Heritage Open Days: Strawberry Field

About

Strawberry Field, where young John Lennon often played, is now home to an interactive visitor centre with exhibition & garden tour. 5 years since opening, Strawberry Field is opening the iconic gates to all, with free entry on the anniversary weekend

Strawberry Field, the site immortalised by John Lennon in The Beatles hit, ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’, opened its iconic red gates to the public for the first time five years ago. Previously the site of a Salvation Army children’s home where the young John Lennon played in the grounds, it now serves as a unique addition to Beatles tourism. Complete with a visitor exhibition, café, shop, gardens and, at its heart, ‘Steps at Strawberry Field’. Winner of the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2023 at Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards!

Through the media-guided exhibition and garden tour, visitors can learn more about the history of the site; including stories from the former children’s home and about how John came to write the famous song. Visitors can also see the upright Steinway piano on which John Lennon composed and recorded ‘Imagine’. The media-guided tour continues into the gardens where John played as a child. Visitors can enjoy this place where John could escape the problems of his young life and see the original red gates and the striking new Strawberry Field bandstand.

The Imagine More café is a place to socialise and enjoy locally-sourced dishes. Visitors can browse the giftshop which stocks a range of unique merchandise.

Responsible tourism is at the heart of Strawberry Field. Profits from the visitor experience go towards funding Steps at Strawberry Field, a series of programmes empowering people with learning difficulties or other barriers to employment.