The British port, Liverpool is the hometown and genesis of the revolutionary, English rock band, The Beatles. Liverpool is a compact, colorful music town from which to enjoy the roots of the Beatles story afoot or by tour. I enjoyed my fun-filled Beatles-themed day here! Read on to learn about what I discovered on how to enjoy a Beatles Liverpool Tour, by walking and organized tour.
Liverpool Music Scene and History
And when the night is
cloudy, there is still a light
that shines on me,
Shine until tomorrow
Let It Be…
The Beatle’s music style, aka Merseybeat (Mersey is the county) arose from the early 60’s in UK, influenced by rock and roll, skiffle (blues, jazz and American Folk) and pop music. Popular artists creating this music gave rise to important bands, such as, Gerry & The Pacemakers, A Flock of Seagulls, Frankie Vaughan and of course, The Beatles.
Mathew Street is the heart and soul of the Liverpool Music Scene. It’s home to the famous Cavern Club, where The Beatles became discovered and one of Europe’s largest music festivals.
Day Starts at The Beatles Statue on the Waterfront and The Royal Albert Dock
What a great way to jumpstart a Beatles-themed day, then to begin at the Beatle’s Statue on the waterfront. The famous Cavern Club donated this statue, standing here since 2015. Don’t miss out on the popular selfie shot, as shown in my first photo!
Originally, the Royal Albert Dock became famous as the first non-combustible warehouse system in the world. In 1846 it opened the system built from cast iron, brick and stone. I walked here after my selfie with The Beatles Statue, going straight to The Beatles Story Museum.
The Beatles Story Museum – Beatles Liverpool Tour
This is a great way to introduce a Beatles day, learning about the roots and story of this revolutionary rock band. Located on the Royal Albert Dock, it’s a massive collection of exhibits, such as, photos, memorabilia and replicas of the Casbah, Abbey Roads Studio and the Cavern Club. I just stayed an hour, feeling edgy to get out and see the real thing. However, on a rainy day or if there was more time, I gladly would return here.
Magical Mystery Tour
Magical Mystery Tour was one of the Beatles albums in the 60’s. Just outside The Beatles Story Museum on Royal Albert Dock, I discovered the tickets for the tourist rendition of Magical Mystery Tour. Impulsively, I signed up, seeing the psychedelic painted bus. Having no idea that soon, I was about to have one of the most upbeat, heartwarming and emotional days of my life.
This 2-hour bus ride takes you to all the lyrical hotspots immortalized by The Fab Four. Even though this may sound a bit touristy, do not let this stop you. When mixing the music, narrations along with visiting these iconic landmarks, it’s a synergy of emotions, memories and entertainment. Starting on Albert Docks, we stopped and got out to visit the iconic locations, such as, Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, St. Peter’s Church, as well as the former homes of Paul, John, George and Ringo.
Penny Lane and Strawberry Field
We stopped at the legendary Penny Lane sign and drove down the lane. Furthermore, we drove by the sights and characters written about by Paul McCartney in this popular song, such as, the Tony Slavin Barber Shop. Plus, the tour guide gave us narrations of the stories to bring them even more alive.
Another big stop is at Strawberry Field with its symbolic, red-iron fence and colorful graffiti. It’s heartwarming to learn about the Muse of this song for John Lennon. Evidently, Strawberry Field was an orphanage for girls, managed by the Salvation Army. Abandoned by his parents and raised by an aunt, John related to these orphans and their symbolic strawberry fields forever…
Let me take you down
‘Cause I’m going to Strawberry Fields
Nothing is real
And nothing to get hung about
Strawberry Fields forever
Fab Four’s Homes – Beatles Liverpool Tour
Our group of fans stopped outside the homes where Paul, John, George and Ringo lived at one time in Liverpool. Also, we learned the stories and significance of their homes and schools. This helps give perspective on the reality that these Rock Stars are real people, who also suffered heartache and loss just like the rest of us.
This tour struck a very deep chord for me, bringing up memories connected to The Beatle’s music.
Universally, music has a way of affecting us mortals. It resurfaces forgotten memories from things we experienced while listening to a song or music in the past. For me, tears welled up in my eyes while in the bus with the Beatles music jarring up a memory. About 15 years before then, I realized for the first time how much I loved the Beatles. I was driving in the backseat of a car with my uncle and now deceased Aunt (2 upbeat baby boomers). They blared the Beatle’s CD with song after song, such as…
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah
She loves you, yeah yeah yeah
With a love like that
You know you should be glad
All of us were singing, laughing and so happy on our road trip. Now, whenever I hear the Beatles, it takes me back to that road trip! Such a wonderful memory to cherish and relive on this day in Liverpool. However, it also resurfaced sadness that I missed my aunt who is no longer with us. Music has a way of doing this!
Mathew Street and The Cavern Club
Lastly, we toured inside the famous Cavern Club. This is where the Beatles gained popularity as the house band. Their band manager, Brian Epstein discovered them here. So, a lot of history took place at The Cavern Club and it’s awesome connecting with this. Also, Mathew Street is the venue for one of the largest music festivals in Europe. Overall, it’s a great place to experience the music scene and history.
Overall, Beatles Liverpool Tour
If you start early, there’s still time to spend the afternoon and evening just strolling around Liverpool after the Beatle’s tour. It’s a wonderful town for shopping and restaurants as well. However, (re)discovering the Beatles story is a once in a lifetime heartwarming experience, not to be missed in Liverpool. Truly, this was one of the most magical days of my life, where I Let it Be…
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