You may not have visited Liverpool before, but if you’re reading this article, you’ve most likely heard of one of the city’s most famous exports – The Beatles. A Beatles tour in Liverpool, UK, is an absolute must if you’re visiting, as the ‘Fab Four’ have played an integral part in the city’s history.
The Beatles have played a huge part in my upbringing, as some of my family are from Liverpool. Growing up, my Grandad would divide his weekly wage into three – one part to support his family, one part to take my late Nan on dates, and one part to buy any new Beatles records. He has the most amazing collection of original Beatles vinyl, which I’ve had the privilege of listening to time and time again.
The Beatles, also known as John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, and George Harrison, were a rock band that massively impacted the world’s music scene, taking the world by storm following their first performance in 1957.
They allegedly got their famous name by taking inspiration from their music heroes The Crickets, and then using a musical pun; insect (Beetles) + Musical Pun = The Beatles! The rest is history.
10 Best Beatles Tours in Liverpool
If you’re looking for the best Beatles tours in Liverpool, you may find it hard to narrow down the options – there are a lot! To help you find the best choice for you, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites based on their comprehensiveness, the sights they take in, and customer reviews.
From guided walks to private tours in a Rols-Royce Phantom, there’s something to cater to everyone’s tastes.
1. Liverpool: Beatles Magical Mystery Bus Tour
Starting off simple, this bus tour offers a comprehensive guide to the sights of Liverpool as The Beatles saw them. Aboard a stand-out yellow bus, inspired by the cover of the band’s 1967 Magical Mystery Tour album, you’ll tour the city in search of the members’ childhood homes and areas of significance.
As you go, you’ll learn more about The Beatles from a professional guide, and listen to tunes from the Fab Four. This is the only Beatles tour in Liverpool that finishes at the famous Cavern Club, where the band was said to have forged their identity. Your ticket includes free admission to the Cavern on the same evening as your tour date (but doesn’t include special ticketed shows).
Be sure to head to the Beatles Magical Mystery Tour to check in before your scheduled tour. Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. You may want to pack some snacks too, as food and drinks aren’t included.
Liverpool: Beatles Magical Mystery Tour Details:
2. The Ultimate Beatles Tour Experience in Liverpool
For a truly unique Beatles tour in Liverpool, this ultimate Beatles tour experience is a must. You’ll feel like a celebrity as you’re picked up by a uniformed chauffeur and taken around Liverpool in a replica of John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce Phantom.
You’ll head out to see the spots that inspired some of their most famous songs, such as Strawberry Fields, (subject to opening days), and important places from the band member’s lives. Snap pictures with the stunning, colorful Rolls-Royce, and gain insightful knowledge from your experienced driver-guide.
There are never more than six travelers on this tour, meaning you’re guaranteed an intimate and interesting experience that’s sure to be memorable. The meeting point is even at the iconic Beatles-themed Hard Days Night Hotel, which is a great hotel to stay at to add to your experience.
The Ultimate Beatles Tour Experience in Liverpool Details:
3. Private 3-Hour Guided Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool
What better way to see the famous Beatles destinations in Liverpool than on a private guided tour, with a tour guide dedicated to answering your every question? This hassle-free tour works for your schedule, with several departure times available and a pickup from your chosen hotel location.
You’ll embark on a 3-hour tour of the city, discovering more about its musical legacy and learning how the group rose to global stardom, and how they did it in such a short time period. Visit John, George, Paul, and Ringo’s childhood homes, plus see Eleanor Rigby’s grave, Penny Lane, and Strawberry Field, with fantastic photo ops as you go.
This a wheelchair and stroller-accessible tour, with private transportation, that’s great for families and those with reduced mobility. The tour permits a maximum of 5 members at once.
Private 3-Hour Guided Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool Details:
4. Liverpool: Beatles & Cavern Quarter Walking Tour
I personally think that one of the best ways to explore Liverpool is on foot, and a walking tour is a great way to do just that. If you’re stuck for time, this tour is a fab option, as it combines the most famous sights of the city with the top Beatles attractions in Liverpool – one tour to see it all!
Stroll through the waterfront and the city center, seeing the Albert Dock and the iconic Cavern Club. Then visit the city’s Cultural Quarter, see the Eleanor Rigby statue and the Beatles Story Museum, and stop to hear tales of the Beatles and their path to fame.
After your tour ends, you’ll get free access to a sightseeing app with self-guided walking routes and audio guides. In my opinion, this is one of the best Beatles walking tours in Liverpool – I highly recommend it.
