the beatles tour liverpool

• Opening Times
• Buy Tickets
• Cavern Club
• Cavern Live Lounge
• The Cavern Restaurant
• Opening times & prices
• Visitor Reviews
• Resident Bands
• Magical Mystery Tour
• Private Beatles Tours
• Visit Liverpool
• London Beatles Tour
• Play The Cavern
• Hire The Cavern
• Work for the Cavern

Step aboard the colourful Magical Mystery Tour bus for a fun and fascinating 2 hour tour of Beatles Liverpool.

Tours Times

Monday to Thursday 10 am – 2 pm Friday to Sunday 10 am – 2 pm

Monday to Sunday 9:30am – 4:30 pm

Additional tours operate throughout August and September. Please check here to see available tours on your chosen date.

Step aboard the colourful Magical Mystery Tour bus for a fun and fascinating 2 hour tour of Beatles Liverpool. You’ll see all the places associated with John, Paul, George and Ringo as they grew up, met and formed the band that would take the pop world by storm.

Tours start at the Albert Dock – meet your guide at the Magical Mystery Tour Ticket Office in Anchor Courtyard just a few metres from the bus stop where you will get on board the colourful Magical Mystery Tour coach for an unforgettable 2 hour tour. See the Beatles childhood homes, schools and colleges and get up close to places that inspired some of their most memorable songs – Penny Lane and Strawberry Field  CLICK HERE FOR FULL TOUR ITINERARY . You’ll be kept entertained along the way by one of our professional Beatles Guides and some Fab Four tunes.

Please enquire about arranging an exclusive private 2 or 4 hour tours  for groups in one of the Magical Mystery Tour vehicles.

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Tickets Times & Packages

Adults – £19.95

Child (Age 3 to 15) – £10.00

Family Ticket (2 adults & 2 children (under 16) – £50.00

Babies (0 to 2) – Free

Group discount ticket for 10 also available.

Advance booking recommended – BUY TICKETS ONLINE  or call in to the Magical Mystery Tour Ticket Office, Anchor Courtyard, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4AS Open daily 9am-4:30pm (subject to change during winter months) , Tel: 0151 703 9100 or email: [email protected] Tickets also available at the Cavern Pub in Mathew Street CLICK HERE FOR MAP

Due to transport regulations every person on board the Magical Mystery Tour requires a ticket (including children and babies). A complimentary ticket can be organised for children under the age of 2 (subject to availability). Please call our ticket office directly if you would like to book for a child  0151 703 9100

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Printed translations of the tour are available in English, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Swedish, Indonesian and Spanish and can be purchased at the Ticket Office.

Car parking – Liverpool ONE, Liverpool L1 8LT is just 5 minutes walk from the tour start and finish points.

Toilets – the majority of the tour is through the suburbs of Liverpool.  There are toilets at Britannia Pavilion, Albert Dock before you join the tour or on Mathew Street at the end of the tour.

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The Beatles in Liverpool: A Fab Four fan’s guide

Dec 8, 2020 • 6 min read

A larger-than-life-size sculpture of John, Paul, George and Ringo stands in the shadow of the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool © Paul Ellis / AFP / Getty Images

The Beatles were four young lads from Liverpool who revolutionized pop music and changed the world. Fans can explore their roots on a visit to the city, discovering the houses, parks and streets that inspired the band. Here, we take you through the must-see sights, from John Lennon’s bedroom and Penny Lane to museums and tribute bands.

Editor's note: during COVID-19 there are restrictions on travel. Check the latest guidance before departure, and always follow local health advice.

Lennon and McCartney’s childhood homes

The National Trust, the caretaker of palaces and royal estates across the UK, also owns two seemingly nondescript houses in the suburbs of south Liverpool where John and Paul grew up. And if you only have time for one Beatles experience in Liverpool, make it the trust’s tour of the two.

Yoko Ono bought Mendips, the elegant 1930s house at 251 Menlove Ave where John Lennon grew up, in 2002 and donated it to the trust. Stepping inside means entering a time capsule, painstakingly recreated from accounts of lodgers who used to live with the family. You’re transported back to John’s childhood with his Aunt Mimi and Uncle George. The tour guides passionately detail his tumultuous family and school life, after walking you through the back garden door, which is the only way Aunt Mimi allowed scruffy Paul McCartney in.

Don’t miss climbing up the creaking stairs to John’s cramped bedroom where he wrote his first songs or singing at the top of your lungs in the closed off front porch, where Mimi would relegate the boys to practice.

Paul McCartney’s childhood home is not far away, but is a world apart from Mendips. 20 Forthlin Rd is an austere brick-fronted house that was one of hundreds the local council built after WWII. John and Paul would often end up in the cozy living room when they skipped school to write and rehearse some of their earliest songs.

Taking the 2½-hour National Trust tour is the only way to see inside the two Beatles’ homes, and you must be picked up and dropped off at Jurys Inn at Albert Dock or at Speke Hall .

Beatles Story museum

Spread across two sites near the River Mersey, the Beatles Story indulges visitors with a full-on history lesson. John Lennon’s sister Julia narrates the audio guide as you wander through a full-size recreation of the Cavern Club and the Abbey Road studio where the Beatles’ first singles were recorded. The bounty of Beatles memorabilia includes John’s famous round spectacles and George’s first guitar.

