The Beatles Childhood Homes Review

The Beatles Childhood Homes
Liverpool

www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Reviewed by Debbie Tasker

Myself and my Mum had a brilliant day at the childhood homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon last week.

We were picked up at Jurys Inn (situated on Albert Dock) by a very friendly mini bus driver. Although he was 20 minutes late it didn’t dampen the trip and he was very apologetic. Throughout the journeys  to and from each location he was full of titbits of information not only The Beatles but the city of Liverpool itself, we also listened to Beatles tracks and had a quiz whilst on the road! The mini bus seats 15 so it gives the feel of a very intimate tour. You can also be picked up at Speke Hall for this tour.

20 Forthlin Road is Paul McCartney childhood home. A humble council house that has been restored to its original state. Sylvia our tour guide offered to take photos outside of anybody who wanted as unfortunately there are no photographs allowed inside both houses.  As we stepped back in time a recording of Paul welcoming us to the house is played as we stand in the living room where he would practice guitar and write songs such as She Loves You, as I took in my surroundings I found it very moving. We were shown around the house whilst being told some very interesting anecdotes about the family and their home after a short time it becomes clear Sylvia is very passionate about her job. They do not have the original fixtures and fitting but with  help from Paul and his brother Mike they have been able to find perfect replicas, even down to the wallpaper and the windows which, as Sylvia told us had been bought and removed from a neighbour who still had them in place! Personal photographs taken mainly by Mike adorn the walls and I think I am right in saying they can’t be seen anywhere else. These alone are worth a visit. We are told that when Paul and Mike had arrived home late and were locked out they would climb the drainpipe and enter through a small window. Low and behold there is a photo taken just before the last of the family (Dad) left Forthlin Road for pastures new Paul insisted Mike take for old time’s sakes.

Mendips is a suburban semi on a tree lined road where John Lennon grew up. It is apparent the minute you arrive there was a large class difference between the Liverpool lads. Our guide Colin, (who is Sylvia’s husband) met us and again offered to take photos before entering Aunt Mimi’s home by the back door because as Colin told us she didn’t want to spoil the carpet. Mendips was bought by Yoko Ono and given to the National Trust so the public would be able to experience some of John’s childhood. There are far more original pieces here and as with 20 Forthlin Road the house is a replica of the time when John penned some of The Beatles hits. Mimi would take in lodgers from the university to make ends meets luckily they have added their input as to how the house looked too. As we stood in the sitting room Colin told us how John’s mum Julia died tragically when crossing the road just outside, from the window you could see the exact spot. Having been told earlier of Paul’s mum’s death a year earlier from cancer at a young age I could see why they has such a bond and I found the emotion too much and started welling up!! Anyway onwards and upwards. Colin assured us John has said it was a happy childhood and home although tinged with sadness to enjoy exploring with a smile. Colin who had at one point lived in the house for eight years upon Yoko’s insistence told many interesting facts surrounding the genius John Lennon and his upbringing it felt amazing to be stood in the bedroom where he would lie and listen to music as a youngster.

Both houses have a friendly atmosphere made even more exceptional by the very knowledgeable tour guides who are full of enthusiasm and humour but always respectful. It was great to see where the superstars spent their formative years and how they met and became great friends. I enjoyed it much more than I expected it is an extremely interesting tour of a very high standard.

A fascinating trip that neither myself or my mum will forget in a hurry.

While on the tour taxis and coaches were pulling up also outside the houses with sightseers. This tour run by The National Trust is the only one that enables you to actually enter the homes. I would urge you to book through them to avoid the disappointment of arriving and having to watch as The National Trust Tour enters the homes of these legends!

I loved every minute, thank you National Trust for the opportunity.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost: Adult £23, Child £7.25

For more information and to book your tour online www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles-childhood-homes.

The Beatles Childhood Homes, Woolton and Allerton, Liverpool | 0844 800 4791