Strawberry Fields Forever

UK Product Executive Emily takes us through Liverpool to uncover the city that inspired and shaped The Beatles

By Audley Travel

September 10^th, 2018

Audley Travel Senior Product Executive, Emily Melvin, recently traveled to Liverpool to discover the best experiences that the city has to offer. Of course, she focused heavily on the Beatles, going on no less than three Beatles tours to find the best ones. She also dove into the history of the city learning about the unique offerings that Liverpool possesses. Below she shares with us how to get the most out of your visit to the home city of Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ringo Star, and George Harrison.

The city of Liverpool, where The Beatles were raised

What is your favorite Beatles song?

I’ve been listening to ‘Penny Lane’ on repeat since returning from my trip. This song is an ode to The Beatles childhood in Liverpool and on my tour, I passed by the barber shop and other local sites referenced in the song, which helped bring this classic piece to life. Another beloved song is the somber ‘Eleanor Rigby’. While McCartney claims this tune is not dedicated to an actual person, I visited St Peter’s Church, the location of John and Paul’s first fateful meeting and where a real Eleanor Rigby is buried.

What was it about being in Liverpool and learning about the Beatles that made the information so engaging?

While London has Abbey Road, which makes for a fun photo opportunity, Liverpool is where the Fab Four grew up and drew inspiration for their songs. This epicenter for all things Beatles related is only a short train ride from the capital and nothing beats cruising around Liverpool in a psychedelic car designed to replicate Lennon’s eccentrically painted Rolls-Royce. Our guide Ian is a self-proclaimed Beatles fanatic and a wealth of knowledge. Throughout the tour, Ian shared fascinating tidbits on the foursome as we visited their childhood homes and stood outside the gates to Strawberry Field, the children’s home that inspired ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.

A vividly painted car, turned tour vehicle, designed to replicate Lennon’s 1964 Rolls-Royce

"Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes/ There beneath the blue suburban skies"

The Cavern Club, where the Beatles used to play, can get quite crowded. What is the best way to experience it?

The band performed at the iconic Cavern Club almost 300 times throughout their prolific career and the venue continues to draw a crowd. A range of Beatles cover bands and other musicians perform live music every day shortly after 11am. While this venue is open until the wee hours of the night, I recommend visiting before noon. At this time of day, there is no cover charge and it’s easier to request your most beloved Beatles hits.

Any unique tips you would tell a Beatles fan headed to Liverpool?

I highly recommend taking a tour with a local who can shed light on how The Beatles transformed Liverpool. I would also suggest savoring a beverage at Jacaranda Records, located in the vibrant Ropewalks district. The Beatles rehearsed here in the 1950s when they were just getting started under their original name The Silver Beetles and the upstairs features booths with individual record players. You can choose from a range of records, but in my opinion no visit is complete without listening to Please Please Me, the band’s debut studio album.

"All the lonely people/ Where do they all come from?/ All the lonely people/ Where do they all belong?"

What is there to do in Liverpool for the supportive partner of a diehard Beatles fan?

Liverpool is rich in both military and maritime history. The city is home to the first commercial wet dock in the world and Albert Dock now hosts a variety of free attractions, including the Merseyside Maritime Museum, International Slavery Museum, Museum of Liverpool, and the Tate Liverpool.

What is there to do that is great for families?

The interactive British Music Experience is a great way to learn more about the city’s deep musical roots. Children and teens will love learning the steps to dances throughout the decades or belting out their favorite tune in the vocal booth. Families will also enjoy attending a football (soccer) game. Tickets sell out months in advance, so if you are unable to attend a live game I suggest taking a tour of either Anfield or Everton stadium.

What hotels would you recommend to someone traveling to Liverpool?

For the ultimate Beatles experience, there is no better place than the Hard Days Night Hotel. This Beatles inspired hotel is tastefully decorated with original artwork and subtle nods to the famous quartet can be found throughout the 110 contemporary guest rooms. For diehard fans the hotel’s lavish Lennon and McCartney suites are outfitted with the property’s most unique artefacts and Beatles memorabilia.

I also love the minimalistic Hope Street Hotel, located on one of Liverpool’s most historic streets. A quick stroll outside the hotel’s front door reveals Liverpool’s architectural and artistic importance. This former carriage house features exposed brick walls and wooden beams. Elegant touches include old fashion keys and complimentary popcorn if you choose to borrow a DVD!