Above the Beatles Story’s Pier Head location, grab a quick drink and relax on the sunny roof terrace at Matou ,  overlooking the river.

Pub crawl Mathew St and catch a band at the Cavern Club

Mathew St, one of the most famous streets in pop music, is the spine of the Cavern Quarter, a small district filled with shops, bars and pubs that really gets going after dark. A statue of John Lennon casually leans against a wall outside the reconstructed Cavern Club . The Beatles played the original venue nearly 300 times, but that wasn’t enough to save it from demolition in the 1970s to make way for a railway ventilation shaft that was ultimately never built. In addition to a range of local talent, the still dark and intimate Cavern Club hosts a Beatles tribute band that dons their mop-tops and rocks out every Saturday night.

For a quieter drink, stop off at Bar Four, the lounge at the Hard Days Night Hotel just off Mathew St, to sup some Beatles-themed cocktails, such as Daq in the USSR and Honey Can’t Buy Me Love.

Find Ringo Starr in Welsh Streets

Liverpool almost lost a piece of Beatles history forever when the local council decided to demolish and redevelop an area called Welsh Streets, 2 miles southeast of Albert Dock. After public protest, Ringo’s childhood home at 9 Madryn St was spared, but walking through these eerily quiet streets still feels post-apocalyptic. Almost all of the houses are abandoned and covered over with daunting metal grates. Beatles fans and the graffiti they leave behind are the only signs of life.

On the outside, Ringo’s house looks similar to Paul’s, but today it’s worth only a measly £525. The whole derelict Welsh Streets area sits in stark contrast to the more genteel neighbourhoods you’re escorted through with the National Trust.

Penny Lane and George Harrison

All these years later, "the shelter in the middle of the roundabout" on Penny Lane is still there, and you can catch a bus here from the city center 3.5 miles away, just as the Beatles did when Penny Lane was a major terminus. Snap a picture of the famous street sign before walking to George Harrison’s childhood home a mile away.  You can wind your way down the narrow side streets, barely big enough for two cars, to see where George lived until age 6. This homely, bright red "two-up two-down" terraced house at 12 Arnold Grove is still a private residence.

Eleanor Rigby via Strawberry Field

Make a quick stop at Strawberry Field, an old Salvation Army children’s home about 6 miles southeast of central Liverpool, to see the bright red, graffiti-covered gates. It’s surreal to imagine a young John Lennon playing in the woods behind these gates, as we’re just around the corner from Aunt Mimi’s house at Mendips. Strawberry Field is now open with an interactive exhibition and garden tour.

Continue on Menlove Ave and stroll by Mendips or remember the Quarrymen, the band that evolved into the Beatles, on Quarry St, heading for St Peter’s Church. The most important meeting in pop music happened in these pristinely kept church grounds, when John first met Paul at a school fete. But the churchyard has even more Beatles connections: a woman named Eleanor Rigby is buried here, as well as John’s uncle George, who he lived with at Mendips.

Getting around

To tackle all these sights, set aside a couple of days. John and Paul’s childhood homes and the Beatles Story are the most obvious attractions and could be done in a day. The Beatles grew up outside the city center: if you don't have a car, hire a bike from Liverpool’s CityBike scheme  or use local bus 76, which runs from Albert Dock past Penny Lane, Mendips and St Peter’s Church.

Article first published in September 2015, and last updated in December 2020

This article was first published Jul 30, 2019 and updated Dec 8, 2020.

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The Beatles in Liverpool: 9 Top Places & Map (+Best Tours)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

There are many great reasons to visit Liverpool in the UK. The city is known for its museums, culture, and vibrant waterfront. Liverpool’s main attraction, however, is its strong connection to one of the greatest bands the world has ever known – The Beatles .

The city played a huge part in the band’s development. At the time when The Beatles were growing up, many young men from Liverpool were traveling back and forth to New York with the Merchant Navy. Musical influences from the Big Apple started to creep into Liverpool’s culture, triggering a whole new sound in British music – Merseybeat – with the Beatles at the forefront.

There are now countless sights and attractions throughout the city commemorating this amazing band and all of its accomplishments. And no visit to Liverpool would be complete without visiting at least a few places related to The Beatles!

To help you choose where to go, in this article, we highlight the best The Beatles attractions in Liverpool. For each site, we include some practical tips for your visit. You will also find a map showing all the best Beatles sights in Liverpool, and suggested The Beatles tours . Find out!

Top 3 Beatles Experiences in Liverpool:

• The Beatles Story .
• Magical Mystery Tour & Cavern Club .
• Liverpool Beatles Museum .

These are the best The Beatles sights and attractions in Liverpool:

1. The Beatles Story

If you visit just one The Beatles attraction in Liverpool, make it The Beatles Story . This is the largest Beatles exhibition in the world.

Located right on the UNESCO World Heritage site at the Albert Dock, it tells the story of the entire career of the Fab Four. You can listen to one of the band’s hits after another as you view replicas of The Cavern, the Casbah, and other Beatles sites in Liverpool.

You can also see clothing, original instruments, rare album sleeves, and other memorabilia.

An audio guide in 10 different languages is available at the start of your visit. Interestingly, it is narrated by John Lennon’s sister, Julia.

Practical information: The Beatles Story is open daily. The Discovery Zone is open from 11 am to 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. However, these times are subject to change in the winter months, so be sure to check their website ahead of your visit.

