Strawberry Field and the original Victorian house were gifted to The Salvation Army in 1934. In 1936 it was opened as a children’s home for girls later accepting boys. From then on, for nearly 70 years, it gave some of Liverpool’s most vulnerable children a refuge from turmoil and unhappiness – a safe, calm and spiritual home.
It was on these grounds that a young John Lennon, before Beatles fame, came to play, reflect and escape the post-War streets of Woolton. Those days spent playing in The Salvation Army grounds shaped him and inspired his work within the Beatles as an adult. Strawberry Field was later immortalised in the famous song, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever,’ where he explored those more innocent days of escape that could counter the later complexities of a life lived in the public gaze.
General Admission
Strawberry Field, the award-winning Liverpool heritage attraction focuses on wellbeing, nature and responsible tourism, and is forever renowned as the place where John Lennon found solace as a child playing in the gardens.
The site comprises an interactive visitor exhibition (media guide/languages), the historic peaceful gardens with the original iconic red gates, Imagine More café and shop. Visitors discover the history of The Salvation Army and its children’s home at Strawberry Field, John Lennon’s childhood and the writing and recording of the famous song, as told by John’s close friends and family. At the heart of the exhibition is John Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ piano, on long loan from the George Michael estate. All profits go towards funding the ‘Steps at Strawberry Field’ programmes. These programmes support local adults with learning difficulties and other barriers to work, gain access to employment skills, work experience and, ultimately, paid employment. Ideal as first or last stop on Liverpool city tour.
Strawberry Field offers the visitor a thought-provoking tour of the gardens John Lennon knew and loved; a place where he could escape the problems of his young life.
The benefits of spending time in fresh air and with nature, are a bonus for all types of visitor, whatever their reason for coming to Liverpool. Explore, unwind and dream in the place, which inspired one of the 20th century’s greatest songwriters.
SCHEDULE: Daily
CLOSURES: 25-26/12 and 01/01
COMPLIMENTARY POLICY:
One free place for Tour Leader/guide with a minimum 10 paying pax. Free hot drink for the driver.
NOTES:
Admission includes media audio guide available in English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Mandarin and Spanish.
Local coach parking is available. Visitors can be dropped off via a lay-by at the gate, however, coaches must park elsewhere.
We recommend driving down Beaconsfield Road, turning left at the traffic lights and continuing down Menlove Avenue past the residential area, 400 yards on the left.
All groups must be pre-booked.
