All you need to know about Strawberry Field in Liverpool while humming along
Few places in Liverpool carry the same mix of nostalgia and musical magic as Strawberry Field. Situated in the leafy Woolton area, this peaceful site was once the grounds of a Salvation Army children’s home, and the childhood playground of a young John Lennon.
Decades later, it became immortalised in the 1967 Beatles classic “Strawberry Fields Forever,” turning a local landmark into a global icon.
After years of fans peering through the gates, Strawberry Field reopened in 2019 as a vibrant visitor attraction. Today, it welcomes guests with immersive Beatles exhibits and the original red gates that have inspired countless photographs.
So, let’s step inside and let the history and serenity of this remarkable place draw you into a story that feels like walking through a living song.
Where is Strawberry Field?
Strawberry Field is located in the Woolton suburb of Liverpool, England, about 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometres) southeast of the city centre. Set in a quiet residential area, it’s close to other Beatles landmarks, such as Penny Lane and John Lennon’s childhood home.
What is the main street in Strawberry Field?
Beaconsfield Road, where the famous red gates stand, is the main street leading to Strawberry Field. The area is surrounded by leafy avenues and is within walking distance of Menlove Avenue, home to other key Beatles landmarks.
How to get to Strawberry Field
By Foot: If you’re staying in Woolton Village, it’s a short 10-15 minute walk to Strawberry Field. Head along Woolton Road toward Beaconsfield Road, and you’ll soon spot the iconic red gates and visitor centre.
By Bike: Cycling is a scenic option! Follow Woolton Road’s bike lanes from the city centre for about 25-30 minutes. Bike racks are available at the visitor centre so you can lock up safely before exploring.
By Bus: Take the 76 bus from Liverpool ONE Bus Station towards Halewood, and get off at the Beaconsfield Road stop. It’s just a short walk from the gates. Other options include the 75, 78, or 86 C buses, which stop nearby on Menlove Avenue.
By Car: Strawberry Field is roughly 4 miles (6.4 km) from Liverpool city centre. Take the A561 via Woolton Road, and you’ll find parking at the visitor centre, though it can get busy on weekends.
What to Do and See in Strawberry Field
Explore the interactive exhibition
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Website: http://www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/
Address: Beaconsfield Rd, L25 6EJ
Phone: +441512526130
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
If you’re visiting Strawberry Field, a great way to start is the interactive exhibition inside the visitor centre. This exhibit brings the story to life with a mix of audio, video, and immersive displays.
You’ll hear snippets of Strawberry Fields Forever, woven through the space, setting a nostalgic mood that connects you straight to John Lennon’s childhood. There are also personal Lennon mementoes, like family pictures and lyrics, that give insights into how the place inspired him.
Along the way, you can check out some fascinating Victorian-era photos showing the site’s beginnings as a Salvation Army children’s home.
Best of all, your ticket, priced at around £10.50 for adults, includes a stroll through the gardens where Lennon once wandered. It’s complete with art and quotes that add a quiet, reflective touch to the visit.
Stroll through the peaceful gardens
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Website: http://www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/
Address: Beaconsfield Rd, L25 6EJ
Phone: +441512526130
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
After exploring the exhibitions, you can take some time to wander through the peaceful gardens at Strawberry Field. These gardens aren’t just pretty spaces; they are where John Lennon used to play as a kid.
The path winds gently through the well-kept lawns, colourful flower beds, and quiet corners with benches perfect for sitting down and soaking it all in. Scattered throughout are subtle art installations and plaques featuring quotes by Lennon.
It’s a nice break from the city buzz, offering a calm spot to reflect or just enjoy the fresh air. This garden visit is included with your exhibition ticket, so it’s an easy addition to your trip.
Whether you’re a Beatles fan or just looking for a quiet spot, the gardens are a lovely part of the Strawberry Field experience.
Photograph the famous red gates
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Website: http://www.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/
Address: Beaconsfield Rd, L25 6EJ
Phone: +441512526130
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
No visit to Strawberry Field would be complete without stopping for a photo opportunity by the famous red gates that inspired the Beatles’ song. These bright red gates are instantly recognisable and have become an iconic symbol for Beatles fans around the world.
While the original gates were taken down years ago, the ones you see today are a carefully crafted replica, standing proudly at the entrance on Beaconsfield Road.
Whether you’re here for the Beatles lore or just passing through, the red gates are a must-see. The good news is that there’s no separate fee to view or photograph them.
The gates stand outside the visitor centre grounds, so you can get your perfect shot without buying a ticket. However, if you wish to explore the exhibition and gardens further, the ticket costs approximately £10.50 for adults, which includes admission to everything inside.
