Although the Fab Four hail from Liverpool, I get a lot of guests on my tours who are keen to get walk in the footsteps of the Beatles while they are here in London.
So I've put together this post which includes a self-guided tour of Beatles London sights as well as a list of guided tour options.
I've organised the list by neighbourhood so that if you are exploring London one neighbourhood at a time, you can easily check out a few significant Beatles locales during your outing.
But, you can, of course, visit all the sights in one day.
We routinely take guests on Beatles cab tours that include nearly all of these sites in one, long and epic tour.
If you decide to follow my list all in one go, this will take you about a half-day - depending on how much time you’d like to spend at each location and mode of travel.
From recording studios to concert venues, shops to roof-top performances, there is plenty here to see if you know where to look, so let's rock n roll!
Or, you can spend 45 minutes with Sinead, my colleague and a guide with Tours by Foot London on a virtual tour version:
SOHO
Soho is a London nightlife hot spot for both tourists and locals.
I am willing to bet that you will spend some time in Soho on your visit to London.
If you aren't planning on it, I definitely recommend a visit! It's a vibrant neighbourhood with lots of rock and roll history.
So naturally, we make visit several of the below Beatles' locales during our Rock N Roll London Tour so come explore it with us!
Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club - 47 Frith Street, London W1D 4HT (map)
A legend on the London music scene, Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club sits in the heart of Soho.
Located in the heart of Soho, Scott’s has been hosting ground-breaking concerts since it’s creation in 1959 and has helped launched the careers of dozens of world-famous musical acts.
This is probably the place on this list that I visit the most and one of my most-recommended locations for visitors on my tours.
Not only did the Beatles play here, but it was Ronnie Scott himself who played the saxophone solo on the Beatles hit 'Lady Madonna.'
Bag O’Nails - 9 Kingley Street (map)
Opened originally in 1965, this was a hot-spot for musicians to meet and play until the club closed its doors to the public in 1968.
Paul McCartney was a frequent visitor of The Bag O’Nails (he actually had his own private table!) and on the 15th of May in 1967 it was here that he met his future wife, Linda.
I am sad to report, however, that this legendary locale closed in 2018.
It's now a private members club called The Court, which I have yet to visit.
However, I do still tell Beatles fans to come by as there is a charming plaque in the doorway that commemorates the date that Paul and Linda met, which I think is so lovely!
MPL Communications - 1 Soho Square (map)
MPL Communications is the name of Paul McCartney’s music publishing company.
Their headquarters are here at Number 1 Soho Square.
Founded in 1970 by McCartney himself, MPL Communications not only manages work by Paul but also owns copyrights for dozens of artists, including huge names like Buddy Holly.
I also think it's worth mentioning that they own the rights to solo recordings by Ringo Starr and John Lennon, too.
Although you can't go inside the building, I like to have this on my list as I think it's a great 'next chapter' of the Beatles story and the frontage is also unique among the other buildings in the area.
Former Blue Gardenia Club - 20 St. Anne's Court (map)
Tucked away in a small Soho alley is the location of the former Blue Gardenia Club.
(As well as KöD Soho, which is one of my favourite steakhouses in the city, just as a side note.)
Although no longer standing, legend has it that this is where the Beatles held their first-ever London performance!
According to the story, the concert was impromptu (their van driver that evening knew the club would still be open late into the night and might have an empty stage that needed filling), and not all four Beatles were present – George Harrison was at home with the flu!
If true, this would make it the first performance in London for the Fab Four.
But, it is said that they earned absolutely no money that evening - since in December of 1961 they were still completely unknown!
Trident Recording Studios - 17 St. Anne's Court (map)
For a lot of my guests, this is the highlight of the tour as it was in this unassuming building sits the recording studios where numerous hits were put down on vinyl.
The Beatles recorded various songs here including Hey Jude, Martha My Dear, Dear Prudence, Honey Pie, Savoy Truffle, I Want You (She’s so Heavy).
Separately, Ringo Starr, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney all recorded music here in their respective solo careers.
Also, I am a huge fan of David Bowie and Elton John, who both recorded here as well so it's always a beloved stop on my Soho tours.
Read more about Trident Recording Studios on this blog post I wrote that features all the huge names who utilised these studios.
