Strawberry Field

About

Strawberry Field is a space to explore, unwind and dream in the place, which inspired one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters. The iconic site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ opened its gates to the public for the first time on 14th September 2019.

Previously the site of a Salvation Army children’s home where the young John Lennon played in the grounds, Strawberry Field now serves as a unique addition to Beatles tourism. The new site is home to an interactive visitor exhibition, café, shop, calm garden spaces for spiritual reflection and - at its heart - a Steps to Work programme for young adults with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

On October 9th 2020, The world-famous piano that John Lennon used to compose and record Imagine, one of the great peace anthems of the 20th century, was loaned to the Strawberry Field exhibition courtesy of the estate of the late George Michael. A huge fan of The Beatles and John Lennon, George Michael purchased the piano in 2000 and went on to use it to both compose and record the title song of his Patience album. It was always George’s intention that the iconic musical instrument should be taken to Liverpool to be enjoyed by the people in Lennon’s home city and it’s fitting that the piano should now take centre-stage at Strawberry Field.

Through the authentic, inter-active exhibition where “nothing is real!”, visitors can expect to learn more about the history and heritage of the Strawberry Field site, complete with Media Guides in multiple languages. The exhibition includes stories from the former Salvation Army children’s home and about how John Lennon came to write the famous song, Strawberry Fields Forever. The tour continues through the gardens, where the media guide follows in John Lennon's footsteps and explores the place he used to play as a child. The gardens offer a calm space for reflection and an opportunity to explore spirituality. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful walk and find solace in this place where John could escape the problems of his young life.

There's a gift shop that stocks a wide range of unique and authentic merchandise from handpicked suppliers; many of whom are local to Strawberry Field. The ‘Imagine More’ Café is a place to socialise and enjoy a selection of delicious dishes, with ingredients sourced from local producers. Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and hot drinks, the café is a welcoming space for visitors to relax and reflect whilst they enjoy the view into the gardens.

The site promotes responsible tourism through the Steps to Work programme, which helps young adults aged 18-25 with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment to learn new skills and gain work experience. The programme is funded by the visitor exhibition, café and shop sales and the aim is for Strawberry Field to become self-sufficient in time. Trainees undertake an eight-week work readiness course at Strawberry Field, followed by 3 three-month work placements with local employers; there is also the opportunity for trainees to take on a work placement at Strawberry Field in the shop, visitor exhibition, café or garden. Throughout the programme, trainees and their families are fully supported by the dedicated Steps to Work team.