Now that venues are starting to reopen and restrictions following lockdown are easing it means we can start exploring Liverpool like a tourist this summer!
A day out exploring Liverpool is not complete without learning a bit about The Beatles. Whether you’re a super fan, just like a handful of songs, or know nothing at all, you’ll definitely be going home singing a song.
To help you plan your Beatles adventure, we have put together an itinerary full of things to see and do with all the information you need regarding what is open and their social distancing measures.
TRAVELLING TO LIVERPOOL
There are plenty of ways to safely travel into Liverpool City Centre to enjoy your day out.
If you’re using public transport then making sure you’re following Government advice is super important, to not only keep yourself, but everyone else, safe too. Face coverings are now mandatory on public transport so don’t forget yours when leaving the house.
For the train, Merseyrail are asking you to wear a face covering, keep a 2 metre distance and wash your hands or use hand sanitiser before and after your journey. Planning ahead and buying your tickets in advance is also advised! Visit Merseyrail’s website for more information.
If you are driving into the city centre then there are plenty of car parks open for you to use. For example, the QPark at Liverpool ONE is the perfect central location with plenty of social distancing measures in place.
Or you can cycle! Grab your bike and helmet and use the dedicated cycle lanes around the city to safely ride into Liverpool.
BEATLES STATUE
Start your day down at Liverpool’s beautiful Pier Head. Aside from the iconic Royal Liver Building, the famous Mersey River and the Museum of Liverpool you’ll also find a larger than life statue of the Fab Four themselves. The statue was donated by the Cavern Club in December 2015 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the band’s last gig they played in Liverpool making it a perfect spot to grab the ultimate selfie with the biggest band in the world!
THE BEATLES STORY
After the photo opportunity, take a stroll over to the Royal Albert Dock for your next Beatles adventure. The beautiful Grade I Listed buildings are home to The Beatles Story (now open), the world's largest permanent exhibition dedicated to telling the story of The Beatles’ lives and career.
With the help of your own audio guide, you’ll be able to walk through the history of The Beatles and learn about everything from their time spent in The Cavern Club, to breaking America and recording at Abbey Road on this immersive experience.
They have put in lots of social distancing measures including a reduced capacity, a one way system, card payments only and increased cleaning regimes. For more information see their guidelines here.
FESTIVAL FOOD AND DRINK (CURRENTLY CLOSED)
For lunch head over to the famous Mathew Street to enjoy a lovely meal at Festival Food & Drink (open Friday - Sunday) whilst soaking up all the musical history on the iconic street. The Brazillian fusion menu is perfect for a spot of lunch and they even do their own take on our local dish, scouse, which is a must try!
If you’re dining at Festival Food & Drink you will also have the opportunity to go on an exclusive socially distanced free tour of The Cavern Club. They will be running 30-minute guided tours across the weekend and you’ll be asked when dining if you would like to join a tour. It’s an opportunity not to miss! See their ‘Know Before You Go’ guide for more information.
LIVERPOOL BEATLES MUSEUM
After lunch stay on Mathew Street to experience the Liverpool Beatles Museum (opening 28th August). The museum features over 500 rare and authentic items from The Beatles’ lives and careers across four floors. It’s the largest collection of authentic Beatles items in the world and definitely worth a visit if you’re a fan of the Fab Four.
BALTIC MARKET
After exploring The Liverpool Beatles Museum, take a short walk over to the Baltic Triangle for an evening discovering one of Liverpool's most creative parts of the city. On your way around the converted warehouses, garden bars, coffee shops and skate parks you’ll be able to spot some amazing Beatles related street art! Look out for the Fab Four on Watkinson Street and a special Abbey Road mural on Grafton Street that’s perfect for a photo opportunity.
Have a look at our Liverpool Street Art blog for some more pieces to be on the lookout for.
After a stroll around the area head to The Baltic Market for something to eat - there's something for everyone in here. With over 10 food stalls serving everything from stone baked pizzas, halloumi fries, vegan junk food, korean street food, fried chicken and incredible desserts you’ll need to keep coming back here for more. Continuing with the theme of the day, there’s also a huge Beatles mural on one of the walls!