The Prince of Wales Theatre - Coventry Street (map)
The only reason I have been to the Prince of Wales Theatre recently is because this is where the Book of Mormon has been playing for the last 11 years.
But for Beatles fans, there is another reason to visit...
At the 1963 Royal Variety Show – with both Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret in the audience – the Beatles performed a number of their recent hits.
But, more famous than the concert, was the introduction of their final number Twist and Shout by John Lennon, who took to the stage and announced, “For our last number, I’d like to ask your help.
For the people in the cheaper seats, clap your hands. And the rest of you, if you’d just rattle your jewelry.”
After giving a cheeky grin and a thumbs-up sign, cameras swiftly moved to the Queen Mother who, on her feet, was seen laughing and waving.
I love that!! Seeing the sense of humour of the Royal Family is one of my favourite things.
This gesture demonstrated the Beatles' ability to transcend politics, finance, and international barriers in their rise to the top of musical history.
The London Pavillion - 1 Piccadilly Circus (map)
I think the last time I actually went inside this building was when it was still Ripley's Believe it Or Not.
And I would be surprised if anybody I know has been inside in the last decade.
Today it's a shopping arcade and part of the Trocadero Centre.
But in it's heyday, it played host to numerous film debuts including the premieres of four of five Beatles films: A Hard Day’s Night, Help!, Yellow Submarine, and Let it Be.
The London Palladium Theatre - 8 Argyll Street (map)
These days the London Palladium plays host to numerous West End shows, and I most often see it when I'm walking from Oxford Circus Statin to get to Liberty.
But, in 1963, the Beatles gave a concert here that coined the term “Beatlemania.”
The theatre was packed with thousands of fans and it’s estimated that 15 million people tuned in to watch the performance.
The crowds quickly swarmed to the backstage door of the theatre, hoping to see the group as they left but the Beatles were one step ahead and left through the front!
NEMS Offices - 5-6 Argyll Street (map)
This is one of those stops where there isn't too much of interest to see but I include it on the list for the importance of it, rather than the spectacle.
Standing for North End Music Stores, the NEMS organisation was run by Brian Epstein – sometimes referred to as the “fifth Beatle.”
Epstein was the Beatles’ manager and his headquarters here is where all of the behind-the-scenes work going into the success of the Beatles took place.
In my opinion, one of the seminal moments in pop culture history also took place here.
It was at this location that John Lennon, in an interview with the Evening Standard in 1966, commented that the Beatles were “bigger than Jesus.”
I am quite sad to report that today the building houses a Five Guys restaurant!
Americans reading this may be surprised, but a lot of my visitors from around the world get very excited about eating here.
Dougie Millings & Son - 63 Old Compton Street (map)
Millings & Son, master tailors, were known the world over as “The Beatles’ Tailor.”
It was at this shop here in Old Compton Street that John Lennon asked the tailor for "something different".
What he got was one of the most distinctive items in the Beatles' wardrobe - the collarless suits the Beatles became known for.
The link between the tailor at the Fab Four was so strong that crowds would often gather outside, hoping to get a glimpse of the Beatles coming in to collect their clothes.
One of my favourite Beatles easter eggs is that it is possible to spot Dougie Millings in A Hard Day’s Night where he has a small part, appropriately, as a frustrated tailor!
Read his obituary in the NY Times.
Note, though, that if you go to Old Compton Street to find the tailors, you will be sadly disappointed.
This is another location that I am sad to say has been replaced. Today it's a small restaurant called Cafe Espana.
It's one of those restaurants I go to for the food rather than the decor, so keep that in mind if you decide to go in!
ST JOHN'S WOOD
Abbey Road Studios and Crossing - 3 Abbey Road (map)
Out of all the Beatles locations in London, I think Abbey Road is probably the most famous and the one I get asked for directions to more than any other.
Abbey Road Studios is a recording venue that has seen some of the biggest names in music come through the doors.
The Beatles recorded nearly all of their albums and singles dating from 1962 to 1970 here.
But, in my opinion, the most famous thing here is not the studio but rather the iconic crosswalk from the album cover!
I used to have family who lived in the area and we could see the crossing from their flat.
