Made famous by the Beatles song, Penny Lane is lined with shops and small businesses. Before the Beatles hit the big time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney used to catch the bus from here. Some of the places name-checked in the lyrics—such as the shelter in the middle of the roundabout and the barbershop—can still be seen today.
The Basics
Penny Lane is a popular pilgrimage site for Beatles fans who come to see the real-life inspiration behind the English band’s 1967 hit. Visitors often go as part of Beatles tours of Liverpool, which typically take in other sights associated with the Fab Four, such as The Beatles Story, The Cavern Club, and Strawberry Field. Penny Lane also features as part of multi-day tours of Liverpool and Manchester from Bournemouth and Brighton.
Things to Know Before you Go
- Penny Lane is a must for music lovers and Beatles fans.
- Wear comfortable shoes so you can explore the nearby Sefton Park, a historic recreation space just a short stroll away from Penny Lane.
- There are several spots to grab a bite to eat on Penny Lane, including pubs and a fish and chip shop.
How to Get There
Penny Lane is situated in the Mossley Hill area of Liverpool, England. Several regular bus routes, including the 75, 80, 80A, 86, 86A, and 86C, all run from the city center to stops near Penny Lane.
When to Get There
Penny Lane is best seen on a sunny summer day, when you can take your time people-watching. Avoid traveling there during morning and afternoon rush hours (around 7:30–9:30am, and 5–6:30pm) as traffic can be bad at this time.
Following the Beatles Trail in Liverpool
Penny Lane is just one of numerous Beatles sights in Liverpool. Fans of the Fab Four may also want to check out Strawberry Field, the site that inspired one of the band’s biggest hits; The Beatles Story on Albert Dock, whose memorabilia-packed exhibitions track the band’s rise to fame; and the Casbah Coffee Club, where The Quarrymen—an early Ringo-free lineup of the band—played many of their early gigs.
