity visits.

Final Broadcast: The final live broadcast from the tower took place on Christmas Eve 2024.

🏙️ Cultural Significance
Iconic Status: St John's Beacon is a prominent feature of Liverpool's skyline and a symbol of the city's modern architectural heritage.

Public Perception: Despite periods of disuse, the tower has remained a beloved landmark, often referred to as "Radio City Tower" by locals.

Future Prospects: The future of the tower remains uncertain, with discussions about its potential repurposing ongoing."

Yarys

What People Like

Breathtaking city views
Iconic landmark
Great for photos

What People Dislike

Inconsistent staff

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

St. John's Beacon is centrally located in Liverpool, adjacent to St. John's Shopping Centre. It's easily accessible by public transport, with numerous bus routes stopping nearby and Liverpool Lime Street Station a short walk away. If driving, there are car parks within the shopping centre and surrounding areas.

Yes, St. John's Beacon is a very prominent and recognizable structure in Liverpool's city center. It's often visible from a distance, making it a useful landmark for navigation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Unfortunately, the public viewing gallery at St. John's Beacon closed permanently on December 31, 2024. It is no longer possible to access the top for city views. Reddit

The viewing gallery was typically open daily, with hours varying seasonally. However, as it has now permanently closed, these hours are no longer applicable.

Ticket prices for the viewing gallery varied, but it was generally an affordable attraction. Specific pricing details are no longer relevant due to the closure.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

From the 360° viewing gallery, visitors could enjoy panoramic views of Merseyside, the Wirral, North Wales, and on clear days, even Snowdonia and Blackpool. It offered a comprehensive perspective of Liverpool's cityscape and surrounding areas. Reddit

Yes, the viewing gallery was designed to be wheelchair accessible, ensuring that visitors with mobility needs could enjoy the panoramic views without encountering stairs. Reddit

Yes, St. John's Beacon originally housed a revolving restaurant from 1971 until 1979. It later briefly reopened as a space-themed restaurant before its conversion into a broadcasting hub and viewing gallery.

Completed in 1969, St. John's Beacon was initially a ventilation shaft for the shopping centre. It evolved into a revolving restaurant, then a broadcasting studio for Radio City, and finally a public viewing gallery before its recent closure. It is a Grade II listed building. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

St. John's Beacon is a striking landmark, and it's best photographed from street level. Consider capturing it from the nearby St. John's Shopping Centre entrance, or from areas like William Brown Street for a good city backdrop. The tower itself is a great subject from various angles across the city.

The public viewing gallery at St. John's Beacon is now permanently closed, so it's no longer possible to take photos from its vantage point. However, the tower itself is a great subject for photography from around Liverpool.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the St. John's Beacon viewing gallery is now closed, the tower itself remains an interesting landmark for families to spot. Its height and distinctive shape can spark curiosity about its history and purpose. Consider pointing it out as a navigational aid when exploring the city center. Reddit

For families looking for current attractions, focus on the nearby St. John's Shopping Centre for retail and entertainment, or explore other family-friendly museums and attractions in Liverpool that offer interactive experiences and educational opportunities.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

St. John's Beacon is a striking subject for photographers, even with the viewing gallery closed. Its unique form and prominent position on the skyline make it a great element to incorporate into cityscapes. Look for angles from the city center, perhaps with other Liverpool landmarks in the foreground or background. Reddit

While you can no longer capture photos from the tower, its presence offers numerous opportunities for capturing Liverpool's urban environment. Consider its silhouette against the sky at different times of day or its reflection in nearby buildings.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Rise and Fall of the Viewing Gallery

St. John's Beacon, affectionately known as Radio City Tower, once offered unparalleled panoramic views of Liverpool and beyond. Opened in 2010, the 360° viewing gallery provided a unique perspective on the city's sprawling landscape, from the Mersey River to the distant hills of North Wales. Visitors could spend as long as they wished soaking in the sights, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike. The gallery was also noted for its accessibility, ensuring everyone could experience the breathtaking vistas. Reddit

Sadly, this beloved attraction closed its doors to the public permanently on December 31, 2024. While the reasons for the closure are not extensively detailed, it marks the end of an era for a key city viewpoint. The tower itself, however, remains a significant part of Liverpool's architectural heritage and a constant presence on its skyline. Reddit

Despite the closure of the viewing gallery, the St. John's Beacon continues to hold cultural significance. Its distinctive silhouette is a familiar sight, and its history, from its origins as a ventilation shaft to its time as a revolving restaurant and then a broadcasting hub, adds layers of interest to this iconic structure. Reddit

A Landmark's Architectural Journey

Completed in 1969, St. John's Beacon is a testament to mid-century modern architecture. Designed by James A. Roberts Associates, it stands at 138 meters (452 feet) tall, making it the tallest structure in Liverpool. Its initial purpose was functional, serving as a ventilation shaft for the adjacent St. John's Shopping Centre. However, its potential for more was soon realized. Reddit

The tower's transformation began with the opening of a revolving restaurant in 1971, offering diners a unique culinary experience with ever-changing views. This was followed by a brief stint as a 'Buck Rogers' themed restaurant. In the late 1990s, a significant refurbishment transformed it into a broadcasting hub for Radio City, housing studios for Hits Radio Liverpool and Greatest Hits Radio until 2024. This dual role as a functional broadcasting tower and a public attraction defined its later years. Reddit

Recognizing its importance, St. John's Beacon was awarded Grade II listed status in November 2020, acknowledging its architectural and technological significance. This designation ensures its preservation as a key element of Liverpool's urban fabric and a reminder of the city's evolving architectural landscape. Reddit

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