George Harrison's Childhood Home
Where George Harrison learned guitar and The Beatles rehearsed in a modest Speke living room.
Step into the intimate world of George Harrison at 25 Upton Green, the Speke home where the quiet Beatle lived from 1950 to 1962. This modest council house served as both family residence and early rehearsal space for The Quarrymen, the band that evolved into The Beatles. Now open for guided tours, visitors can explore the rooms where George's musicianship flourished alongside Paul McCartney, stand in the living room where the band rehearsed, and experience the authentic atmosphere of a working-class Liverpool home that shaped one of music's greatest legacies.
A brief summary to George Harrison's Childhood Home
- 25 Upton Grn, Liverpool, Speke, L24 2UL, GB
- Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Advance booking is essential due to limited group sizes on guided tours. Book well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and school holidays.
- Tours last approximately 1.5 hours and are delivered in small, intimate groups. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll explore all rooms of the house, including upstairs bedrooms.
- The house is preserved as an authentic family home rather than a museum, so respect the intimate atmosphere and the fact that this remains a residential neighbourhood. Be considerate of local residents.
- Combine your visit with other nearby Beatles sites: Strawberry Field, Penny Lane, Paul McCartney's home at 20 Forthlin Road, and John Lennon's Mendips are all accessible from Speke.
- Photography and video are permitted throughout the property, making this an excellent opportunity to capture Beatles history. The blue plaque outside is a popular photo spot.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Bus from Liverpool City Centre
From Liverpool city centre, take bus routes 86 or 86A heading towards Speke. Journey time is approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. Alight at the Upton Green stop. The house is a short walk from the bus stop in a residential neighbourhood. Single fare costs approximately £2.00–£2.50. Buses run regularly throughout the day, though frequency is higher during morning and evening peak hours.
-
Car from Liverpool City Centre
From Liverpool city centre, drive south via A561 towards Speke, approximately 6 miles. Journey time is typically 20–30 minutes in light traffic but can extend to 45 minutes during peak hours. Street parking is available on Upton Green and surrounding residential streets, though spaces can be limited during busy periods. Respect local residents and avoid blocking driveways. There is no dedicated car park at the property.
-
Train and Bus Combination
Take a train from Liverpool Lime Street to Liverpool South Parkway station (approximately 10 minutes). From the station, walk to the nearby bus stop and take bus route 86 or 86A towards Speke (approximately 10–15 minutes). Total journey time is roughly 30–40 minutes. This option is convenient if arriving from outside the city or staying near the train station.
-
Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-share services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Liverpool. Journey time from the city centre to 25 Upton Green is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated cost is £12–£18 from the city centre. This is the most direct option if you prefer not to navigate public transport or if travelling with luggage.
George Harrison's Childhood Home location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about George Harrison's Childhood Home
A Home That Shaped a Beatle
25 Upton Green stands as a modest but historically significant council house in the Speke district of Liverpool, located six miles south of the city centre. Built as part of the ambitious Speke Estate housing scheme initiated in the late 1930s, the house became the Harrison family home in January 1950 when George was just shy of his seventh birthday. For twelve formative years, until late 1962, this two-storey terraced property served as the backdrop for George Harrison's transformation from a curious young boy into a founding member of The Beatles. The house itself embodies the post-war optimism of Liverpool's social housing programme, designed to provide quality accommodation for working-class families. George's father, Harold, worked as a bus conductor, while his mother, Louise, was a shop assistant—occupations that placed the family squarely within the aspirational working class that the Speke Estate was built to serve.The Rehearsal Space That Changed Music History
What makes 25 Upton Green extraordinary is its role as an incubator of musical genius. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, the living room became an informal but crucial rehearsal space. George and Paul McCartney, who lived nearby at 72 Western Avenue before moving to 12 Ardwick Road, would meet on the school bus journey to Liverpool Institute and later gather at Upton Green to play music together. They had met as teenagers commuting from Speke to their grammar school in the city centre, and their musical partnership flourished in this modest front room. The Quarrymen, the skiffle and rock and roll band that John Lennon had formed, eventually evolved into The Silver Beatles and then The Beatles—and crucial early rehearsals took place within these walls. It was here that George's musicianship developed rapidly, first as a self-taught guitarist mastering skiffle and early rock and roll, then alongside Lennon and McCartney as the three began to forge the harmonies and arrangements that would define the most successful band in history. The instruments still present in the house today stand as silent witnesses to those formative jam sessions.Living History in an Authentic Family Home