And, we'd sometimes spend ages just watching visitors recreating the Abbey Road album cover by walking across in random groups.
Some would even take their shoes off like Paul McCartney did!
For more information, read my in-depth post on the crossing and the studio.
During the time of The Beatles, the Studios were owned by EMI, but today it is a property of Universal Music.
I also sometimes see musicians going in and out of the building as it is still used as recording studios to this day.
The building itself is still used for recordings but it is also a protected building, holding English Heritage Grade II Listed status.
English Heritage is one of my favourite institutions as their sole purpose is to protect buildings of historical importance.
This means the Abbey Road Studios building will now always be preserved from major alterations and changed in recognition of its’ musical historical impact.
Paul McCartney's Current London Home - 7 Cavendish Avenue (map)
Since 1966 this lavish mansion has belonged to Paul McCartney.
Owing to the proximity to the Abbey Road studios, the Beatles frequently used this house as a meeting place before and after recordings.
After his divorce from Heather Mills, the paparazzi were camped outside of this house for weeks.
And, occasionally I see a Beatles fan or two camped outside the imposing brick walls.
As he owns many properties over the world, he is not here all of the time, but I have seen him many times in the shops and pubs on nearby St. John’s Wood High Street.
I've noticed that locals are quite good at leaving him alone but some tourists will approach and that is not always welcomed so please think twice if you happen to spot him while you're in the area.
Beatles Coffee Shop - St. John’s Wood Station (map)
Some of my colleagues think this place is a little too touristy but I like it enough to include it on my list!
Located at St. John’s Wood Underground Station is the Beatles Coffee shop, a great place to grab a drink or a small bite to eat.
The shop also boasts a variety of Beatles merchandise to pick up and bring back home for your fab-four-loving-friends.
Not only do I think the items on offer are interesting and affordable, I always find the staff incredibly friendly. They also have a lot of vegan options on the menu which I enjoy!
MAYFAIR
Apple Records - 3 Savile Row (map)
When I am guiding our Rock n' Roll Tour, as soon as we turn the corner and this building comes into view, I can feel the excitement run through the group!
This was the headquarters for the Beatles' record label. In the basement, part of the film Let it Be was shot.
But it is the rooftop that is practically a shrine to the Beatles.
In January 1969, the Beatles gave their last live performance, memorialized on film (watch here).
The band played for 45 minutes until the police came and stopped the impromptu gig.
Before the police cleared them away, John Lennon said, “I hope we passed the audition.”
Naturally, this near-sacred sight is a stop on our Rock N Roll London Tour.
One cannot imagine not stopping here to see one of the most significant places in rock history!
The Dorchester - 45 Park Lane (map)
The Dorchester is one of my top picks for Afternoon Tea in London so I would recommend a visit there anyway.
But if you are a Fab Four Fan you may want to make the effort to come here specifically.
It was here that the Beatles celebrated the premieres of both A Hard Day’s Night and Help! here.
If you don't fancy afternoon tea, you can also go in and have a drink at the bar the Beatles did during their film premiers.
I recommend the Forbidden Berries - pricy but worth it.
ST JAMES'S
Mason’s Yard Art Gallery (where John Lennon met Yoko Ono) - 6 Mason’s Yard (map)
Formerly the site of the Indica Gallery, 6 Mason’s Yard was the location of an exhibition that began on the 9th of November in 1966 by Yoko Ono.
John Lennon had been told that the exhibition was worth visiting, and when he arrived at this location, he met his future wife!
John was reportedly, “expecting an orgy, you know…” but arrived instead to find a quiet room where Yoko was drifting around, rearranging objects as part of her art piece.
One of the pieces was a wooden board with a hammer and nails nearby – John asked if he could hammer in one of the nails and was told no by Yoko herself.
The gallery manager panicked that Ono may have offended John, so he convinced her to allow him to do it.
According to Lennon himself, Yoko said he could do it if he paid five shillings.
His response? “Well, I’ll give you an imaginary five shillings and hammer an imaginary nail in.”
John stated that this was the moment he and Yoko really “met” changing the course of both their lives forever.
However you feel about Yoko Ono - and I hear a lot of opinions on our tours - this is undoubtedly a legendary location.
And it is, of course, a stop on our Rock n' Roll Tour.
