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Inside the childhood homes of the Beatles

The facade of Paul McCartney's childhood home, 20 Forthlin Road, Liverpool
The facade of Paul McCartney's childhood home, 20 Forthlin Road, Liverpool | © National Trust Images/Dennis Gilbert

Walk in the footsteps of Beatles legends John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney as you explore their childhood homes in suburban Liverpool. These houses provide a real insight into John and Sir Paul's humble beginnings and are a must-see for Beatles fans of all ages.

Guided tour

Join a guided tour and explore the childhood homes of the Beatles. Here is a snippet of what you can expect to learn as well as a National Trust Podcast episode where we join Trust curator James Grasby on a tour.

See inside the special places where:

  • John and Paul grew up

  • The Beatles were born

  • The Quarrymen and the Beatles practised some of their earliest songs

  • ‘Please Please Me’, ‘I Call Your Name’, ‘I Saw Her Standing There’ and ‘She Loves You’ were written

  • Mike McCartney took acclaimed family photographs

Mendips

Mendips, the childhood home of John Lennon, is a fine example of 1950s semi-detached housing. More luxurious and higher status than 20 Forthlin Road, it was lovingly maintained by John's Aunt Mimi. You can still see the house and garden as it was when they lived here. Neat and tidy, yet still cosy. It’s a real home.

Kitchen, Mendips, Liverpool, John Lennon's childhood home
The kitchen at 'Mendips' in Liverpool, John Lennon's childhood home | © ©National Trust Images/Dennis Gilbert

20 Forthlin Road

A typical example of post-war terraced council housing, 20 Forthlin Road is smaller and more basic than Mendips. Sir Paul's mother, Mary, tragically died when he and his brother, Mike, were in their teens. Their father, Jim, brought them up alone after that.

The McCartney men weren't as houseproud as John’s Aunt Mimi and money was tight, so expect to see mismatched wallpaper, clutter and threadbare sofas.

National Trust Podcast: Backstage at the Beatles’ Childhood Homes

Join National Trust curator James Grasby as he steps inside the childhood homes of John Lennon and Sir Paul McCartney.

Kitchen, Mendips, Liverpool, John Lennon's childhood home

Book your visit

Please note you need to book tickets for a combined tour of the Beatles' Childhood Homes in advance.

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