Unlike traditional museums, 25 Upton Green has been preserved with deliberate authenticity as a lived-in family space rather than a sterile exhibition. Original features remain intact, including the green and white kitchen unit from the Harrison era and the original bathroom fixtures. The back garden features a mural tribute to George's later album 'All Things Must Pass,' connecting his childhood home to his solo career. Visitors can stand in the living room where The Quarrymen rehearsed, climb the stairs to George's bedroom where he practised guitar in solitude, and experience the domestic intimacy of a 1950s working-class Liverpool home. The house captures the texture of everyday life—the narrow hallways, modest proportions, and close quarters that characterised post-war council housing. For George Harrison, this home represented both constraint and opportunity: constraint in its modest size and working-class circumstances, but opportunity in the creative energy that flourished within its walls.Speke and the Roots of The Beatles
The Speke Estate itself played a crucial role in The Beatles' story. Designed by Liverpool's visionary City Architect Lancelot Keay, Speke was conceived not merely as housing but as a planned community that would foster social cohesion across class boundaries. The estate's location, six miles south of Liverpool's centre, placed it at a remove from the city's older working-class neighbourhoods, yet it remained connected by bus routes that would carry young George and Paul to their grammar school. The proximity of the Harrison and McCartney families in Speke—living within walking distance of each other—created the geographical and social conditions for their meeting and collaboration. The area's character as a modern, planned community of aspiring working-class families created an environment where musical ambition could take root. George attended Dovedale Primary School before progressing to Liverpool Institute, the same prestigious grammar school as Paul McCartney, a testament to both boys' academic ability and their families' aspirations.From Private Home to Public Heritage
For decades, 25 Upton Green remained a private residence, known to Beatles enthusiasts but inaccessible to the public. The opening of the house for guided tours in 2025 represents a significant addition to Liverpool's Beatles heritage landscape. While John Lennon's childhood homes (Mendips in Woolton and his aunt's house) and Paul McCartney's homes (20 Forthlin Road in Allerton) have long been managed by the National Trust and open to visitors, George Harrison's story remained less publicly accessible despite his equal importance to the band's formation and early sound. The house can now be experienced through scheduled guided tours delivered in small, intimate groups, allowing visitors to move through the same spaces where George learned guitar, where The Quarrymen rehearsed, and where the foundations of Beatlemania were quietly laid. The restoration and opening of this home ensures that all four Beatles—including the often-overlooked 'quiet Beatle'—now have publicly accessible childhood homes that tell the story of their origins.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eleanor Rigby Gravesite
4.2 km
Visit the poignant gravesite of Eleanor Rigby, the real-life inspiration behind The Beatles’ haunting song, nestled in historic Woolton churchyard.
12 Arnold Grove
8.2 km
The humble Victorian birthplace of George Harrison, where The Beatles' quiet genius began his extraordinary journey.
Huskisson Memorial
10.8 km
A solemn mausoleum in Liverpool honoring William Huskisson, the first prominent victim of a railway accident and a figure of complex historical legacy.
Red Brick Market Liverpool
10.8 km
Discover the eclectic charm of Red Brick Market in Liverpool, a hub for local crafts, delicious street food, and vibrant community events.
St James Memorial Cemetery
11.0 km
Uncover the tranquil beauty and historical significance of St James Memorial Cemetery, a hidden gem in Liverpool, perfect for reflection and exploration.
Evolution of Man Mural by Paul Curtis
11.1 km
Discover the Evolution of Man Mural in Liverpool, a stunning street art piece that captures the journey of humanity through vibrant colors and intricate details.
Norton Water Tower
11.1 km
A majestic Victorian water tower in Runcorn, blending historic engineering with enduring utility and striking red sandstone architecture.
Liverpool Masonic Hall
11.1 km
Experience the grandeur of Liverpool Masonic Hall, a historic gem showcasing the city’s rich Masonic heritage and stunning architectural design.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral
11.1 km
Modernist Catholic cathedral with iconic Crown of Glass lantern, circular design, and masterpiece stained glass by John Piper.
William MacKenzie's Tomb
11.2 km
Explore the tranquil beauty and historical significance of William MacKenzie's Tomb in Liverpool, a must-visit destination for history and nature lovers.
