On my second day in Liverpool I joined a "Magical Mystery Tour" of Beatles sites, which leaves from the tourist office at the Albert Dock and runs a couple times daily. Thanks to the off-season, the bus wasn't even half full. The guide had an entertaining and informative spiel, and he played Beatles songs in between.
But most importantly for me, we got to see lots of sites I never could have made it to myself without a car: childhood homes, places that inspired songs, etc. I enjoyed it. The tour guide also sold a map of Beatles sites, and I used that to find several other places after the tour.
Departing
Birthplace of Ringo Starr
Childhood home of Paul McCartney. His bedroom was the small window over the door; the band practiced on the main floor, often in the bathroom for the acoustics.
Birthplace of George Harrison
John Lennon's house from 1945 to 1963.
Penny Lane
After the tour, my first stop was the Cavern Club, where the Beatles played 292 times between 1961 and 1963. It has unfortunately been reconstructed but using the same bricks on the same site, and it is becoming an important venue again with contemporary musicians.
Next I visited the table at The Grapes where the Beatles were once photographed. They often drank here after playing at the Cavern Club because the club did not serve alcohol.
A man was sitting at this table with a pint when I came in, and when he saw my camera and interest, he immediately moved to another table, saying he would get out of my way. I insisted he didn't have to, but it was nice to have it all clear for my photo. What a nice guy.
The Mount Pleasant Register Office, where John Lennon married Cynthia Powell on August 23, 1962. They married in secret with only a few witnesses, because the Beatles' manager feared the band would lose their appeal if they were married. Cynthia was pregnant with their son Julian Lennon when they married. I dragged my suitcase uphill in the rain to photograph this on my way to the train station! Good thing the door is a nice cheery yellow.