Liverpool: Beatles and Cavern Quarter Walking Tour Details:
5. Liverpool: Beatles Bus Tour with Strawberry Field Entry
A Beatles tour by bus in Liverpool is a great option for families or larger groups who want the ease of being able to sit down while seeing the sights of the city. On this tour, you’ll take in views of the city from the comfort of the bus, with a hop-on, hop-off element (valid for 24 hours) adding ease and flexibility to your schedule.
You’ll stop off at the Strawberry Field exhibition, which recounts the story of how The Beatles’ song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ was written, and houses interesting artifacts such as John Lennon’s very own piano, on which he composed his song ‘Imagine’. Spend time at the exhibition, wander around the garden, and purchase souvenirs at the on-site shop.
As mentioned, this is an ideal option for families and is wheelchair accessible too. Buses depart at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily, so the tour can easily fit around other items on your itinerary.
Liverpool: Beatles Bus Tour with Strawberry Field Entry Details:
6. Half-Day Liverpool Electric Beatles Bike Tour
This is one of my top Beatles tours in Liverpool thanks to its eco-friendly and entertaining way of seeing some of the most famous Beatles spots in the city. Get off the road, and ride through back streets and promenades, all on an electric-assisted bike tour led by a professional guide.
You’ll explore the Beatles’ hometown, visiting the church where John Lennon first met Paul McCartney, the famous Penny Lane road sign (recently signed by Sir Paul himself), a Ringo Starr mural, and much more.
You need to be relatively active for this tour, but the electric bikes do give you an added push! The tour operates with a maximum of 10 participants, so you’ll stay well looked after while meeting like-minded travelers.
Half-Day Liverpool Electric Beatles Bike Tour Details:
7. Liverpool: The Beatles Story Ticket
The Beatles Story Museum regales the story of how four young men from Liverpool were propelled to fame, from their humble beginnings in working-class areas of the city. As you wander around the exhibitions, you’ll see replications of the Cavern; bringing the stories of the biggest band in the world to life.
You’ll also get an exclusive look at the ‘The Beatles In India’ exhibition, one which brings together memorabilia, photography, and personal stories from those who experienced the time period with them. This was a key part of the band’s history when they traveled to Rishikesh to take part in Transcendental Meditation with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
This is an entrance-only ticket, but multimedia guides and a living history audio guide are included to enhance the experience.
Liverpool: The Beatles Story Ticket Details:
8. Skip the Line: Liverpool Beatles Museum – the Perfect Tribute to the Beatles
The iconic Liverpool Beatles Museum houses over 1000 items of Beatles memorabilia across five floors of a former Victorian warehouse. Immerse yourself in a world of nostalgia as you watch interviews with the band members, see their gold and platinum discs, and watch footage of the Beatles’ earliest-ever performances.
This is a great experience for families or those wanting to see a whole host of Beatles belongings while learning more about the thought processes and inspiration behind songs and their quirky, forward-thinking ways. The history of the band really comes to life when you’re surrounded by some of the items that were with them on their rise to fame.
Your ticket includes a ‘Skip the Line’ meaning you can miss the queues and get straight to the action. With five floors to see, this isn’t an activity for those who have reduced mobility, and there’s no wheelchair access.
Skip the Line: Liverpool Beatles Museum – The perfect tribute to the Beatles Details:
9. Mad Day Out Beatles Taxi Tours in Liverpool, England
Another more eco-friendly option is this private, electric taxi tour around Liverpool, England. The bespoke taxi is designed in the fashion of John Lennon’s Rolls-Royce and offers on-board WiFi so you can post to Instagram as you drive around in style.
Your personal driver-guide is your go-to for stories and knowledge of the Beatles, and you’ll stop off at key band destinations such as Penny Lane, John Lennon’s childhood home, and the famous Strawberry Field. Why not save some research time and have an expert Liverpudlian create the itinerary for you?
The taxi fits up to 6 people, which is perfect for larger groups and families. You can also ask your driver to take you to other landmarks in the city, if you have any you’d like to visit – or ask for their recommendations.
Mad Day Out Beatles Taxi Tours in Liverpool, England Details:
10. Unique Beatles Liverpool Walking Tour in English
The second walking tour to make the list, this Beatles experience takes you around Liverpool to walk in the very footsteps of the Fab Four. Your local guide provides insight into the lives of the band members, retelling stories of their upbringing, and how they got into the film industry as you meander around the city.
You’ll see all the key sights – Cavern Club, where they often played – and visit lesser-known spots, such as the art school that John Lennon attended. The roads are navigable with a stroller, so families are welcome.