Chinese Arch
11.2 km
Europe’s tallest Chinese ceremonial arch, a vibrant gateway to Liverpool’s historic Chinatown and symbol of enduring cultural ties with Shanghai.
For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings) by Paul Curtis
11.2 km
Explore the vibrant artwork 'For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings)' by Paul Curtis, a celebration of Liverpool's maritime heritage and cultural identity.
Mount Pleasant
11.2 km
Explore the heart of Liverpool, a city rich in maritime history, vibrant culture, and the legendary birthplace of The Beatles.
The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
11.3 km
A powerful tribute to the 1914 Christmas Truce, set within Liverpool’s evocative Bombed Out Church, symbolizing peace and unity amid war.
St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
11.3 km
A roofless Gothic memorial where wartime tragedy transformed into cultural renaissance and timeless celebration.
Unmissable attractions to see
National Trust - Speke Hall, Garden and Estate
2.6 km
Tudor heritage meets natural beauty on the Mersey—a historic estate where gardens, woodland, and riverside walks inspire discovery.
Woolton Village
4.0 km
Historic Woolton Village blends medieval roots, Victorian charm, and Beatles heritage in a tranquil Liverpool suburb.
St Peter's Church
4.3 km
Historic 18th-century Church of England parish church in Liverpool, a landmark of architectural variety and community heritage.
251 Menlove Avenue - John Lennon home
4.8 km
Explore the restored 1950s childhood home of John Lennon in Liverpool, where the Beatles’ legend began and history still resonates.
Strawberry Field
5.2 km
Explore the legendary Strawberry Field in Liverpool—John Lennon’s childhood sanctuary, Beatles heritage site, and vibrant community centre with gardens, café, and exhibition.
Calderstones Park
5.7 km
A historic 126-acre green oasis in Liverpool blending ancient heritage, Georgian architecture, botanical gardens, and vibrant community culture.
Runcorn Hill Park
6.5 km
A historic sandstone quarry turned scenic park offering panoramic views, family-friendly facilities, and a peaceful retreat in Runcorn.
Sudley House
6.6 km
Discover Sudley House, Liverpool’s hidden Victorian gem with original art masterpieces and tranquil gardens in a historic merchant’s home.
Chester Attractions Partnership
6.8 km
Your welcoming gateway to Chester’s history, tours, and local insights, located in the iconic Town Hall.
Catalyst
6.9 km
Explore chemistry and science hands-on at Catalyst, Widnes’ interactive museum with stunning Mersey views and rich industrial heritage.
National Waterways Museum Ellesmere Port
7.1 km
Explore Britain’s rich canal heritage through historic boats, interactive exhibits, and scenic docklands at Ellesmere Port’s National Waterways Museum.
Spike Island
7.2 km
A serene riverside park in Widnes offering flat walking trails, vibrant wildlife, and a welcoming café in a unique artificial island setting.
St Barnabas Penny Lane
7.3 km
Discover the enchanting St Barnabas Penny Lane in Liverpool, a vibrant church and live music venue rich with history and cultural significance.
The Penny Lane
7.3 km
Explore the legendary Penny Lane in Liverpool, a cultural gem featuring delightful pubs, historic charm, and a rich connection to The Beatles.
Penny Ln
7.4 km
Explore Penny Lane, Liverpool’s legendary street immortalized by The Beatles, where music history and local charm converge in a timeless tribute.
Essential places to dine
5 Fifty Bistro
5.8 km
A cozy, intimate bistro on Aigburth Road serving refined European-inspired dishes in a warm, welcoming setting.
Gustum Bar & Restaurant
6.6 km
A vibrant grill and Mediterranean restaurant on Liverpool’s Rose Lane, blending bold flavors with warm hospitality in a lively urban setting.
Spire
7.3 km
Modern European dining with seasonal creativity and a plush, welcoming atmosphere in Liverpool’s vibrant Wavertree district.
Belzan
8.4 km
A lively Liverpool bistro blending seasonal British small plates, natural wines, and warm hospitality in a vibrant neighbourhood setting.
Restaurant Next Door
9.0 km
Intimate modern British dining in a historic 17th-century timber-framed building with seasonal, locally sourced menus and expert wine pairings.
Mowgli Street Food Cheshire Oaks
9.1 km
Authentic Indian street food bursting with vibrant flavours, served in a welcoming and lively setting at Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village.
