Lesser-known Beatles sites in Liverpool you must visit

For Beatles fans eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, we’ve put together a selection of our favourite lesser-known attractions from Beatles history. This list takes you to the places where John, Paul and George played some of their earliest shows, as well as their teenage hangouts. Whether you're looking for somewhere to stay, a unique photo opportunity or simply a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Fab Four, these hidden gems offer memorable experiences without the crowds.

Strawberry Field

Strawberry Field is a must-visit for Beatles fans seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-track experience. Located on the outskirts of the city, in the village where John Lennon grew up, the site features an exhibition, peaceful gardens and a café. Highlights include John Lennon's Imagine piano, the original Strawberry Field gates and a virtual mellotron experience. Book your visit to Strawberry Field here.

Dairy Cottage

Many fans visit John Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips, at 251 Menlove Avenue, but few realise that he lived in another house just a short walk away. With Strawberry Field’s self-guided Woolton Walking Tour, you can visit the lesser-known Dairy Cottage, where John lived with his mother Julia when he was two. The tour passes several notable locations from John’s early life, including this often-overlooked childhood home.

Quarry Bank School

Fans interested in John Lennon’s formative years can now book a tour of Calderstones School (formerly Quarry Bank High), where he was a student. Highlights include the stage where The Quarrymen gave some of their first performances and the headmaster’s office, where John was a frequent visitor. Find out more about Calderstone School tours here.

Sefton Park Hotel

Overnight visitors to Liverpool can stay in the former family home of Stuart Sutcliffe, The Beatles’ original bass player. Situated beside the city’s most famous park, Sefton Park Hotel is an ideal base for fans exploring the band’s childhood neighbourhoods and the nearby village of Woolton, where The Beatles’ story began. Book your stay at Sefton Park Hotel here.

The Casbah Coffee Club

The Casbah Coffee Club is where The Quarrymen played some of their earliest gigs. Owned by Mona Best (Pete Best’s mother) the club gave the group a paid residency at £3 a night. Before they could perform, Mona insisted the venue needed redecorating. John, Paul, George and Ken Brown helped paint the club, and Cynthia (John’s then-girlfriend and later wife) even painted a silhouette of John that still survives today. Learn more about the Casbah Coffee Club here.

The Musical Box Record Shop

For music lovers who enjoy crate-digging in search of hidden treasures, The Musical Box Record Shop is a must-visit. Regularly visited by John Lennon and Pete Best in their teenage years, The Musical Box is England’s oldest record shop and is filled with decades of memorabilia and music history. Find out more about The Musical Box Record Shop here.

The Jacaranda

If you want to live like a local while exploring Beatles history, The Jacaranda is the place to go. Affectionally known as 'The Jac', this music venue is where The Beatles first performed with the lineup of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Stuart Sutcliffe and Pete Best, and still regularly hosts live music to this day. Learn more about The Jacaranda here.