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The Williams family visit Liverpool’s Beatles story, Magical history tour.
What’s the attraction?
The Beatles story, in Liverpool's historic Albert Dock, takes you on an enlightening and atmospheric journey into the life, times, culture and music of the Fab Four. It tells how four young lads were propelled to the dizzy heights of worldwide fame and fortune to become the greatest band of all time. Hear the story unfold through the Living History audio guide narrated by John Lennon's sister Julia Baird.
What’s on offer?
It’s a museum dedicated to the famous quartet, with posters, displays and objects retracing their history from their early days to their single careers. There are special tributes to John Lennon and George Harrison from the famous white piano featured in the video for the song Imagine and John’s famous round glasses.
How did you get there?
As you come out of the Birkenhead tunnel, simply follow the brown tourist signs for the Albert Dock. The attraction is based there, along with the Tate and Liverpool museums. The neighbouring Echo Arena has a 1,600-space multi-storey. By train, the Dock is 15 minutes walk from Lime Street, or five from Merseyrail’s James Street. Or catch a ferry cross the Mersey from Woodside, Birkenhead, or Seacombe, Wallasey, and walk from the Pier Head.
How long did you stay?
We stayed just over 2 hours if you include the long and winding road to the cafe as well.
Did you take a brolly?
We picked this attraction as it was a really stormy day outside. It’s all indoors so no problem. It was quite ironic hearing George Harrison sing Here Comes The Sun as it was belting down outside.
What did you do there?
We started on our magical mystery tour in the late fifties, in the unlikely surroundings of Woolton Village Fete, where Paul McCartney tells you how he first met John Lennon. You can even view some of the original instruments played by John and his skiffle band. We walked along the cobbled streets of Hamburg to watch John, Paul, George, Stuart and Pete play at the notorious Star Club. We entered the stunning recreation of the Cavern Club. It was quite eerie and atmospheric as we looked on at the drum set; it was almost like transporting your self back in time to the swinging sixties.
We went on to explore a behind the scenes look at Abbey Road Studios before hitting the mellow madness of the psychedelic era with the history behind the groundbreaking Sgt Pepper album before embarking on an underwater trip in the Yellow Submarine.
How much did it cost you?
A family saver ticket cost us £25. Otherwise it’s adults £12.50, stuidents, OAPs & unwaged £8.50 child £6.50. Under fives free..
How about food and drink?
There’s now a Starbucks themed cafe newly opened on site. We enjoyed four hot chocolates and cake to warm us up but it was a tad expensive. There are plenty of other places to eat around the Albert Dock area as well.
Are there any shops?
There is an extensive shop on site selling Beatles merchandise from music to mugs.
Is it OK for kids?
As John Lennon and the Beatles are featured in the National Curriculum, the Beatles story provides the ideal educational day out. The attraction is also planning an interactive hands- on discovery Zone, and children's workshops. A family friendly version of the Living History audio tour will also be available soon, The Beatles story provides an educational resource pack and all other supporting materials free of charge.
Can people with disabilities get around?
The Beatles story is fully accessible. There is a lift at the entrance for any visitor wishing to avoid the steps. There is wheelchair access throughout the exhibition and retail outlet. There were disabled toilets for both ladies & gents. We also saw tactile signage, hearing loops and large print guides.
What were the best bits?
The children were not that interested in the Beatles beforehand so the fact they enjoyed the attraction is indicative of how well it is designed. They loved the walk-through Yellow Submarine. I enjoyed the recent acquisitions which included George Harrison's first guitar, which was on display for the first time in the UK.
The Beatles story, Britannia vaults, Albert dock, Liverpool, Info at: info@beatlesstory.com or 0151 709 1963. Daily 10am-6pm