Take part in a guided Beatles tour via Liverpool City Sights
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Website: https://liverpoolcitysights.com/
Address: Gower St, L3 4AS
Phone: +441512981253
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
If you want to dive deeper into Beatles history while visiting Strawberry Field, booking a guided Beatles tour with Liverpool City Sights is a great option.
Their expert guides lead small groups on walking tours that cover key Beatles landmarks around Liverpool. These include Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, and John Lennon’s childhood home at Mendips.
The tours typically last around 2 to 3 hours and offer fascinating insights and stories about the band’s early days, the city’s music scene, and the places that inspired some of their most iconic hits.
Prices typically start at around £16 per person (including a complimentary drink at the Philharmonic pub), which is good value considering you receive knowledgeable local guides and skip-the-line access to select sites.
Learn about the Steps to Work Programme
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Website: https://www.strawberryfield.salvationarmy.org.uk/apply-join-steps-strawberry-field-programme
Address: Beaconsfield Rd, L25 6EJ
Phone: +441512526130
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Strawberry Field isn’t just a historic site; it’s also home to the Steps to Work programme, which supports young adults with learning disabilities and other barriers to employment.
Run by the Salvation Army, this initiative offers tailored work placements and training in areas like hospitality, retail, horticulture, and visitor services right at the Strawberry Field.
Participants also gain practical skills and experience in a supportive, real-world environment, helping boost confidence and improve their chances of securing paid employment. The programme includes several pathways, such as Steps to Work Lite, Steps for Students, and Steps to Volunteer.
Where to Eat and Drink in Strawberry Field
Imagine More Café
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Website: http://strawberryfieldliverpool.com/cafe
Address: Strawberry Field, Beaconsfield Rd, L25 6EJ
Contact: +447407088968
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Right inside the Strawberry Field visitor centre, the Imagine More Café is a lovely spot to stop for a bite. If you’re feeling hungry in the morning, their Full English Breakfast (priced around £9.95) is a popular choice, featuring fresh fruit and cereals in a buffet-style setup.
But if you prefer something lighter, the Continental Breakfast comes in at about £6.95. For lunch, you can expect tasty sandwiches, wraps, and quiches ranging from £6.50 to £8.50.
And don’t forget to save room for some cakes and pastries if you want a sweet treat later on. Everything here is made with ingredients from local producers, ensuring it’s made fresh.
But what makes this café truly special is that it’s part of the Steps to Work programme, providing young adults with barriers to employment with valuable work experience.
One Percent Forest
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Website: http://www.onepercentforest.co.uk/
Address: 42 Allerton Rd, L25 7RG
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Friday to Saturday: 8:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
After exploring Strawberry Field, why not extend your visit by checking out some of the nearby places to eat and relax?
First up is One Percent Forest, a beloved local café roughly a 5-minute drive away from Strawberry Field. This Nordic-inspired café and cocktail bar serves fresh daily food, coffee, and creative cocktails in a cosy, dog-friendly environment.
Their menu includes Scandinavian waffles with berries, granola, and Skyr yoghurt. They also have a Scandi Dog (a hot dog with a Nordic twist) for around £7, as well as grilled cheeses and Reubens, alongside yummy treats like cinnamon buns. Drinks range from £3 to £9.
And yes, the coffee lives up to the hype, with cortados touted as some of the best in Liverpool.
Buongiorno Coffee
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buongiorno.coffee/?hl=en
Address: 7 Woolton St, L25 5NH
Contact: +441517218725
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pricing: £
If you’re still buzzing from Strawberry Field and want a charming little pit-stop, Buongiorno Coffee at Woolton Street is your go-to. This indie café, open Tuesday through Saturday, exudes a “roll in with a book and stay awhile” vibe.
Inside, the aroma of fresh coffee and warm hospitality greets you. The menu is cosy side, featuring velvety lattes and sweet cappuccinos.
While exact prices aren’t listed online, past visitors rave about the quality: “coffee is delicious, and wow, the cakes!!” they say.
So, if you’re a coffee fanatic, you’ll also find bags of their signature beans to take home—great for reliving the moment. In short, it’s that snug café where the coffee’s ace, the treats are sweet, and leaving is the hardest part.
Botanico Woolton
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Website: https://botanicowoolton.co.uk/
Address: 3 Allerton Rd, Woolton, L25 7RA
Contact: +441512036280
Operating Hours: Monday to Friday: 8:30 AM – 9:00 PM | Saturday to Sunday: 8:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Pricing: ££
Just down Allerton Road from Strawberry Field, Botanico Woolton is the kind of place you can drop into any time of the day and find something tempting on the menu. Mornings start with hearty plates, such as a full English breakfast (around £12), eggs Benedict (£10-£11), or steak and eggs (£13).
