By Giulia

@sleeponthesofaa

Are you living in a yellow submarine yet? Or following the sun? I sure am! And how could I not when living in The Beatles’ birthplace? 

It’s no wonder the Fab Four are one of the most iconic bands ever to set foot in the world. They sold more than 180 million records, revolutionised the history of pop music and pioneered social change. But did you know the small Cavern Club in Liverpool was the first place to marvel at their talent? 

The Beatles rocked the wall and brought new energy and life to the city, but little did they know they would have transformed how we perceive and listen to music today. So, if you’re a Beatles fan, Liverpool must be on your bucket list. And if you’re not a fan, I am sure you will be soon. 

These are 5 iconic sites you can’t miss when touring the city. Learn all about their legacy and get ready to sing your heart out, even if you had a hard day’s night! 

1. The Cavern Club

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: The Cavern Club is, quite literally, the Fab Four’s birthplace. They became unstoppable since they first stepped on that stage beneath the brick arches in 1961. They started having weekly gigs at lunch and dinner, playing nearly 300 times between 1961 and 1963. 

The Cavern Club is found on Mathew Street, in the heart of the city, and is home to many other Beatles-related wonders. You’ll find a statue of John Lennon leaning against the wall, the Liverpool Beatles Museum and a sculpture by Arthur Dooley named ‘Four Lads Who Shook the World’. Not to mention great music ringing everywhere!

Yes, walking down Mathew Street will feel like attending an open-air concert. Every pub becomes alive with different tunes and countless live performances over the week and weekend – most of them celebrating The Beatles’ legacy. 

2. Strawberry Field

Strawberry Field was originally a Salvation Army children’s home when John Lennon lived nearby with Aunt Mimi. Rumour has it he used to play in the surrounding woods and visit summer garden parties, which is why the red gates have become so popular. So much so that they were stolen! Yes, those you’ll see today are a replica of the originals.

This site meant a lot to John Lennon, so it became the name of one of the Beatles’ most famous songs – Strawberry Fields Forever. The house and garden are open for visitors today, who can visit the interactive exhibition centre and stop for a quick bite on their way to other Beatles attractions. 

3. The Beatles statues at Pier Head

These are probably among the most surprising yet incredible things you’ll see in Liverpool. The life-size bronze statues are located at the Pier Head – Liverpool’s beating heart – and they have been standing proud since 2015. 

They were commissioned and donated to the city by the manager of the Cavern Club and depict the Fab Four leaving Liverpool to embark on a journey around the globe. And wow, what a journey that has been! Get up close to find the smallest details, from the L8 postcode on Ringo’s shoe (where he used to live) to George Harrison’s Sanskrit on his belt. 

Pose with them, take a selfie or simply capture their grandeur from the Liverpool waterfront. However you decide to remember them, make it yours and hold on to it. It’s their gift! 

4. Casbah Coffee Club

Once owned by Mona Best, mum of Pete Best – the Beatles’ original drummer – Casbah Coffee Club is another site you can’t miss. The venue was set up in the basement of Mona’s family home and, according to Sir Paul McCartney, was ‘their personal club’. They performed their first-ever live gig there and another 44 times afterwards, although it would be the Cavern Club which would make them famous. They even helped decorate the place! 

You’ll still find a painting of John Lennon’s silhouette by Cynthia, his girlfriend at the time, on the wall. The venue didn’t succeed as a coffee club but is still open today as a tourist attraction. 

5. Penny Lane

If you’re taking a guided bus tour, you’ll most likely hop off on Penny Lane – ‘the shelter in the middle of the roundabout’. Or if you’re just strolling around, you can catch a bus to Liverpool city centre, just as the Beatles did when Penny Lane was a terminus. 

The iconic street sign deserves a picture (maybe a few!), even though it’s not the original. Once again, the original and many replicas have been stolen several times, so the Council decided to create a theft-proof one. But it’s worth a visit nonetheless! 

Whether you fancy a fresh beer at the iconic Cavern Club or prefer resting your feet on a sightseeing bus, Liverpool is the place to be. So tell us, where would be on your list first? 

---

BONUS PLAN!

Check out City Explorer, a super fun bus that runs some sightseeing tour in Liverpool, including the Beatles City Explorer bus, which visits historic locations relevant to The Beatles.