MARYLEBONE
Marylebone Station - Location in A Hard Day’s Night - Marylebone Rail Station (map)
Unless I am heading to Bicester for shopping, or Stratford-upon-Avon for work or pleasure, I rarely come through Marylebone and I suspect that for most visitors to London, this isn't a location they would usually pass through.
However, Beatles fans may want to make the effort as this was the setting for the opening scenes of A Hard Day’s Night.
It's here that they arrive in London to a mob of screaming girls and must run to escape the chaos!
If you want to truly walk in the footsteps of John, George, and Ringo, head to nearby Boston Place (along the right side of the Station).
This is the street the three are running down at the beginning of the film.
Former EMI Headquarters - 20 Manchester Square (map)
From 1960 – 1995, 20 Manchester Square was the address of EMI, a multinational music recording, and publishing company.
This was the company that introduced the Beatles on an international level and also provided promotional materials of the group.
The stairwell which is featured on the cover of the Please Please Me album was located inside this building and photographs of the group taken inside the offices here were used in The Red Album and The Blue Album.
Inside the building, the Beatles received several awards from EMI owing to their record-breaking sales.
This is another stop where there isn't much to see but the doorways here have seen the footsteps of the Beatles dozens of times so I had to include it on my list!
John and Yoko's Flat - 34 Montagu Square (map)
The basement flat in 34 Montagu Square was occupied by Ringo Starr briefly in 1965 before he moved out and leased the flat to his friends – including Jimi Hendrix.
But, for Fab Four Fans, this flat is better known as the home of John Lennon and Yoko who lived here in 1968.
It was in October of that year that the police raided the flat and John and Yoko were charged with possession of cannabis (some of my American visitors are surprised when I tell them that this would still be a crime today!).
Shortly thereafter, Ringo felt enough pressure to sell the flat.
It’s also of note that Paul McCartney himself said that this flat at Montagu Square was where he wrote Eleanor Rigby.
(I always feel the need to add an extra tip here, which is to please be respectful of the people who live in this building!
It's obviously wildly popular rand I see people taking photographs there all the time.
I sometimes think that people forget that there are actual people who live inside this building so try to keep that in mind when taking photos or blocking the doorways.
Jane Asher's Home - 57 Wimpole St (map)
In the early 1960s, Paul McCartney dated Jane Asher and lived with her for a time.
And while that might have been enough to make my list, in my opinion, the real importance to the legend of the Beatles here is that this house is where Paul and John wrote I Want to Hold Your Hand.
Marylebone Register Office - 97-113 Marylebone Rd (map)
My international friends are often surprised when I tell them that it is very common to get married in a registry office in the UK!
I think a lot of people have an idea of them as somewhat drab or clinical, but as you will see here, many of them are beautiful (including Kensington & Chelsea Town Hall which saw one of the world's most amazing weddings in May of 2013...my own!).
So obviously you have realised by now that this stop is on my list because it played host to the marriage of a Beatle, but it might impress you to find out that it actually held the weddings of two of the Fab Four.
Paul McCartney exchanged vows with Linda Eastman here on March 12, 1969, breaking millions of hearts in the process.
Forty years later, McCartney also married his third wife, Nancy Shevell. (You may notice that he married Heather Mills elsewhere which I always find interesting!)
Ringo Starr married his second wife Barbara Bach here in 1981.
Other famous nuptials that took place here include Sean Bean and Georgina Sutcliffe, Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas, and Oasis' frontman Liam Gallagher to his first wife, Patsy Kensit in 1997 and then his second wife Nicole Appleton in 2008.
I guess it must be a fabulous place to get married considering people have chosen to do so with more than one spouse!
The Beatles Store - 231-233 Baker Street (map)
The absolute top-notch Beatles memorabilia store in London.
From regular trinkets like key chains, shot glasses and clothing to serious collector's items like rare records and out-of-print magazines – this shop has it all!
I do recommend this as a great place to pick up merch for Beatles fans but I would reiterate that I prefer the little shop at St. John's Wood as my experiences with the staff here are somewhat hit and miss.
WESTMINSTER
Buckingham Palace (map)
Of course I am at Buckingham Palace all the time when I'm leading my Royal Westminster Tour, but it's also a worthwhile stop for Beatles fans!