Lighter options include avocado on sourdough (£10) or a breakfast burger (£11). By lunchtime, the kitchen is serving up wood-fired pizzas, pasta, salads, and sandwiches, with dinner featuring dishes like burrata starters and Pollo Milanese.
If you’re in the mood for something indulgent, their Afternoon Tea is £24.95 with prosecco, or £29.95 if you want champagne. There’s even a kids’ version for £14.
Sundays are all about roast meats, or a £40 sharing board for two. In warmer months, the beer garden comes alive with spritz deals and two-pints-for-£10 happy hours.
The Pickled Olive
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Website: https://thepickledolive229552930.wordpress.com/
Address: 12 Woolton St, L25 5JA
Contact: +441515381704
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Saturday – Sunday: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: ££
Creative cocktails, live music, and a warm, intimate vibe make The Pickled Olive a standout in Woolton Village.
Just an 8-minute walk from Strawberry Field, this cosy cocktail bar blends craft drinks like a rosemary-infused gin and tonic, espresso martinis with a twist of orange, and seasonal creations featuring fresh herbs and house-made syrups.
As for food, there’s actually no formal food menu or bar snacks here. It’s all about the drinks, ambience, and community. So, occasional highlights like cheeseboards, orange wine by the glass, and live music nights make for great accompaniments.
Inside, it has a live music vibe—usually on Sunday evenings, with vocals or acoustic sets that linger in the background. It’s open from Wednesday to Sunday, making it a solid pick for winding down after a day exploring Liverpool.
Where to Shop in Strawberry Field
Strawberry Field Official Merchandise Shop
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Website: https://store.strawberryfieldliverpool.com/merchandise/t-shirts.html
Address: Beaconsfield Rd, L25 6EJ
Phone: +441512526130
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Strawberry Field gift shop offers a range of Beatles and John Lennon merchandise. It includes T-shirts, mugs, posters, tote bags, photographs of the Beatles, and lyrics from Lennon’s songs.
You can also find locally made crafts, such as hand-poured candles, artisanal jewellery, notebooks, and greeting cards, created by Liverpool makers.
They also have music-themed souvenirs. These include vinyl-style coasters, guitar picks, and miniature instruments. These are popular with fans looking for a music-centric keepsake, with prices ranging from £20 to £150.
Liverpool Cheese Company
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Website: http://www.liverpoolcheesecompany.com/
Address: 29A Woolton St, L25 5NH
Contact: +441514283942
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Friday to Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Just a minute away from Strawberry Field, you’ll find the Liverpool Cheese Company tucked away in an old dairy building in Woolton Village.
It’s the kind of place you smell before you see. They offer luxurious 1-kilogram hampers in various styles. These include English classics, Welsh selections, Irish picks, and sheep & goat cheeses, for approximately £58 each.
If you’re planning a gathering, their cheese wedding cakes start from around £165 for smaller sizes and climb up to £470 for the big 16-kg Norwegian Wood version that serves over 200 guests.
They also do all the classics—creamy bries, punchy blues, crumbly cheddars. You’ll also spot quirky finds you won’t see in a supermarket. They even stock chutneys, fine wines, biscuits, and beautifully packaged hampers (perfect for gifts).
Voglio Inspirational Gift Ideas (also Liverpool Gift Company)
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Website: https://www.liverpoolgiftcompany.co.uk/
Address: 122 Allerton Rd, L18 2DG
Contact: +441517331149
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Voglio (also known as Liverpool Gift Company) sits at 122 Allerton Road, and it’s genuinely a go-to if you’re hunting for a thoughtful, artsy gift.
Inside, you can expect to see a curated mix of beautiful homewares, Liverpool-themed artwork, quirky collectables, and classy toiletries. These things that feel special, not mass-produced.
Their shelves are also dotted with designer kettles, playful decorative objects, such as superlambananas and gilded champagne flutes, as well as adorable cards and gift wraps.
Plus, the team is known for its friendly, personalised service. They often reach out to customers to let them know when restocks of sought-after items arrive.
Freida Mo’s
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Website: https://www.freidamos.co.uk/
Address: 33 Lark Ln, L17 8UW
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Just a 15-minute trip from Strawberry Field lands you in Freida Mo’s, located in a cosy corner of Lark Lane. What makes it unique is that it’s part café and part vintage shop, featuring retro homewares and carefully curated clothing alongside a delightful selection of homemade cakes.
On the café side, the homemade cakes take centre stage. They feature options such as carrot cakes, tangy lemon drizzles, and chocolate brownies, with prices ranging from £2.50 to £4.50 per cake.
For souvenirs, Freida Mo’s offers enamel mugs, retro tin signs, and collectable vinyl records. Prices typically range from around £8 for small homewares to £25 for more unique or handcrafted pieces.