Visitor Exhibition
Step beyond the iconic red gates at Strawberry Field, Liverpool, the place that inspired The Beatles song, 'trawberry Fields Forever'. Our award-winning interactive exhibition brings to life the rich heritage of the site, weaving together stories of The Salvation Army, John Lennon’s youth and the musical legacy of The Beatles.
A Journey Through Time: From Victorian House to Salvation Army Home
Your visit begins in the 1860s, when Strawberry Field was a grand Victorian house. Over time, this gothic mansion became a children's home, a tranquil space where The Salvation Army offered refuge and support to vulnerable children. Through archival footage, photographs and timelines, you'll explore how the site evolved and how it became deeply connected to John Lennon.
Immersive Storytelling with Media Guides
Using our specialist media guide, you will navigate the exhibition at your own pace. Listen to first‑hand interviews, explore rarely-seen memorabilia and gain insight into the life of young John Lennon. The guide is available in English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Mandarin, making it accessible for international visitors.
Gardens & Reflection
After immersing yourself in the stories inside, the tour continues into the peaceful Strawberry Field gardens — the same grounds where John Lennon played, reflected and drew inspiration. As you wander, gentle musical soundscapes and meaningful commentary encourage moments of peace, self-exploration and reflection. While the full content offers over 4.5 hours of rich material, most visitors will spend around 1.5 hours on their first trip — though many return to discover more.
Musical & Cultural Highlights
Inside the exhibition, you’ll find:
- Immersive multimedia displays that connect you to John Lennon’s early life
- Original photographs, documents, and historical artifacts
- A spotlight on the Steinway piano on which Lennon composed “Imagine”
- Personal stories of The Salvation Army’s mission and its impact on the lives of young people
Why Visit: Inspiration and Impact
This experience is not only for Beatles fans, but also for anyone who appreciates history, community, and spiritual meaning. The exhibition celebrates the cultural, spiritual, and musical heritage of Strawberry Field, reminding us of peace, hope and the power of imagination.
Best of all, by visiting you directly support Steps at Strawberry Field, our programme for young adults with learning disabilities. Through your ticket revenue and generosity, we help more people overcome barriers and access meaningful employment.
Plan Your Visit & Book Tickets
- Ticket purchase: You can reserve in advance online or buy on-site at the shop.
- Languages: Media guides available in English, French, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Mandarin
- Time required: Expect to spend ~1.5 hours — though you may stay longer if you wish to explore in depth
- Accessibility: Accessible with features to support mobility, hearing, and visual impairments
The plan to open Strawberry Field to the public for the first time - so people can see a unique exhibition about the home, how and why the song was written by John, and allow visitors to explore the grounds as John did as a child - is very exciting.