Miller & Carter Cheshire
9.3 km
Savor expertly aged British steaks and vibrant bar dining in the heart of Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port’s premier steakhouse destination.
Las Iguanas - Cheshire Oaks
9.4 km
Experience vibrant Latin American flavors and cocktails in a lively, family-friendly setting at Las Iguanas, Cheshire Oaks.
The Art School Restaurant
10.9 km
Elegant fine dining in a stunning Victorian setting near Hope Street, blending local ingredients with artistic culinary flair.
The Quarter
10.9 km
Vibrant Mediterranean dining with fresh Italian flavours in Liverpool’s historic Georgian Quarter, open daily till late.
The London Carriage Works
11.0 km
Historic elegance meets refined British cuisine in Liverpool’s boutique Hope Street Hotel dining gem.
The Philharmonic Dining Rooms
11.0 km
A Grade I-listed Victorian gem serving classic British fare in one of England's most ornate pubs.
The Cheshire Yeoman
11.0 km
A warm, family-run country pub in Ellesmere Port serving traditional British dishes in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Camp and Furnace
11.1 km
Industrial charm meets vibrant nightlife at Camp and Furnace, Liverpool’s premier restaurant, bar, and live events venue.
MumsKitchen Liverpool
11.2 km
Savor the essence of Liverpool at MumsKitchen—where fresh ingredients meet flavorful takeaway meals.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Penny Lane Emporium
7.5 km
Discover unique vintage treasures and antiques in a warm, nostalgic setting at Liverpool’s Penny Lane Emporium.
The Port Arcades Shopping Centre
8.4 km
A central shopping hub in Ellesmere Port offering diverse stores and a traditional market in a covered, accessible setting.
Larks
8.4 km
Discover unique vintage fashion, gifts, and homeware in a vibrant, bohemian shop nestled in Liverpool’s iconic Lark Lane.
Number 13
8.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local charm at Number 13, a welcoming boutique on Liverpool’s vibrant Lark Lane.
Lark Lane Gallery
8.4 km
Discover unique gifts and local art in the heart of Liverpool’s bohemian Lark Lane at Lark Lane Gallery.
Unique Fashion Boutique
10.9 km
Discover exclusive ladies' fashion and accessories in a cozy Liverpool boutique known for personalized style and unique collections.
Ingraved Alternative Gift Store
10.9 km
Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and art in Liverpool’s vibrant Red Brick Market at Ingraved Alternative Gift Store.
The Liverpool Crystal Shop
10.9 km
Discover shimmering crystals and healing gems in Liverpool's edgy Red Brick Market, where Baltic Triangle creativity meets earth's ancient energies.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
10.9 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
Albert Dock Mini Market (previously named Hajaj General Super Store)
11.2 km
Discover local flavors and convenience at Albert Dock Mini Market, the heart of Liverpool’s grocery shopping, offering a vibrant selection for every traveler.
Gift Insanity
11.2 km
Discover Liverpool’s most delightful gift shop, where quirky and unique treasures await every occasion on St James Street.
Pop Boutique
11.4 km
Explore Pop Boutique in Liverpool for unique vintage clothing treasures that reflect timeless style and local creativity.
69A
11.4 km
Discover unique antiques and vintage treasures in Liverpool’s vibrant Renshaw Street at 69A, where history meets style.
The Hippy Hole
11.4 km
Discover handmade tie-dye fashion and bohemian treasures bursting with color and spirit on Liverpool’s vibrant Bold Street.
Shared Earth
11.5 km
Discover unique, sustainable gifts at Shared Earth, Liverpool’s hub for fair trade treasures and ethical craftsmanship.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Under the oak bar
9.3 km
Cozy bar retreat in Ellesmere Port’s Cheshire Oaks, blending local ales, live music, and a friendly atmosphere for shoppers and visitors alike.
The Tank Room
10.9 km
Liverpool's ruin bar in a fermentation tank: tank-fresh beers, live music, cocktails, and industrial quirk in Cains Brewery Village.
The Font
11.0 km
A lively Liverpool bar famed for cheap cocktails, homemade burgers, and a welcoming atmosphere since 2001.
The Pen Factory
11.0 km
Industrial-chic bistro bar on Liverpool’s Hope Street with seasonal small plates, lively atmosphere, and a popular beer garden.
Arts Bar Baltic
11.1 km
A studio‑style café by day and intimate music-and-art bar by night in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle.
