The Beatles’ childhood homes (Mendips and 20 Forthlin Road)

Paul McCartney lived at 20 Forthlin Road and it is here that he first met John Lennon. Many early Beatles songs were written here.

John Lennon’s childhood home at 251 Menlove Avenue is known as Mendips. John Lennon grew up here with his Aunt Mimi and Uncle George and some early Beatles songs were written here.

Although it is possible to view the exterior of each of these houses independently, you can only see inside the houses by taking a tour run by the National Trust. Morning tours depart from bus stand 2 at Liverpool South Parkway railway station and afternoon tours depart from Speke Hall. The departure locations make the morning tours more convenient for most visitors travelling by public transport and the afternoon tours are more convenient if you’re travelling by car as there is free parking at Speke Hall.

Tours last around 2½ hours, although you should allow three hours as the National Trust recommend that you are ready and waiting for the tour at least 15 minutes before it is scheduled to start. Tours run several times per day between March and November and must be booked online through the National Trust website.

George Harrison’s and Ringo Starr’s childhood homes (12 Arnold Grove and 10 Admiral Grove, respectively) are not owned by the National Trust so it is not possible to visit these. However, you are able to see these from the outside if you take the Magical Mystery Tour.