251 Menlove Avenue – John Lennon's Childhood Home
Step inside John Lennon’s childhood home, Mendips, where the Beatles’ legendary journey began in a preserved 1950s Liverpool house.
251 Menlove Avenue, known as Mendips, is the childhood home of John Lennon, preserved by the National Trust in Liverpool's Woolton suburb. This Grade II listed 1930s semi-detached house offers a rare glimpse into Lennon’s early life from 1945 to 1963, restored to its 1950s appearance. Visitors can explore the rooms where Lennon grew up, including his recreated bedroom adorned with period posters, reflecting the humble beginnings of one of music’s greatest icons.
A brief summary to 251 Menlove Avenue - John Lennon home
- 251 Menlove Ave, Liverpool, L25 7SA, GB
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book your National Trust tour in advance, as access inside Mendips is only possible through guided visits.
- Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the house to preserve the interiors.
- Visit nearby Paul McCartney’s childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road for a complementary Beatles experience.
- Listen carefully to the guided tour to learn about the personal stories and historical context behind the rooms.
- Plan your visit during mild weather to enjoy the surrounding Woolton suburb and nearby landmarks.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and Walking
Take a train to Liverpool South Parkway station, approximately 20 minutes from Liverpool city center. From there, it is a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride to 251 Menlove Avenue. Walking involves suburban pavements and is suitable for most visitors.
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Bus
Several local buses from Liverpool city center serve the Woolton area, with stops within a 10-minute walk of Mendips. Bus journeys take about 25 to 35 minutes. Check local schedules as service frequency varies, especially on weekends.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central Liverpool to 251 Menlove Avenue takes around 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. This is a convenient option if traveling with luggage or in a group, with fares typically ranging between £10 and £15.
251 Menlove Avenue - John Lennon home location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about 251 Menlove Avenue - John Lennon home
A Home Rooted in Liverpool’s Suburbia
Nestled in the leafy suburb of Woolton, 251 Menlove Avenue is a modest semi-detached house built in 1933. Known as Mendips, the residence was home to John Lennon from age five until he left in his early twenties. The house belonged to his Aunt Mimi and her husband George Smith, who took care of Lennon after his mother’s circumstances led to his relocation. This suburban home, with its typical mid-20th-century design, reflects the working-class environment that shaped Lennon’s formative years.Preserving the Beatles Legacy
The house was bought by Yoko Ono in 2002 and gifted to the National Trust, ensuring its preservation against demolition and speculative development. The National Trust restored Mendips to its 1950s condition, offering visitors an authentic experience of Lennon’s youth. The house is Grade II listed, recognizing its cultural and historical significance. Every year on the anniversary of Lennon’s death, the bedroom light is left on through the night as a poignant tribute.Inside the Rooms Where Music Began
Visitors to Mendips can see the recreated bedroom where Lennon listened to the radio and played guitar, surrounded by posters of Elvis Presley and Brigitte Bardot. The living room and kitchen evoke the everyday life of the Smith family, with furnishings and décor carefully chosen to reflect the era. A notable feature is the porch area, where Lennon and Paul McCartney once played guitars, benefiting from its natural echo. The house’s interior offers insight into the humble beginnings of the Beatles’ songwriting partnership.Historical Context and Nearby Memories
Just a short distance from Mendips is the site where Lennon’s mother Julia tragically died in 1958, a defining moment in his life. The house sits near 20 Forthlin Road, Paul McCartney’s childhood home, linking the two Beatles’ early stories. Mendips stands not only as a preserved home but as a symbol of the origins of one of the most influential bands in music history.Visiting Experience and Tour Details
Access to the interior is only possible via National Trust guided tours, which must be booked in advance. The tours provide detailed narratives about Lennon’s upbringing and the house’s significance. Photography inside is prohibited to protect the preservation efforts. The site is well-maintained and offers a quiet, reflective atmosphere for Beatles fans and history enthusiasts alike.Legacy Beyond the Walls
Mendips has inspired cultural references, including appearing on the sleeve of Oasis’ single “Live Forever” and lending its name to a posthumous John Lennon album. The house remains a pilgrimage site for music lovers worldwide, embodying the spirit of Lennon’s early creativity and the humble roots of a global phenomenon.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Eleanor Rigby Gravesite
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12 Arnold Grove
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Huskisson Memorial
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Red Brick Market Liverpool
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Baltic Market
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William MacKenzie's Tomb
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Mount Pleasant
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Evolution of Man Mural by Paul Curtis
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The Christmace Truce Memorial Statue - St Luke's Church
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St Luke’s Bombed Out Church
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Chinese Arch
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Quirky Quarter
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For All Liverpool's Liver Birds (Wings) by Paul Curtis
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Wade Smith Mural by Paul Curtis
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Wolstenholme Square
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A historic Georgian square reborn through art and regeneration, crowned by a vibrant public sculpture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Strawberry Field
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Explore the legendary Strawberry Field in Liverpool—John Lennon’s childhood sanctuary, Beatles heritage site, and vibrant community centre with gardens, café, and exhibition.