We highly recommend buying your tickets online in advance . This is one of the most popular attractions in Liverpool !

The Albert Dock is a 20-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street Station. There is parking available at the dock if you are visiting by car (although it’s quite expensive). Alternatively, it can be reached by the 800, 500, and 25 bus services.

Good to know: There are two museums dedicated to The Beatles in Liverpool: The Beatles Story and Liverpool Beatles Museum (formerly known as Magical Beatles Museum). Although both tell the story of the Beatles, they approach it from rather different angles.

You’ll find that Liverpool Beatles Museum gives you a more intimate perspective, whereas The Beatles Story has more of a commercial feel, with immersive and interactive exhibits. The Discovery Zone is especially loved by kids, as it gives them the chance to try out a giant floor piano and perform on a mini Cavern Club stage.

Whilst both museums are excellent, die-hard Beatles fans may find the more personal exhibits at the Liverpool Beatles Museum more interesting. But if you are looking for music, costumes, colors, and simply want to have a great time, The Beatles Story is a better choice.

You can read more about the Liverpool Beatles Museum further below.

2. The Beatles Statues at Pier Head

These life-size bronze statues of the Fab Four arrived on Liverpool’s waterfront in December 2015, commissioned and donated by the managing director of the Cavern Club.

The statues immortalize a moment just before the band left Liverpool to become megastars and change the face of music forever.

The Beatles Statues at Pier Head quickly became one of the must-visit Beatles spots in Liverpool. Getting a selfie with these statues is now one of the most popular things to do for first-time visitors!

Be sure to check out the interesting details, like the L8 on the sole of Ringo’s shoe (related to where he once lived) or the Sanskrit on George Harrison’s belt. John Lennon is holding two acorns that were cast from acorns collected from outside the Dakota Building, where he was shot in 1980.

Good to know: The date on which the statues were placed on the Pier Head marked the 50th anniversary of the last gig the band played in the city.

You can find the statues in front of the famous Cunard Building, overlooking the River Mersey.

3. Mathew Street

Mathew Street is a small but vibrant alley located right in the city center. It’s here that you will find some of the main Beatles attractions , including the Cavern Club and the Liverpool Beatles Museum (more detail on those below). This area is sometimes referred to as the ‘Cavern Quarter’.

But there are a few more places worth visiting whilst you’re here. One is the Beatles Shop at number 31 Mathew St, about 200ft from the entrance of the original Cavern Club. Quaint and charming, it’s a must-see for die-hard Beatles fans, packed with cool souvenirs and memorabilia.

On a wall along the street – aka The Wall Of Fame – you can see a sculpture entitled ‘Four Lads That Shook the World’, which was created as a tribute by Arthur Dooley.

And just a few doors along from the Cavern Club you’ll come to a pub called ‘The Grapes’ . At the time the Beatles were performing, the Cavern Club didn’t sell alcohol – so The Grapes is where they’d head for a drink after their gigs. Inside the pub, you can see a photo of them sitting on a bench there. The bench remained in the exact same spot to this day!

Good to know: On Stanley Street just nearby, look out for the Eleanor Rigby statue . Sitting on a stone bench next to a plaque dedicated to ‘All the Lonely People’, this bronze statue was created by musician and artist Tommy Steele in 1981.

4. Cavern Club

The Cavern Club is undoubtedly the most famous Beatles venue in Liverpool! Although the building we see today was actually rebuilt from the bricks of the original club which closed in March 1973.

It was here that the Beatles cut their musical teeth, playing regularly during lunchtime and evening shows. It was also the venue in which they were discovered by Brian Epstein, a local record shop proprietor who managed the band from 1962 until his death in 1967.

This lively cellar is an amazing place to visit and has played host to fabulous live music for decades. You can enjoy everything here from acoustic sets to rock and roll, with plenty of Beatles tribute bands to remind you of where it all started. There are also lots of great photographs and memorabilia lining the walls.

As you enter the club, don’t miss the statue outside depicting John Lennon casually leaning against the wall.

Good to know: The Cavern Club gets very busy, especially during evenings and weekends. If you just want to take a look inside, you can avoid the crowds by visiting soon after opening, before the live bands take to the stage.

Practical information: The Cavern is open daily from 11 am. It closes at midnight from Sunday to Wednesday, at 1 am on Thursdays, and at 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets for entry can be bought at the door. Children under 12 are free but all children under 18 must leave the club by 8 pm. You can find more information and info on current shows and events on their website .

TIP: The entrance to the Cavern Club is included with the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour – one of the most popular things to do in Liverpool for the Beatles fans. You can read more about it further below at #9.

5. Liverpool Beatles Museum

Liverpool Beatles Museum (aka Magical History Museum) is spread over three floors of a Grade-II listed building on Mathew Street in Liverpool. Featuring items from the personal collection of the ‘fifth Beatle’ Pete Best’s brother Roag – it gives you a whole new perspective on the band! It is also one of the largest collections of authentic items in the world and is beautifully curated.

Charting their lives from their early days up to and beyond their rise to international fame, it contains original instruments, the John Lennon Sgt Pepper medals, Paul McCartney’s bass amp, and more. For a more personal insight, you can read letters along with fascinating unseen footage. Everything is chronologically laid out, so it makes it easy and enjoyable to follow the Beatles’ story from the very start.

TIP: Make sure you set aside enough time for your visit. It takes a good 2-3 hours to explore the vast collection of items.

Good to know: Because this is a listed building, there is no elevator. This might make a visit difficult for anyone with limited mobility, as there are three flights of stairs.

Practical information: The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. You can book your tickets online .

6. Strawberry Field

Strawberry Field is another popular Beatles attraction in Liverpool. This was a Salvation Army children’s home at the time when John lived close by with his aunt and uncle. It is believed that he had happy memories of going to summer garden parties there as a child, inspiring the 1967 hit ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’.

The home has now gone but in its place is an interactive visitor exhibition center, with a cafe and shop. There are lots of calm garden spaces that you are invited to explore and reflect in, just as John would have done as a child. You can also see replicas of the site’s famous red gates.

The chief attraction, however, is the ‘Imagine’ piano. Loaned to the exhibition by the estate of the late George Michael, this is the piano that John Lennon used to create one of the most important peace anthems of the 20th century.

Good to know: Some of the profits from this attraction go towards funding the ‘Steps at Strawberry Field’ programs, designed to help those with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment.

Practical information: Strawberry Fields is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. Entrance to the gardens is free but there is a fee to visit the exhibition You can book tickets online in advance .

The venue has a minibus shuttle service that runs from the Jury’s Inn Hotel at Albert Dock. It costs £4 one way or £7 return, departing at 9 am, 10 am, 11.15 am, 2.30 pm, 3.30 pm, and 4.30 pm. Alternatively, you can take local bus route 76 from the Liverpool One Bus Station and get off at Beaconsfield Road. The journey takes around half an hour.

7. Casbah Coffee Club

The Cavern Club may be the place most often associated with The Beatles, but The Casbah was where they held some of their first live performances. Indeed, Sir Paul McCartney has said in the past that it was at the Casbah where everything started and that all the band members saw it as their ‘personal club’.

The basement club was opened by Mona Best – mum to Pete Best, The Beatles’ original drummer – in an attempt to match the coffee bar clubs popular in London at the time. Its resident band was ‘The Quarrymen’, which included John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. So closely involved that they even helped decorate it, they went on to perform here 44 times.

When you visit now, you can see the Casbah just as it looked in the beginning. You can even see a silhouette of John Lennon on the wall, painted by his then-girlfriend Cynthia (who later became his wife). Perfect for true Beatles fans, it has a much less commercialized feel than venues like the Cavern Club and offers a very authentic Beatles experience in Liverpool.

The guides here will have had a personal connection to the band or experience growing up with them. Occasionally, tours are even conducted by Pete Best’s brother, Roag.

Practical information: You need to make an appointment to visit the Casbah Coffee Club, which you can book through Pete Best’s website . Although, their contact form is really sketchy, so it might not be straightforward.

Good to know: This place is quite far from the other Beatles-related sights of Liverpool and isn’t reached by any of the standard tours. The best way to get there is by the number 15 bus, which leaves the city center frequently. The journey takes around half an hour.

8. The Jacaranda Club

The Jacaranda Club, also known as ‘The Jac’, was founded in 1957 by Allan Williams, the first manager of The Beatles. Originally friends with the early Beatles bassist Stuart Sutcliffe, he got to know the rest of the band whilst they were still teenagers.

One of their early compositions – ‘One After 909’ – was written at the Jacaranda, a bar in which they would often meet. The Beatles performed here several times too, and the time they spent here is seen as pivotal to their future success.

These days you can catch live music every night at the basement level or visit Liverpool’s favorite jukebox on the ground floor. Above the ground floor is the venue’s unique Record Store. Here you’ll find vinyl record players sunk into the tables, allowing you to enjoy a wide range of music along with your coffee or drinks.

With a distinct ’60s beatnik vibe, quirky decor, and a plethora of Beatles photos lining the walls, this place is a ‘must-see’ for true fans of the Fab Four.

Practical information: The Jacaranda Club is open from 3 pm to 3 am Monday to Thursday, and from 3 pm to 4 am Friday to Sunday. It’s a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Lime Street railway station, just around the corner from Mathew Street.

9. The Beatles Magical Mystery Tour

If you don’t have time to go and see all of The Beatles’ attractions in Liverpool separately, then the Magical Mystery Tour is the perfect solution.

Starting at the Albert Dock, this highly-rated 2-hour tour takes you to some key locations in the Beatles’ story all over Liverpool. You’ll learn lots of facts about the band and get to enjoy plenty of their music along the way.

Places you will see include the childhood homes and schools of the bandmates, along with Penny Lane, St Peter’s Church Hall (where John and Paul met), and Strawberry Field. There are lots of stops for taking photos and the tour ends at Mathew Street. Free entry to the Cavern Club that day is included with this tour.

Practical information: Tours depart at the Magical Mystery Tour Ticket Office, Anchor Courtyard, Albert Dock. I strongly recommend booking your tickets online in advance as these tours are hugely popular and sell out quickly!

More Beatles Attractions In Liverpool

If you have time, there are a few more interesting Beatles-related sights dotted throughout Liverpool that you might want to visit.

Eleanor Rigby’s grave , St Peter’s Church, Woolton: It is unclear whether this was the grave that inspired the 1966 song. Nevertheless, this is the churchyard where John and Paul met for the first time. It is also where John Lennon’s uncle and aunt are buried.

Penny Lane , Mossley Hill: This is the street that inspired the 1967 hit. Unfortunately, it contains few of the details mentioned in the song, so it can be a little disappointing to visit!

Yellow Submarine , Liverpool John Lennon Airport: This large model was created by a group of apprentices from Cammell Laird’s shipyard in 1984. It formed part of an exhibition and was featured in a Beatles-themed garden. 51 feet long and 15 feet high, it even has a replica control cabin with real equipment. It was finally placed on display at the airport in 1995.

Map of The Beatles Sights in Liverpool

To help you plan your time, we created this map indicating all The Beatles places mentioned in this article.

As you can see, most sights are located in the city center. And – as mentioned before – you can also see many of the places that are further away by taking the Magical Mystery Tour .

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Liverpool Beatles Tours

If you want to learn more about the Beatles in a short time, one of the best ways to do this is by taking a dedicated Beatles tour.

There are several options.

• Magical Mystery Tour . Already mentioned above, this is by far the most popular Beatles tour in Liverpool. It includes a visit to the Cavern Club as well.
• Beatles Explorer Bus . This is a similar bus tour that covers many sights in Liverpool related to the Fabulous Four. The itinerary is pretty much the same as the Magical Mystery Tour. The main difference between the two is that this one is an open-deck bus and that it doesn’t include a ticket to the Cavern Club (which you can visit separately).
• Private Tour by Traditional Taxi . This is a great option for those who rather explore Beatles sites in Liverpool with a personal guide. Also, this tour brings you to the childhood homes of the Fab Four, Strawberry Fields, Penny Lane, Eleanor Rigby’s grave, etc.
• Walking Tour . This tour is actually a combination of two guided tours (City & Cavern Quarter and The Beatles and Waterfront) and a self-guided app. It’s very different from all the others because it focuses on The Beatles landmarks in the center of Liverpool. You can just do one of the tours or both, and the ticket is flexible and valid for 3 days.

I hope you have found this guide to the best Beatles attractions helpful.

It is wonderful to see the real places that inspired the music of this world-famous band and to appreciate live music at venues in which they would have performed.

Have a great time in Liverpool!

READ ALSO: Best Things to Do in Liverpool

More travel inspiration for the UK:

• How to Visit Liverpool from London
• Best Things to Do in London
• London Travel Tips
• 2 Days London Itinerary
• London Hidden Gems
• Where to Stay in London
• Best Day Trips from London
• BEST Things to Do in London with Kids
• FREE Things to Do in London with Kids
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• 1 Day Manchester Itinerary
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Things to Do in Cornwall
• Where to Stay in Cornwall
• Best Things to Do in Blackpool
• Blackpool Travel Tips
• Best Places to Visit near Blackpool
• Where to Stay in Blackpool
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• Tips for Visiting Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow
• Best Cities to See in The UK
• …For more travel inspiration for these and other destinations, take a look at our  UK travel guide .

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Saturday 8th of July 2023

Jurga, you are the best... I have used Full Suitecase for sooo many of my trips. From Iceland, to Italy, Switzerland and now Liverpool. Thank you much for your insight and easy to follow information...

Thank you for your kind feedback, Mary Ann. It's always great to hear from our loyal readers! Greetings from Portugal, Jurga

WELCOME TO BEATLES CITY EXPLORER

Beatles tour in liverpool.

Introducing our Beatles tour in Liverpool, the easiest way to explore our city and the exciting story of how the Beatles came to be. Liverpool is an incredible city with a rich musical background, and there is no greater attraction than being the birthplace of one of the world's biggest bands. The Beatles didn't shy away from their heritage; much of the city is referenced in their classic tracks.

With the Beatles bus tour, you can experience the best Beatles locations in Liverpool at an unbeatable price. Our informative tour guide will talk you through history, facts, and humour related to Liverpool and the Beatles.

After leaving the Royal Albert Dock, we will pick up customers at the Pier Head before going past Mathew Street to Ringo Starr's childhood home. The bus then stops at iconic locations Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, where you can take a few photos. We will then journey past John Lennon's childhood house before stopping where Paul McCartney grew up. The bus will make its way through Sefton Park, passing the home once belonging to original bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe. Our final path is through Otterspool before we finish back at the dock.

We are the only open-top tour that drives past Ringo's house and down to Paul's and Stuart's for photo opportunities.

See the Best Beatles Sights in Liverpool

Statues and murals.

Admire many of Liverpool’s famous monuments, from the waterfront statues to a mural of Ringo Starr.

The Cavern Club

Our Beatles bus tour drives past the iconic Cavern Club, the venue for the band's earliest live shows.

Stop at Penny Lane for a quick photo and explore the inspiration behind one of the band’s biggest hits.

Strawberry Field

Take some snaps at a site often visited by a young Lennon or enter the exhibition (20% off with us).

The Childhood Homes

Step back in time and see the childhood homes of the band – and meet the charming lady that is Dot!

The Beatles Bus Tour Stops

Albert dock.

Forthlin Road

Royal Albert Dock Liverpool

Our Beatles Explorer tour starts at the famous Royal Albert Dock Liverpool. You can visit the Tate Liverpool, the Beatles Story or the Liverpool Wheel here. You can also relax and browse in several shops, restaurants and bars.

Location Gower Street

Stop Times Leaves at 11am and 1pm every day.