In June 1965, Queen Elizabeth II appointed all four members of the Beatles Members of the Orders of the British Empire (MBEs).
The Fab Four had been nominated by Prime Minister Harold Wilson and the ceremony took place inside the Palace, sparking a bit of controversy by those who felt that MBE recipients should be limited to civic leaders and military veterans.
Many MBE recipients actually returned their insignia in protest!
MAYFAIR
Hard Rock Café - 150 Old Park Lane (map)
Okay, I know that the Hard Rock Cafe' is a tourist thing and everybody has negative opinions about their food but I couldn't not include it on my list!
And truthfully, for Beatles fans, a visit to the Hard Rock Café doesn’t necessarily need to involve any food or drink!
Underneath the shop is a vault that contains musical memorabilia including John Lennon’s original handwritten lyrics for songs like ‘Imagine’ as well as a pair of his glasses.
Also of note is the gold record which was gifted to the group when their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band reached $1 million in the United States.
Best of all, there are FREE tours of the vault are available! I've done it twice and I'm sure I will go again.
BELGRAVIA
Brian Epstein's Final Home - 24 Chapel St. (map)
In January 1965, Brian Epstein moved into this house in the exclusive London neighbourhood of Belgravia.
It was here that the release party for Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band took place.
Sadly, it was also here that Brian Epstein died of a drug overdose on 27th August 1967.
My colleague Sinead visited the house in our Belgravia Neighbourhood Tour which you can see here:
KNIGHTSBRIDGE
Whaddon House - William Mews (map)
I don't think there is another flat block in London that can boast as much musical history as Whaddon House does!
Literally all of the Beatles lived inside one of these flats at one point or another, as did Brian Epstein and Pattie Boyd - future wife of George Harrison.
Not long after Epstein moved in in 1963, George Harrison and Ringo Starr shared an apartment on the second floor of the very same building and it was here that the Fab Four met before traveling to Buckingham Palace to receive their MBEs.
George and Ringo moved out in 1965 but the building remained famous owing to a legendary party hosted by Epstein in 1964.
Reportedly in August of that year, an event took place that was attended by all four Beatles as well as Judy Garland, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. I'd love to be a fly on that wall!
See what it looks like today. You can rent an apartment for just...£5,417 a month.
SOMERS TOWN
The British Library - 96 Euston Road (map)
Now, I am a History major so spending time at the British Library is nothing new to me.
But when thinking of the Beatles, the British Library isn’t a naturally linked location.
However, the British Library houses some exceptionally rare Beatles artifacts that are on display and that can be viewed.
This includes six manuscripts penned by John Lennon including lyric sheets in his own hand for In My Life, Strawberry Fields Forever and She Said She Said.
There is also a letter to Lennon’s friend, former Beatle Stuart Sutcliffe, and an original Beatles Fan Club membership card.
Best of all, this collection is FREE to enjoy! Click here for more information.
Honestly, the British Library is such an underrated gem - it's not just "a bunch of books" (somebody literally said that to me once), there are incredible pieces of history like Magna Carta, and over 200 million items from across the globe.
They also have different exhibitions throughout the year (I went to one about Alice in Wonderland that was mind-blowing) so find out what's on when you're in town.
I know that some travellers prefer to explore London on their own and will happily wander around town visiting the locations on this list.
In fact, I have put together a Rock n' Roll London audio guide that showcases many of the spots I wrote about in this post.
I always think this is a great option for people who prefer to travel on their own or whose schedules don't line up with our public tours.
But, as a tour guide, I am usually surrounded by people who prefer to explore our city with a knowledgable guide.
If you would prefer a guided tour, you are in luck, as there are several walking and bus tours available for purchase.
My top recommendation (which will be no surprise) is our Rock N Roll London Tour, which takes place on Thursdays and Saturdays at 15:00(3:00 pm).
If you'd prefer to kick back and relax, let us drive you through town in the comfort of a brand new London Black Cab.
Our Rock n' Roll Black Cab Tours highlight all the locations listed in my post as well as some surprise bonuses.
Also, if you are a fan of Freddie Mercury or the Rolling Stones, there are many sites related to other musical artists that we can incorporate into the tour to make it a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