YELLOW SUBMARINE
You can’t end the day without having a drink in a Yellow Submarine, we are in Liverpool afterall. Right next to The Baltic Market you’ll find the Yellow Submarine bar and a whole host of other venues with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy something refreshing in the sun. Have a look at Content (from the team behind Bongo’s Bingo), Dockleaf, Peaky Blinders Bar, Punch Tarmey’s, Birdies, Love Lane Brewery and the Botanical Garden to make the most of your evening in The Baltic Triangle.
EXTRA IDEAS
We have so many things to see and do in Liverpool to celebrate The Beatles you might want to head back into the city another day to explore a bit more. Here are some other attractions, tours and events you can get involved with to help you ‘Get Back’ into exploring Liverpool like a tourist!
STRAWBERRY FIELD
Head over to Strawberry Field to see the iconic red gates made famous by The Beatles hit ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’. Not only can you see the original gates but you can also explore the new visitor centre, walk around the grounds and learn all about the history and heritage of the Strawberry Field site that inspired John Lennon so much.
Social distancing measures have been put in place and you will need to book tickets in advance of your visit. Find out more here.
MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR
The Magical Mystery Tour is back running and ready to take you away on a Beatles adventure! The two hour tour takes you on a journey around Liverpool to see all the places associated with John, Paul, George and Ringo. From their childhood homes to Strawberry Field, Penny Lane and Mathew Street, you’ll see it all and be kept entertained along the way by a professional Beatles tour guide.
Social distancing measures have been put in place to make it a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone and some adaptations to the route have also been made. See their website for more information.
LIVERPOOL CYCLE TOURS
If you’re interested in exploring Liverpool’s Beatles legacy on two wheels then jump on a tour with Liverpool Cycle Tours. They have a fleet of electric bikes for you to use to make your journey a little bit easier as you head around the city visiting all The Beatles landmarks. From their childhood homes to Strawberry Field and Penny Lane, you’ll see it all out in the fresh air.
For more information on their social distancing measures please visit their website.
FAB FOUR TAXI TOUR
Jump in a Fab Four Taxi Tour to embark on a journey through time to explore the Beatles in Liverpool. You’ll see the childhood homes of the Fab Four, Penny Lane, Strawberry Field, St Peter’s church and loads more on this day out.
Fab Four Taxi Tours have implemented safety protocols to make sure your experience is as safe and enjoyable as possible. For more information on their social distancing measures please see their website.
BRITISH MUSIC EXPERIENCE
The British Music Experience tells the story of British music over the years and, yes, it includes The Beatles! See some iconic Beatles memorabilia surrounded by the best in British music including Queen, David Bowie, The Spice Girls, Adele, Oasis and Little Mix.
LIVER TOURS LIVERPOOL
If you fancy your own private tour of the Beatles in Liverpool then book a tour with Liver Tours, a local tour guide service run by Charley, one of the most knowledgeable tour guides in the city. She is a qualified Green Badge Guide and an Official Beatles guide meaning she knows pretty much everything there is to know about the Beatles in Liverpool.
PAUL BEESLEY: PROFESSIONAL TOUR GUIDE
No visit to Liverpool is complete without a guided Beatles tour so why not head on one with Paul Beesley. The popular two hour tour takes you into the suburbs of Liverpool to visit their Fab Four’s childhood homes, schools, colleges and places made famous by their songs like Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. Paul also does a series of half a day tours, full day tours and in the footsteps of The Beatles tours.
LIVERPOOL BEATLES WALK
Talk a stroll around the city on a Liverpool Beatles Walk with Brilliant Tours. Their qualified tour guides will take you to Penny Lane, Strawberry Field and the Fab Four’s childhood homes whilst providing you with all the history of these iconic locations.
Due to venues having different guidelines, booking systems and opening hours we would always recommend checking ahead with each one before your visit. For more information on how to safely visit Liverpool as lockdown measures ease have a look at our dedicated blog.
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