Liverpool Arts Bar
11.1 km
A vibrant creative hub in a historic Masonic Hall, blending local art, live performances, and crafted drinks on Liverpool’s iconic Hope Street.
Botanical Garden
11.1 km
A plant‑filled, seasonal outdoor bar in the Baltic Triangle specialising in gin, street food and relaxed live music under festoon lights.
Yard
11.2 km
Container bar buzz in Liverpool's creative Baltic Triangle – craft drinks, street art vibes, and industrial cool await.
Red Door
11.3 km
A lively cocktail bar on Berry Street offering expertly crafted drinks, vibrant music, and a buzzing rooftop atmosphere in the heart of Liverpool.
Berry and Rye
11.3 km
Knock to uncover Liverpool's speakeasy soul: jazz-infused cocktails, whiskey whispers, and Prohibition magic behind Berry Street's black door.
The Oracle
11.3 km
Liverpool's secret speakeasy where cocktails meet close-up magic—buzz in for illusions, tarot, and vintage vibes that defy reality.
Hobo Kiosk
11.3 km
Liverpool's tiniest, quirkiest pub: vintage chaos, craft pours, and community vibes in the Baltic Triangle's creative heart.
Salt Dog Slim's
11.3 km
Liverpool's dive bar legend: world beers, fiery cocktails, chili dogs, and secret speakeasy vibes on Seel Street.
The Duck and Swagger
11.3 km
Cozy Baltic Triangle pub serving hearty scouse, all-day brekkies, and local ales in multi-roomed splendor—Liverpool's welcoming hidden gem.
Love Lane Brewery, Bar and Kitchen
11.4 km
Discover the heart of Liverpool's brewing scene at Love Lane Brewery, where craft beers meet delicious food in a lively atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Establishment
7.3 km
A vibrant Widnes nightclub offering lively events, friendly staff, and a spacious venue for unforgettable nights out.
The Blue Angel Nightclub
11.3 km
Liverpool's dingy dive for 60s rock legends, dirt-cheap drinks, and sweaty throwback dances—where The Beatles once rocked and students still rage till dawn.
Cool It
11.4 km
A multi-level, student-friendly nightclub on Seel Street offering loud DJ nights, bargain entry and packed late‑night dancefloors.
Pure Nightlounge
11.4 km
Liverpool’s boutique R&B nightspot with VIP booths, tight dancefloor energy and a late-night, fashion-forward vibe.
Heebie Jeebies
11.4 km
Liverpool's eclectic nightlife heart: multi-level bar, live music basement, courtyard hangs, and anthemic nights until dawn on Seel Street.
EBGBS
11.4 km
Liverpool's gritty basement nightclub where live indie gigs, craft cocktails, and underground vibes fuel epic nights until 4am in the heart of Seel Street.
Supper Club at Blundell Street
11.5 km
Liverpool's ultimate supper club: fuel up on hearty meals, then dance the night away to drag shows, tributes, and non-stop hits near Echo Arena.
BrooklynMixer
11.5 km
Liverpool's original R&B haven on Seel Street: three floors of hip-hop beats, craft cocktails, leather lounges, and private party vibes from dusk till dawn.
Ink Bar Liverpool
11.5 km
Liverpool's premier R&B and house nightclub, where stylish cocktails, thumping beats, and luxury vibes fuel unforgettable nights on Wood Street.
Aura
11.6 km
Dive into Liverpool's pulsating beats at Aura Nightclub, where Afrobeats and R&B fuel intimate, high-energy nights in Ropewalks' vibrant core.
Baa Bar Liverpool
11.6 km
Two floors of house and R&B beats, £2 shooters, and courtyard vibes in Liverpool's nightlife epicenter—perfect for students and party-hoppers alike.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
11.7 km
Discover the energetic nightlife of Liverpool at Concert Square Bars and Clubs, where diverse bars and clubs create an unforgettable experience.
Modo, Liverpool
11.7 km
Liverpool's Concert Square legend: multi-room nightclub with cocktails, sports screens, heated terrace, and epic party spaces for every vibe.
LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
11.7 km
Liverpool’s expansive multi-floor nightclub offering diverse music, VIP areas, and a buzzing party atmosphere in the heart of Ropewalks.
ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
11.7 km
Liverpool's multi-floor warehouse nightclub: three dance floors of dance, RnB, indie, and chart hits in quirky industrial surrounds, open Thu-Sat till 4am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
