Let me take you down… to Liverpool!

I’ve dreamt of this moment basically my entire life. When I was a little girl, discovering the Beatles, I never in my whole life imagined that I’d ever visit this city, let alone as a solo female traveller. I’m so damn proud of myself and all that I’ve accomplished so far on this trip. It has truly been the trip of a lifetime and I did it all by myself. Hell yeah, Pamcakes!

I felt like London zapped all the energy out of me, so when I arrived in Liverpool, I felt like a new person. I was reenergized and ready to take on the world. With a pep in my step and gobs of sweat trickling down every inch of my body, I began the 15 minute walk to my hotel. Located next to the iconic Mathew Street (home of the Cavern Club) sits the only Beatles themed hotel in Liverpool, “The Hard Days Night Hotel.”

I arrived an hour before check in time looking like a mound of melted wax. The gentleman at reception literally looked me up and down and said (with a look of disgust and pity), “Normally check in is 3pm but….” and pointed at my face. He continued saying, “I’ll make an exception for all this.” I laughed and replied, “What do you mean? I look great. I’m glistening!” We chuckled together and I was in! Let me tell you, this hotel is amazeballs. If you are a Beatles fan, you HAVE to check it out. Everywhere you look, you are treated to pictures of the Fab Four, statues, and other unique pieces of memorabilia. Beatles tunes are played continuously throughout the lobby and the in house bar often has Beatles themed drink specials! The spiral staircase stretching all the way to the top floor, offers glimpses of the Beatles spanning over 50 years in Liverpool. What a freaking delight. My room was on the third floor and was quite the maze to get to. I’m not going to lie, I definitely got lost more than once. Once inside though, I was in for quite the surprise. I had a corner room overlooking Mathew Street where live music had already begun. Heaven. A large piece of artwork featuring John Lennon was displayed over the bed. The special, little touches that the hotel offered really created a truly, Beatles experience.

I quickly showered and freshened up before heading out for some ‘splorin. I made sure to stop by reception to show them that I do indeed, clean up nicely. We both had a good laugh.

I walked over to the Royal Albert Dock and checked in to collect my ticket. Moments later there it was. Pulling up in front of me was a large bus decked out in psychedelic swirls of color labeled Magical Mystery Tour. I could barely contain my excitement as I boarded the bus and made sure to grab a seat up front. Nerd. When everyone had boarded, the music began, “Roll up! Roll up for the Mystery Tour!” Tears of happiness filled my eyes.

The roughly two hour tour navigated the streets of Liverpool while the guide pointed out the childhood homes of the four lads from Liverpool and the iconic sights from Penny Lane, Strawberry Fields Forever, and Eleanor Rigby, to name a few, all the while playing Beatles tunes over the speaker. The tour ended back at Mathew Street where we had access to the famous Cavern Club. So, so cool. What history!

I meandered down the street, taking in all the live music as I passed various bars and clubs. Venue after venue, featured musicians playing their hearts out and entertaining the crowds. I strolled the neighboring streets and spied an Eleanor Rigby statue. “All the lonely people…” I popped a squat with my girl before grabbing a pint at Rubber Soul, a Beatles bar back on Mathew Street, and just took it all in. I was getting hungry which was good because it was just about time for dinner. I had a reservation at the Beatles themed restaurant back at the hotel. Fish and chips whilst listening to the Beatles? Don’t mind if I do! With a full belly, it was time to grab a pint and listen to some live music. I had heard some great music from my hotel room window so I went out in search of the musician. He was just steps away at the bar next door! I ordered my drink and grabbed one of the last available seats to watch his performance. I wish I got his name, I would love to hear what he’s been up to since that magical evening. Before long, it was time to head back to my room and hit the hay. “Golden slumbers fill your eyes!”