Buy Tickets

Tickets for our Liverpool Beatles tour can be purchased at any stop or at our booking offices at the Royal Albert Dock and Canada Boulevard.

Beatles City Explorer tickets are valid for two days.

Our vehicles are wheelchair friendly. Please call 0151 933 2324 if you have any other accessibility requirements.

Tours currently leave the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool every day at 11am and 1pm.

Seasonable Timetable

Plan ahead for your Beatles City Explorer tour with our live weather widget.

DISCOVER BEATLES HISTORY

From penny lane to strawberry field, we visit the best beatles locations in liverpool.

The Beatles Explorer is the best experience for ultimate fans who wish to get up close and personal with iconic destinations in the Beatle's history . Our Liverpool Beatles tours take you from the stunning Royal Albert Dock Liverpool to Penny Lane, where the Fab Four shared many childhood experiences. Live the song's memories for yourself and take a selfie at the famous signs.

Our Beatles bus tour will also visit Strawberry Field, another Liverpool destination made famous by the band. A former children's home, John Lennon visited here many times during his childhood. Don't forget to take a few photos at the famous red gates!

During the journey, we will take you to the childhood homes of Ringo Starr, John Lennon, Paul McCartney and Stuart Sutcliffe. There's no better way to discover the history of the band than with the Beatles Explorer, the best Beatles tour in Liverpool.

SAVE 20% ON TICKETS

Let us take you down to strawberry field....

Alongside our Liverpool Beatles tour, you can choose to discover the award-winning heritage attraction forever linked to John Lennon, a must for Beatles fans. The visitor experience includes an interactive exhibition, complete with a media guide in multiple languages, telling the history of the original children’s home, the Salvation Army, John Lennon’s childhood and the writing (including early draft lyrics) and recording of his celebrated song, Strawberry Fields Forever.

Highlights include John’s ‘Imagine’ piano (courtesy of George Michael Estate). The peaceful historic gardens where John found solace as a child and home to the original iconic red gates. The Imagine More café for delicious food and drinks and a shop. Fully Accessible.

Already booked the exhibition? Get 20% off Beatles Explorer tickets.

Haven't booked yet? Get 20% off Strawberry Field Exhibition tickets by showing your Beatles City Explorer ticket!

Passengers travelling on the 11am and 1pm tours from the Royal Albert Dock can return to the city centre on the 2pm and 4pm buses at Strawberry Field.

DISCOVER OUR TOURS

Book a combined tour.

Golden Ticket - City, Beatles & River

Staying in Liverpool for a few days? Enjoy your time in the city with our Golden Ticket!

This three-day pass gives you access to City Explorer, Beatles City Explorer and the River Explorer Cruise.

Bus tickets are valid for 72 hours from the time of purchase. Mersey Ferry tickets can be used anytime.

Grants entry to

Liverpool City Explorer Beatles City Explorer Mersey Ferries

River Cruise & City Explorer

Ferry across the Mersey on the River Explorer Cruise and visit famous landmarks on the City Explorer Open Top Bus Tour.

Discover the city on the City Explorer and the Mersey Ferry with one ticket.

Bus tickets are valid for 2 days. Mersey Ferry tickets can be used anytime.

Liverpool City Explorer Mersey Ferries

The Beatles Story & Beatles Explorer

Go on an immersive journey through the story of the greatest band with the Beatles Story and visit famous locations with the Beatles City Explorer bus.

Discover the best of the Beatles with one ticket.

Bus tickets are valid for 2 days.

The Beatles Story Beatles City Explorer

Liverpool Beatles Museum & Beatles Explorer

See the largest collection of authentic Beatles items at the Liverpool Beatles Museum and take a bus tour to iconic sites with Beatles City Explorer.

Enjoy two fantastic Beatles experiences with a single ticket.

Please Note : The museum doesn’t have disabled access.

Liverpool Beatles Museum Beatles City Explorer

River Cruise & Beatles Explorer

Ferry across the Mersey on the River Explorer Cruise and visit famous Beatles locations with the Beatles City Explorer bus.

Discover the Beatles and Liverpool on the City Explorer and the Mersey Ferry with one ticket.

Beatles City Explorer Mersey Ferries

City Explorer & Beatles Explorer

Visit famous landmarks in Liverpool with the City Explorer bus and get up close and personal with historic Beatles locations with the Beatles Explorer.

Discover Liverpool on the City Explorer and the Beatles City Explorer with one combined ticket.

Liverpool City Explorer Beatles City Explorer

Discounts From Our Partners

We’re delighted to offer our customers several unmissable discounts, allowing you to save money on some of Liverpool’s most exciting attractions, restaurants, bars, and more while touring the city with Beatles City Explorer! All you have to do is show your valid bus tour ticket to the below venues for up to 20% off. The more money you can save, the more you can spend on exploring the best Beatles sights in Liverpool!

The Wheel of Liverpool

Catch incredible city views like no other with the official Wheel of Liverpool.

Closest Stop: Stop 1

British Music Experience

20% off admission

Discover the history of British music with unique memorabilia and interactive experiences.

Closest Stop: Stop 2

Jürgen’s Bierhaus

20% off food and drinks

This Jurgen Klopp-themed sports bar is a must-visit for Liverpool Football Club fanatics.

Western Approaches

Discounted tickets

Explore a top secret underground war bunker right here in Liverpool.

