As a child growing up in the UK in the 60’s and the youngest of five girls, I became well acquainted with The Beatles. My sisters were crazy for them.
I have a very clear memory of bursting into the ‘front room’ where my eldest sister was snogging her boyfriend on the sofa to the pulsing beat of “She loves you, yeah yeah yeah…” I was very quickly evicted of course.
Back then I fancied myself as a bit of a singer and my best friend Sally and I spent many happy hours poring over The Beatles songbook, learning the tunes and performing in front of our fairly apathetic family’s!
The Fab Four were quite a big part of my formative years so the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Liverpool on my latest trip back to the UK was quite thrilling and I’m delighted to say surpassed all my expectations.
Liverpool is a hot spot for culture buffs wanting to discover all that this European Capital of Culture has to offer. I only had 48 hours here and that was a big mistake as you could stay here for a week and still have plenty told do.
I arrived at Lime Street station in the late afternoon and decided to walk to Stanley Dock to check in to the Titanic Hotel, my base in the city for my stay. It was a good half an hour walk but gave me the opportunity to see the city.
I am immediately struck by how beautiful the city of Liverpool is – I wasn’t prepared for the grandness of it all.
The striking architecture, from the Liver Building with its iconic liver birds, to the elegant St. George’s Hall. The historic Town Hall and by contrast modern landmarks like the Liverpool One shopping complex highlighting the city’s blend of classical and contemporary design. I can’t wait to explore a bit more.
After checking in to the Titanic and luxuriating in a room that’s almost the same size as my Sydney apartment, I decide to hit a good old traditional English boozer (aka public house) – the Vernon Arms in Dale Street fits the bill perfectly.
While coffee in merry old England is ridiculously expensive, happily for me the beer is half the price. So on this trip I swap caffeine for hops and this pub has some of the best real ales, so I am very happy to drink my pint and eat my cheese and onion crisps in a corner seat.
There’s a big screen so I can watch the Olympic action. I’m drawing a few odd looks as it seems to be a very traditional pub in the sense that I am a lone female having a pint. There are a few old geezers supping away. They look like they’ve been glued to their seats for decades!
After a lively chat to the Irish barman, I make my way to Mathew Street and the most famous club in the world. The Cavern – birthplace of the most famous band in the world – The Beatles.
I’ve seen so many pictures of it over the years that it’s more like visiting an old friend and as I descend the long and winding stairs (ouch!) I can already hear the loud live music underground and it’s one of my favourite Beatles tunes – Get Back.
The place is heaving.
It’s only 8pm on a Wednesday night and you can’t move. The atmosphere is electric as the one-man band on stage belts out all The Beatles’ greatest hits.
Opened in 1957, The Cavern became a hotspot for emerging bands in the 1960s and continues to be a vibrant music venue, celebrating its rich history with performances and a lively ambiance.
I have wanted to come here forever and it’s lived up to my expectations.
After a very restful night’s sleep at The Titanic and a hearty “full English”, my first stop of the day is Strawberry Field located half an hour out of town.
Famous for its association with John Lennon, the site was originally a Salvation Army children’s home established in 1934. John lived next door and used to scale the wall and play in the extensive grounds.
He found inspiration in the home’s name, which he later used in the iconic Beatles song Strawberry Fields Forever. Released in 1967, the song reflects Lennon’s nostalgic yearning for his childhood and his complex feelings about fame and his own inner world.
The site is a picturesque, leafy area with a distinctive entrance gate, which became a symbol of Lennon’s connection to his past. After the children’s home closed in 1973, the Strawberry Field gate became a pilgrimage site for Beatles fans around the world.
The location has since been preserved and turned into a visitor centre and exhibition space, celebrating its Beatles heritage while also supporting the work of the Salvation Army.
Strawberry Field is more than just a Beatles landmark; it’s a place that embodies themes of memory, childhood and the transformative power of music.
The site continues to attract visitors who are drawn by its historical significance and the enduring legacy of John Lennon and The Beatles and it’s well worth a visit.
Next on my list is the British music museum back in the Dockland area. Being a music buff, I’m absolutely enchanted by this collection of amazing music memorabilia classified in eras. I lingered in the 70’s as to me it’s the best and most groundbreaking era of all.
The final stop in my Beatles trilogy is The Beatles Story. Located at the Albert Dock, it’s an immersive journey through the band’s rise to fame, from their humble beginnings in Liverpool to becoming global icons.
The exhibition features a range of memorabilia, including instruments, original records and personal items from the band members.
Visitors can walk through replicas of significant locations, such as The Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios, while audio guides narrated by John Lennon’s sister provide deeper insights.
The Beatles Story also highlights their influence on music and culture, offering an engaging experience for fans and newcomers alike.
With interactive displays, rare photographs and exclusive video footage, it captures the essence of The Beatles’ incredible journey and lasting impact on the world of music and I absolutely loved it, just as I loved every single minute of my 48 hours in Liverpool.
HOORAY FOR MARAY!
Having worked up an appetite with all this Beatles tourism I popped into the Maray restaurant right next door to The Beatles Story in Albert Dock.
It was a fantastic middle eastern feast with delicious and healthy shared plates and expertly crafted cocktails that provided the perfect end to my Fab Four day.
Try the disco cauliflower, crispy sea bass and the goats cheese dip, washed down with the best Negroni ever! Reasonable prices and super friendly, lovely lively Liverpudlian service.
THE TITANIC HOTEL
The hotel is conveniently located just 20 minutes from John Lennon Airport and a short walk from Royal Albert Dock, Pier Head, Tate Liverpool, the Cavern Club, World Museum, The Beatles’ Story, Museum of Liverpool and other main tourist attractions, as well as James Street, home of the White Star Line – a must-see spot for Titanic fans.
The property is an absolute gem if you love history with a touch of luxury! Housed in the restored North Warehouse at Stanley Dock, the place oozes character.
You can feel the maritime heritage everywhere – after all, you’re staying in what was once a warehouse for Liverpool’s busy docks and the entire hotel is designed to capture that industrial vibe in a classy way.
The rooms are massive, with high ceilings and exposed brick walls that make it feel both cozy and grand at the same time.
The spaciousness is everywhere… in the over-stretched corridors, soaring ceilings and airy atriums. The staff are super friendly and the service feels personal, not stuffy.
The Rum Bar is the perfect spot to grab a drink – fitting, given Liverpool’s historical connections to rum trade. Oh, and if you’re a spa lover, you’re in luck! The hotel has a beautifully designed subterranean spa to help you unwind after a day of exploring.
Complete with hydrotherapy pool, steam room and sauna along with a lovely relaxation lounge the Maya Blue is a very relaxing space. Make sure you book early as, testimony to how good it is, this is a hotel spa that gets very busy. There is also a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a top notch feel.
Being right on Stanley Dock, you’re also in a great spot for sightseeing. You’re just a short walk or taxi ride away from Liverpool’s waterfront and all the cool spots like The Beatles Story and Albert Dock.
It’s a hotel with real soul, perfect for a unique stay in this vibrant city!
