Morning
Start your day by joining one of four* daily guided tours of the former homes of Sir Paul McCartney at 20 Forthlin Road, and John Lennon who lived at ‘Mendips’. The tours leave from Liverpool’s famous Albert Dock.

Each house captures the spirit of life in the late fifties/early sixties when Lennon and McCartney were growing up as teenagers, and displays of memorabilia contribute to the properties’ unique atmosphere. An audio tour with contributions by Sir Paul McCartney can be heard at Forthlin Road, whilst extracts from former student lodgers at Mendips give an as yet untold glimpse of what life was really like living with John Lennon and his Aunt Mimi.

*Access is by guided tour only. See property pages for more details.

Lunch?
Head for Speke Hall on the outskirts of the city, where a selection of delicious dishes and home made cakes await you in the Home Farm Restaurant.

Afternoon
Speke Hall, a unique half-timbered house dating from 1530 set in its own grounds and gardens on the banks of the River Mersey. The unique atmosphere spans many periods: the Great Hall and priest hole evoke Tudor times, while the oak parlour and smaller rooms, some with William Morris wallpapers, fully equipped Victorian kitchen and servants’ hall enable you to visualise the house during the 19th century.

The restored garden has spring bulbs, a rose garden and summer garden, and there are delightful woodland walks and magnificent views of the Mersey Basin from The Bund – a high bank surrounding the property.

Extra day?
If you’re planning a longer stay around Merseyside, why not visit 59 Rodney Street in Liverpool. This Georgian terraced house was home to photographer E Chambré Hardman. There is a fascinating collection of photographs and you can see the studio and darkroom where his work was carried out. Admission by timed ticket and guided tour only.

Alternatively, head north to Formby beach, and enjoy a wonderful stretch of unspoilt coastline made up of rolling sand dunes and attractive woods set between the sea and Formby town?

Formby is one of the last places in England where you can catch a glimpse of the rare red squirrel at close quarters. There are also a variety of coastal walks to enjoy with magnificent views across to North Wales.

©NTPL/ Joe Cornish

When can you go?
Before visiting a property, we strongly advise that you check its opening times, as properties open on different days and at different times. This information is detailed on the individual property pages, which you can search for by finding a place to visit.

• 20 Forthlin Road
• ‘Mendips’
• Speke Hall
• Formby
• 59 Rodney Street