Unique Beatles Liverpool Walking Tour in English Details:
Where to Stay in Liverpool for the Beatles Tours
Here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Liverpool for tourists wanting to join a Beatles tour:
Cavern Quarter
The Cavern Quarter should be your go-to place for Beatles attractions. The Cavern Club, affectionately known as the ‘birthplace of The Beatles’ is nearby, where you can listen to live music and learn about the history of the band. It’s also within walking distance of popular music venues and lively pubs.
The Hard Days Night Hotel is my favorite hotel in the area. It’s Beatles-themed and features exclusive artwork, plus a stylish, modern design. Click here to book.
City Center
Liverpool City Center is another good spot to scope out places of interest related to the Beatles. It’s also where most Beatles tours start from. It’s worth noting that Liverpool City Center is relatively compact and encompasses lots of smaller areas, including the above-mentioned Cavern Quarter. Most places are within easy walking distance, or a short taxi journey.
Aloft Liverpool is a good option for a city center hotel, as it’s in a great location and I love the American-style food and service here. It’s also located on the same street as the meeting point for the electric taxi Beatles tour in this article. Click here to book.
Albert Dock
Staying at Albert Dock provides close proximity to the Beatles Story Museum, but also boasts a prime location on the serene waterfront. You’ll also be super close to shops, restaurants and nightlife.
Leonardo Hotel Liverpool is just a 5-minute walk from the center but is situated within the UNESCO-World Heritage site of the Albert Dock area. Cozy and comfortable, it’s great for a short stay. Click here to book.
Getting Around Liverpool
Liverpool is a really easy city to navigable. While car rentals in the city center may be a little tricky (there are a lot of one-way roads and traffic at peak hours in UK cities), there are plenty of public transport options.
For those staying in the city center, you’ll find that most, if not all, of the tours listed in this article are accessible on foot. If you’re staying a little further afield, Ubers are readily available, as are black cabs (though they are more expensive).
Buses run frequently in Liverpool and are cheap to use ($1.50-$3 per trip). The city also benefits from the handy Merseyrail service, a commuter train that takes you through Liverpool and its neighboring towns.
Beatles: FAQs
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the best Beatles tours in Liverpool, UK:
Why are the Beatles famous?
The Beatles pioneered a new genre of music and were incredibly forward-thinking in their ways, especially in 1960s Britain. They incorporated sounds from across the world into their music and were one of the first groups to establish their own production company.
They also successfully broke into America, gaining a worldwide fanbase. Find out more here.
What did The Beatles do in Liverpool?
All four members of The Beatles were born and spent their adolescence in Liverpool. The city has since enshrined many of the places they played at, and the locations that inspired their songs on their rise to fame.
How many times did The Beatles play in Liverpool?
It’s not clear how many times The Beatles played in Liverpool overall. However, they did play at The Cavern Club 292 times alone!
Where is The Beatles’ stuff in Liverpool?
Items from The Beatles’ vast history can be seen all across the city. The Beatles Story and Liverpool Beatles Museum house large collections, and feature specially curated exhibitions. Some of the top Beatles tours in Liverpool will take you around the sites where much of their memorabilia is stored.
Did The Beatles live in Liverpool?
Yes, all four members were born and raised in different areas of Liverpool. None of the surviving Beatles members or their immediate family still live in the city today.
Did The Beatles support Liverpool or Everton?
It’s not clear whether The Beatles supported Liverpool or Everton. Speculation suggests that Paul McCartney was an Everton fan, but it seems as though the other members didn’t specify an allegiance to a particular team.
Did The Beatles like Liverpool?
That’s a difficult question to answer, and one there’s no definitive answer to. One could hazard a guess that they did, seeing as they played there so many times and seemed to attribute the city to their success. Locations within the city (Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields) also inspired many of their songs.
Where did The Beatles first play in Liverpool?
The Beatles made their debut performance at The Cavern Club in 1961, where they would go on to play the now-famous venue 292 times in total!
How much is The Beatles tour in Liverpool?
A Beatles tour in Liverpool completely depends on whether it’s a group, semi-private or private tour. You can expect to pay anywhere from £15/$19 for museum entry, and between £15/$19 and £180/$220 for a walking tour or private tour.
How long is The Beatles tour in Liverpool?
Tours range on a variety of factors, such as whether they’re guided, self-guided, or hop-on, hop-off. Typically, tours last between an hour and three hours for group tours, and hop-on hop-off tours have a 24-hour validity.
In Closing
Feeling inspired and ready to visit Liverpool? The Beatles have had such a huge impact on the city, and upon visiting, you’ll understand how.
The above tours are a great way to recognize why the band had the impact that they did. See it for yourself, and discover the memories of their golden years that live on through the tourists that visit year after year.
