In 1966, three years after the release of the legendary "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and two years…read moreafter their sensational US tour that started Beatlemania, the Beatles were World famous. It was also at this time when Paul McCartney started writing about his days that he shared with John Lennon in their hometown, Liverpool. For Paul, it seemed like he was taking a step back from the limelight of the Beatles' phenomenal success and taking the time to reflect upon his childhood memories. Paul said in a documented interview: "I still want to write a song about the places in Liverpool where I was brought up. Places like The Docker's Umbrella ..., and Penny Lane near my old home." There were a lot of fond memories for Paul when he wrote Penny Lane. This was where he had to change buses to get to John Lennon's house. This was also the district where he hanged out with many of his friends. Paul explained that Penny Lane was not only a street, but also a district, and the lyrics of the song were all based on real places - the barber shop, the bank, the fire station. "It's part fact, part nostalgia for a great place..., as we remember it, and it's still there." Paul recalled that as he was writing Penny Lane, John came along to help him: "We were writing childhood memories: recently faded memories from eight or ten years before, so it was a recent nostalgia, pleasant memories for both of us." Penny Lane is one of very few Beatles songs that were written about real places and real lives and is probably the only one that is about the childhood of Paul McCartney and John Lennon. It's been over 50 years since the release of Penny Lane and almost 40 years since the Beatles broke up, but numerous tourists still visit Penny Lane every day. Yours truly included. And its road sign still gets stolen by Beatles fans. The latest version of the road sign when I was there was bolted down into a concrete wall with temper-proof screws, screws that cannot be unfastened with a screwdriver or most tools. Let's see how long this one gets to stay. I am just guessing... but this must be the most often stolen road sign in the World... "In Penny Lane, there is a barber showing photographs Of every head he's had the pleasure to know And all the people that come and go Stop and say, 'Hello'..."

Another place to visit if you are checking out Beatles landmarks in Liverpool. Penny Lane is a real…read morestreet in the suburbs of Liverpool. The song "Penny Lane" is named after this street of course. You can see the street signs and take a pic. Penny lane is in my ears and in my eyes There beneath the blue suburban skies I sit, and meanwhile back Penny lane is in my ears and in my eyes There beneath the blue suburban skies

On my to do list of must sees in liverpool was the Three Graces - The fundamental international…read moresymbol for Liverpool, is the Royal Liver Building, as well as The Cunard and the Port of Liverpool buildings. They are all side by side located on The Pier head in Liverpool. Stunning architecture, all majestic in their own right.

This is the first building you see when your ship arrives at the cruise port. One of the famous…read moreThree Graces it stands out more than the other two. On top of the two towers of the building are statues of Liver Birds which are said to be good luck to sailors and the city. probably one of the most iconic buildings in Liverpool. It is a must see when you visit.

Strangely, William McKenzies Tomb can represent everything you wish to find about Liverpool. It is…read morean eccentric and flamboyantly designed tomb going against the grain of convention that holds a macabre presence on Rodney Street with many great stories surrounding it. Now surrounded by weeds and construction sights it does not have the dignified surroundings that it deserves but through local interest and the love of a good yarn it has begun to once again attract interest largely due to the larger than life character that inhabits it. Shabby and rough around the edges, you can't help but stop and look when walking past and find yourself being drawn in by its odd charm.

This is a great little spot to visit if you're passing through Liverpool as a tourist or traveller…read more The story behind this pyramid type tomb is that of William McKenzie. Over a hundred years ago, McKenzie was a wealthy business man who resided in Liverpool and was well known for treating his staff terribly and gambling compulsively. Legend has it that McKenzie played poker down to his last penny with a hooded character one night, deciding at that point, to gamble his soul. He then turned cards and had lost his soul to his mysterious opponent. Due to this he requested that upon his death, he be entombed above ground, his corpse sitting at a card table, a winning hand of poker in his hand! He believed that being buried this way would save his soul from being stolen for eternity. That's how he sits within the pyramid tomb on Rodney Street, and his ghost is said to stalk the streets late at night!

Wow. So lovely! We recently has the pleasure of visiting Liverpool Town Hall for a wedding, and…read morewhat a wonderful place to get married! Like many historical buildings in the UK, it features prominent features like the neoclassical façade and big dome. Upon entry, you come straight into a grand staircase draped in a bright red carpet. All of the fixtures, statues, and details throughout the whole building are opulent. Rooms large and grand. There was a reception prior to the wedding ceremony which took place on the second floor, which included access to the main balcony. It was a stunning day (shocking, I know!), making it the perfect opportunity to enjoy gathering outside overlooking bustling castle street. The ceremony was in yet another grand room, with plenty of history. Such is a great place for any kind of larger event! It sounds like you can also come here for guided tours to explore the historical and architectural significance.