The biggest Hooters in the world, serving up craveable food and cold beer.

Escape to the bay and enjoy authentic Caribbean food and drinks at this incredible restaurant.

Closest Stop: City Explorer Tour

Liverpool Gin Distillery

Make your own personalised bottle of Liverpool Gin or sample the best gin around.

The William Gladstone Pub

A traditional venue in the city centre offering a classic pub experience.

Carpathia Bar & Restaurant

An upscale rooftop restaurant at 30 James Street Hotel with breathtaking views.

The Liverpool Pub

Enjoy exceptional homecooked food and a scouse atmosphere from a historic pub.

Thomas Rigby’s

20% off food

This tavern provides a winning combination of live sports and cask-conditioned beers.

Lady of Mann

A stylish drinking hideout serving cask ales, world lagers, pizzas and much more.

Manhattan Bar & Grill

A New York-inspired, neon-lit bar and restaurant serving up a grill menu and fresh fruit cocktails.

Shenanigans Irish Bar

Experience an authentic Irish bar which guarantees good craic!

Yates Queen Square

Enjoy delicious pub grub and drinks in a lively venue by the bus station.

Radio City Tower Viewing Gallery

Experience Liverpool’s best viewing gallery over 400 feet above the city centre.

Courtyard Bar & Kitchen

The refurbished restaurant offers a relaxed place to enjoy great food and drinks.

The Adelphi Hotel

£14.95 for Afternoon Tea

The perfect spot for a delicious Afternoon Tea in Liverpool.

The Blob Shop Pub

Situated in the heart of the city centre, expect traditional decor and live music.

Liverpool Arts Bar

Watch local creatives perform at the Arts Bar (Hope Street & Baltic).

Everyman Theatre

10% off food and drinks

Grab some discounted food and drink after watching a show.

The Philharmonic Dining Rooms

Enjoy great ales, premium gin and gorgeous food at one of Liverpool’s Victorian pubs.

Several engaging tours combining spirited storytelling with immersive entertainment.

The Quirky Quarter

Wow yourself with upside-down places, puzzling challenges and interactive encounters.

St Luke’s Bombed Out Church (Garden Bar & Cafe)

20% off first drink per customer

Enjoy a great atmosphere and drinks while surrounded by a historic building.

The Duck & Swagger

Whether you crave breakfast, lunch or a Sunday roast, this hotel restaurant has you covered.

£12 Entry on Mon-Fri

With three levels of gaming and a brand-new cafe to refuel in, you can spend hours playing new and retro games.

10% off your bill

Indulge in a unique bar & kitchen overlooking Liverpool's marina.

Taggy’s Bar

After visiting Anfield Stadium, enjoy a refreshing beverage just around the corner.

A newly renovated venue that has become a popular hotspot on LFC matchdays.

This boutique hotel boasts a spacious terrace and a lively beer garden in Anfield.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When and where does the tour run.

Our Beatles tours in Liverpool begin at the Royal Albert Dock on Gower Street. You can catch the bus at 11am and 1pm. We also stop at the Pier Head to pick up customers. The bus visits famous Beatles locations in the band’s history, including Strawberry Field, Penny Lane and their childhood homes, before returning to the dock. Visit the tour information page to learn more about our route and times.

Is this a hop on hop off tour?

The Beatles City Explorer is currently not a hop on hop off bus tour. We will take you past several historic sights, including the band’s childhood homes. The bus will stop at Penny Lane and Strawberry Field for up to 15 minutes for photos only. Passengers travelling on the 11am and 1pm tours are free to visit the Strawberry Field Exhibition (20% off with us!) and can return at 2pm and 4pm.

How long is the full tour?

The bus tour is expected to last around 1 hour and 30 minutes from when it leaves the Royal Albert Dock Liverpool to its return. The duration will include a few minutes for you to grab some photos at Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. You can also visit the Strawberry Field Exhibition – tickets are 20% off for our customers!

What does the price include?

Your ticket will include entry on the Beatles City Explorer bus. A live tour guide will also be provided on board, ensuring you receive a mix of facts and good humour while visiting iconic Beatles locations in Liverpool, including their childhood homes. Tickets to the Strawberry Field Exhibition can be purchased for extra. You will receive 20% off our Liverpool Beatles tours or the exhibition, depending on what you book first.

Do you offer discounted tickets?

Yes, we offer concession tickets for seniors and students. Please bring ID with you. A discount is available for NHS and Blue Light Card holders. We also offer a discounted price for families with two adults and three children. Finally, we have partnered with the Strawberry Field Exhibition, offering you a 20% discount for the tour or the exhibition, depending on what is booked first.

How do I book a ticket?

There are a few ways to buy tickets for our Beatles bus tour. You can purchase a ticket online via our ticketing partner FareHarbor. When buying tickets online, you will receive a voucher which can be exchanged at our stall. You can also buy tickets on the day at our booking offices at the Royal Albert Dock and Canada Boulevard or any step along our tours.

Will my dog be allowed on the bus?

Yes! We are happy to welcome canine guests on board as long as they are well behaved. Service animals are also allowed.

Are your buses accessible?

Yes, we’re delighted to confirm that all vehicles for our Liverpool Beatles tour are now wheelchair friendly. We can also cater to strollers. If you have other accessibility requirements, please call us on 0151 933 2324.

How far is the stop from key locations in Liverpool?