St Peter's Church
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Calderstones Park
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A historic 126-acre green oasis in Liverpool blending ancient heritage, Georgian architecture, botanical gardens, and vibrant community culture.
Woolton Village
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St Barnabas Penny Lane
2.6 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
2.6 km
Explore the legendary Penny Lane in Liverpool, a cultural gem featuring delightful pubs, historic charm, and a rich connection to The Beatles.
Sudley House
2.7 km
Discover Sudley House, Liverpool’s hidden Victorian gem with original art masterpieces and tranquil gardens in a historic merchant’s home.
The Penny Lane Shopping Centre
2.7 km
A vibrant community shopping centre in Liverpool’s L15, offering diverse stores, accessibility, and extended hours for a convenient retail experience.
Penny Ln
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Explore Penny Lane, Liverpool’s legendary street immortalized by The Beatles, where music history and local charm converge in a timeless tribute.
Sefton Park Palm House
3.6 km
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Sefton Park
3.8 km
Explore Sefton Park’s vast Victorian landscapes, iconic Palm House, serene lake, and rich cultural heritage in the heart of Liverpool.
National Trust - Speke Hall, Garden and Estate
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George Harrison's Childhood Home
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Wavertree Botanic Gardens
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Princes Park
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A historic Victorian park in Liverpool with serene lake views, vibrant sports facilities, and family-friendly playgrounds nestled in elegant surroundings.
Essential places to dine
Gustum Bar & Restaurant
2.2 km
A vibrant grill and Mediterranean restaurant on Liverpool’s Rose Lane, blending bold flavors with warm hospitality in a lively urban setting.
Spire
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5 Fifty Bistro
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Belzan
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The Art School Restaurant
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The Quarter
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The London Carriage Works
6.5 km
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Roski Restaurant
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An intimate Modern British dining experience in Liverpool, blending MasterChef-winning creativity with seasonal elegance and warm hospitality.
Chamber 36 City Centre
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Discover vibrant Pan-Asian flavors and crafted cocktails in a serene, stylish setting at Liverpool’s Chamber 36 City Centre.
Cowshed Liverpool
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A cozy, intimate steakhouse in Liverpool’s city centre, serving expertly cooked beef with attentive service and a unique historic setting.
Camp and Furnace
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Industrial charm meets vibrant nightlife at Camp and Furnace, Liverpool’s premier restaurant, bar, and live events venue.
Restaurants Liverpool
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Authentic Italian cuisine meets Liverpool’s creative Baltic Triangle in a stylish, welcoming setting perfect for casual daytime dining.
MumsKitchen Liverpool
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Maray Bold Street
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Manifest Restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Penny Lane Emporium
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Larks
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Discover unique vintage fashion, gifts, and homeware in a vibrant, bohemian shop nestled in Liverpool’s iconic Lark Lane.
Number 13
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Discover unique gifts and local charm at Number 13, a welcoming boutique on Liverpool’s vibrant Lark Lane.
Lark Lane Gallery
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Discover unique gifts and local art in the heart of Liverpool’s bohemian Lark Lane at Lark Lane Gallery.
Liverpool Cathedral Shop
6.5 km
Discover unique gifts and spiritual treasures at Liverpool Cathedral Shop, supporting heritage and community within Britain’s largest cathedral.
Unique Fashion Boutique
6.6 km
Discover exclusive ladies' fashion and accessories in a cozy Liverpool boutique known for personalized style and unique collections.
Ingraved Alternative Gift Store
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Discover unique, handcrafted gifts and art in Liverpool’s vibrant Red Brick Market at Ingraved Alternative Gift Store.
The Liverpool Crystal Shop
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Gift Insanity
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69A
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Pop Boutique
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Albert Dock Mini Market (previously named Hajaj General Super Store)
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Shared Earth
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Pen Factory
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The Tank Room
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Arts Bar Baltic
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Red Door
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Botanical Garden
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The Oracle
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Salt Dog Slim's
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Yard
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Bar Bodega
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Hobo Kiosk
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The Duck and Swagger
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MOLOKO
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Blue Angel Nightclub
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Cool It
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Pure Nightlounge
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Heebie Jeebies
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EBGBS
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BrooklynMixer
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Ink Bar Liverpool
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Aura
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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
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Supper Club at Blundell Street
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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.
Concert Square Bars And Clubs Liverpool
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Modo, Liverpool
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LEVEL Nightclub Liverpool
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ELECTRIK WAREHOUSE
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Popworld - Liverpool
7.3 km
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Cultural Heritage
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly