Music venues you can’t miss
Check out our top music landmarks and discover the birthplaces of legendary rock stars, locations which inspired great music and unforgettable live music venues across the country.
Rock cities: discover Britain’s iconic music destinations
Britain has a long and proud musical history – from its pop pioneers the Beatles, to Britpop legends Oasis and Blur, right up to its diverse music industry today. The nation’s dynamic music scene resounds all over the country – meaning you can have a rocking time wherever you are. Relive the Beatles’ experience in Liverpool, go to the heart of “Madchester”, or get Ziggy with it at some of David Bowie’s London landmarks. Watch world-class acts play in some of the best stadiums on the planet, or enjoy an unforgettable gig at one of Britain’s historic and quirky small venues.
Top music experiences
British Music Experience, Liverpool
It’s the ultimate record of British rock and pop, so the British Music Experience (BME) in Liverpool’s Cunard Building is a must-do for music fans. With outfits and memorabilia on display from The Rolling Stones to The Spice Girls, you can rock out on an iconic Gibson guitar and learn the dance moves that have defined British culture across the decades.
The Beatles Story, Liverpool
Discover the story of the Fab Four from their humble Liverpool beginnings, to their world-conquering 1960s success and solo careers. There are bags of Beatles items on display at this museum, including John Lennon’s glasses, Ringo Starr’s drum kit, rare album sleeves, and original handwritten lyrics. You can also explore recreations of locations from the Beatles’ past, from The Cavern Club to Abbey Road Studios.
Abbey Road, London
Another famous destination for Beatles fans is Abbey Road Studios in North London. You can write on the graffiti wall, visit the shop and, yes, do that walk across the zebra crossing, waving at the Abbey Road webcam and looking back on your footage later. Abbey Road is near St John’s Wood tube station.
Manchester Music Tour, Manchester
Manchester has produced much of Britain’s best pop music, including Joy Division, New Order, The Smiths, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses and Oasis. Take a tailored tour of your favourite band with Manchester Music Tours, then visit Salford Lads Club, where The Smiths were photographed for their album, The Queen Is Dead, followed by the “Joy Division Bridge”, The Epping Walk Bridge, where the band posed for their famous image.