Liverpool Town Hall is not nearly as grand or ostentatious as many other town halls to be found…read moreacross the UK, however it takes perfectly proportioned pride of place along one of my favourite streets in the city centre. The architecture of Cstle Street is brilliant with every building seemingly capturing a different, style, era and atmosphere of the city through its development. At the tope sits the town hall where it has been positioned under various stages of renovation and transformation since 1673. Although the mayor has little power within the city and much of the council power resides in other buildings across the city, the town hall is still an important civic centre within which weddings and prestigious social and charity events can be held.

This is a beautiful old building located right on the waterfront and the Mersey River. One of the…read morethree famous landmarks that define the city of Liverpool. You have to take a few moments to really look at the building to see all the marvelous details and how it was put together. A terrific icon for the city.

The Port of Liverpool Building, as the name suggest, is one of the most nautically-inspired…read moreconstructions in the city, serving as the headquarters of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board for 87 years from its construction in 1907 until the nineties. That clears that up then. I thought it was just a St Paul's wannabe. After the Liver Building, this is probably the next most identifiable of the Three Graces and the thirteenth tallest building in the city. I came here once as part of an art competition and was struck by how illustrious it was inside. Walking into the entrance you find yourself in a huge room reaching right up into the dome. Marble columns and Edwardian balconies make it all look very professional. I kept expecting to be asked to leave. Nowadays the building is filled with offices that have very little to do with maritime matters. Needless to say they keep it in good order. At least it isn't a Tesco yet.

It's frightening how old this place is. It's not 'ancient' in the same way Pythagoras was but it's…read morestill damn old, one of Liverpool's half dozen oldest buildings. Built sometime between 1604 and 1618, the original chapel (now modified) has always been associated with non-conformist religion. Its first master, Richard Mather, was only fifteen when a group of Toxteth Puritans (not a gang name) appointed him. Following a stint at Oxford he returned to the chapel and lasted right through to the early 1630's, when he was suspended for his non-conformist views. He emigrated to America in 1635. 1635! America was just a bunch of tiny villages back then. The country still had a damn century to wait until George Washington was even born. Although constructed in the countryside, the chapel was later swallowed up by the neighbourhoods of Liverpool and now sits at the end of Park Road, next to a cemetery of unquestionably old gravestones. I reckon it'll outlive the Himalayas.

Hopefully ! - we have a visit planned for a week tomorrow (27 July 2017) with a U.S. visitor, who…read moreis directly descended from the Aspinall family, whose brass plaque is in the chapel. The contact phone number (0151 263 4899) is a dead line, and there is no email address - PLEASE CAN YOU HELP US TO CONTACT THEM TO CONFIRM OUR DATE AND VISIT ? Many thanks in advance for your assistance - I do not do Facebook (I am 70). Martin Walker

I don't think pleasant is probably the best word to describe a cemetry but St. James's Cemetry is…read morean exception because it certainly feels this way. The cemetry is based adjacent to the gargantuan Anglican Cathedral, which makes it appear so miniscule. However, it is not to be judged by its size, as this place makes a glorious stroll through an eerie and creepy section that is steeped in history. Whilst this destination isn't the most obvious place for tourists or locals to wander, it's sure to surprise many who visit this fascinating burial ground.

I have visited Liverpool Cathedral dozens of times over the years, but only recently took a walk…read moreround the beautiful gardens and cemetery that surround it - and was pleasantly surprised. St James Park is a moody, gothic graveyard sitting moat-like at the base of the city's gargantuan gothic cathedral. It is entered through an eerie tunnel lined with graves. It oozes atmosphere, full of moss-dappled walls, stone monuments and headstones, and creepily formed trees and plants. My other half loved this place and took dozens of photographs on the suitably wet and dreary afternoon we spent there.

Once you turn onto Matthew Street, you'll immediately see the John Lennon sculpture to your left…read more Located in a fun area, full of bars and Beatles love, memorabilia, and tributes, this statue is your perfect start to the Beatles tour along the city. At night time, Matthew Street is lively, however, during the day, expect little crowds, no live music, and sadly many stores and bars being closed. Exploring and walking the city will make up for the lack of entertainment among the city if you have a love for the Beatles and the history.

This is a fantastic statue of John Lennon situated on Mathew street right outside the cavern club…read more A trip to Liverpool is not complete unless you have at least a million photos of this iconic statue.

Pier head is such a magical area in Liverpool, overlooking the river Mersey and where you will find…read morethe Beatles statues and Mersey ferries and street performers singing Beatles songs when I was there just made the whole atmosphere perfect. Pier head for me was so relaxing and breathtaking and I loved it.

There is a set of statues to commemorate the Fab Four here. There's also the second Beatles Story…read morebuilding. You might not know that in this extension of the Beatles Story is an exhibit that details the British Invasion music movement. This is recommended for rock music nerds...like me!

Next to the Cock and Bottle pub, is what used to be England's smallest house. It was 6tf wide and…read more14tf deep. It had two rooms. A family with 8 children lived in it until the 60 years ago, when it was incorporated into the pub. Restored by Bass Taverns in 1998, it's one of the little secret of Liverpool.

lies! banbury has the smallest house. phfffftread more