Our Beatles tours in Liverpool begin their journey on Gower Street at the Royal Albert Dock. If you’re coming to the city by cruise, we also stop at the Pier Head just outside the Cruise Terminal, where you will disembark the ship. Are you arriving via train? Lime Street is the largest station and is about a 25-minute walk away, or you can jump in a taxi outside the station. Other nearby train stations include James Street and Liverpool Central, which run regular local services. The Liverpool ONE bus station is just over the road from us, with many local services stopping here, including connections from Queen Square bus station and National Express coaches. Many signs across the city centre will point you toward the docks. When you reach Gower Street, look for our ticket stall next to the School Bus Diner.

How can I learn more about the Beatles’ history?

We’re confident that on board our Beatles bus tour, you’ll learn lots about the history of the Beatles, including fun facts and trivia you would never have guessed. However, if you want to brush up on your Beatles knowledge before you arrive in the city, then we have you covered! Visit our Beatles history page, where you can discover everything you need to know about the Beatles, from when they became a band to fab facts about their best hits. We will regularly update this page with more in-depth information, so keep checking back to bolster your Beatles knowledge!

What is the Golden Ticket?

The Golden Ticket is our brand-new option for tourists visiting Liverpool and wanting to explore everything that this fantastic city has to offer. If you are staying in the city, this is an unmissable opportunity to make the most of your time here. The ticket provides a three-day pass to hop on our City Explorer bus, explore the history of the Beatles with the Beatles City Explorer, and enjoy a river cruise on the world-famous Mersey Ferry.

All three incredible tours are available for a single price, saving you money and helping you see the city in the best possible way. You can purchase a Golden Ticket on board any of our buses, so ask your friendly driver and let’s explore!

What other tours do you offer?

We also run the City Explorer bus , the ultimate sightseeing tour in Liverpool. This tour visits iconic destinations across the city centre where you can hop on and off at your leisure. We also offer combined tours featuring all our buses, plus the River Explorer Cruise, Beatles Story, Liverpool Beatles Museum on Mathew Street, and many more.

We have a Golden Ticket option, which allows you to experience the city, Beatles and river tours for one great price.

Please ask for upgrades for other tours or to learn more about the entire selection available.

*Please Note: To redeem this offer please present your City Explorer ticket.

Seasonal Timetable

Our partners.

Book Your Bus Tour

The freedom to explore is all yours. Choose your preferred tour below.

Beatles Explorer

Ride the ultimate Beatles history tour. The Beatles Explorer bus visits historic locations, including Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Enjoy facts and humour from a live tour guide.

• Journey Into Beatles History
• Visit Penny Lane & Strawberry Field
• Insight From a Live Tour Guide

City Explorer Liverpool

Go sightseeing in Liverpool with City Explorer. Our ultimate hop on, hop off bus tour visits the best destinations across Liverpool. Learn facts about the city from a live tour guide.

• 11 Iconic Stops in Liverpool
• Hop On, Hop Off Bus Tour
• Tickets Last for 24 Hours

LFC City Explorer

Take a journey through time and discover the rich history of Liverpool Football Club. LFC City Explorer takes you towards Anfield, featuring the best city views and a tour guide.

• Guided Tour to Anfield Stadium
• Tickets for an Unbeatable Price
• Best Views in Liverpool

The story of the band that changed the world...

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Explore The Beatles Story

The Beatles Story, Liverpool is much more than a museum… you’re invited to embark on an incredible journey through time into the lives and music of The Beatles.

Experience Beatlemania first-hand with immersive recreations of key locations in the band’s career including Hamburg, The Cavern Club, Abbey Road Studios and more.

See fascinating pieces of original authentic memorabilia as you journey down the long and winding road from George Harrison’s first guitar to John Lennon’s last piano and beyond.

NEW for 2024

Our brand-new special exhibition ’60 Years of A Hard Day’s Night’ opens 11th July 2024.

Step on set and become immersed in recreations of key scenes from the movie. Walk onto the platform at Marylebone Station and relive iconic clips from the film!

Come face-to-face with pieces of original memorabilia from 1964, including a very rare copy of the “A Hard Day’s Night” album signed on the front by all four Beatles, as well as original movie posters, lobby cards and cinema tickets.

Opening Times

Open 'Eight Days a Week' (well almost)! Please check the opening times for your visit date.

Ticket Price

We recommend you purchase your 'Ticket to Ride' online by selecting the date and time of your visit in advance.

How to Find us

The Beatles Story is located down the 'Long and Winding Road' on the stunning waterfront at the Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool.

The Fab4 Store has one of the largest collections of official Beatles merchandise and souvenirs in the world! From t-shirts, CDs, posters and books to unique gifts and limited-edition merchandise, you’ll be sure to find that perfect gift!

Evoking the spirit of the 1960s with hints of Abbey Road and Revolver under our Cavern Club style arches, our atmospheric Albert Dock Fab4 Cafe is the perfect place to relax to a Beatles soundtrack after your visit to The Beatles Story, Liverpool or visit our Pier Head Cafe for amazing views across the River Mersey.

The Discovery Zone

If you’re looking for things to do in Liverpool with the kids, then you are invited to experience The Beatles Story’s Discovery Zone. Learn about The Beatles’ influential legacy using fun interactive activities and workshops.

Upcoming Events

Dates for the diary.