Liverpool: Day Trips and Tours from London

Liverpool is known for its fusion of world-class sport, musical significance and historic culture. On a Liverpool day trip from London, you catch a football match, wander around the numerous museums or discover the history of the world's greatest pop band, the Beatles.

Read on for your guide to visiting Liverpool, one of the best destinations for day trips from London.

Getting to Liverpool from London

Liverpool sits on the banks of the Mersey River in the northwest of England, about 340 kilometers from London.

• By car: The most direct route to Liverpool from London is via the M40 and M6, with the journey taking about 4.5 hours.
• By train: Direct train services from London's Euston Station take about 2.5 hours to reach Liverpool.
• Guided tour to Liverpool from London: Day trips to Liverpool last approximately 14 hours and meet at London Euston station between 6:30 AM and 7:30 AM. You'll travel by train from London and return to the capital in the evening.

Typical itinerary of Liverpool day tours from London

Day tours to Liverpool usually leave London by train, early in the morning, reaching the city before lunchtime. You'll see the historic waterfront of Royal Albert Dock, where you can grab a coffee or a hearty, local lunch.

Often, you'll visit the exhibition dedicated to the Beatles, and, later in the day, participate in a coach tour that travels to locations that are linked to the band. On this Beatles tour, you will visit the members' childhood homes and schools, as well as city hangouts that inspired some of their catchiest songs.

Depending on the tour, you will either stay overnight in the city, or alternatively, catch the train back to London in the evening.

Best Liverpool day trips from London

Day trips to Liverpool from London

Your Liverpool day trip begins with a train ride from London. Once there, you can explore the city on foot and visit the Beatles Story exhibition and learn about one of the greatest pop groups on the planet.

Later on, you can join a tour of Liverpool, based on the group, such as their birthplaces, schools and homes. Your tour will end at the Cavern Club where global superstars played, including the Beatles and Freddie Mercury, before returning to London.

Our pick: Liverpool Day Trip with Beatles Story Entry

• Includes: Roundtrip train tickets, 2-hour 'Magical Mystery' tour, entry to Beatles Story Exhibition and Cavern Club, Liverpool map
• Price: £201 for adults, £191 for children (5-15)
• Duration: 13 hours

2-Day tours to Liverpool from London

Join a 2-day Liverpool tour from London if you want to have more time to explore. After a train ride from the capital city, you'll head out on a guided tour of the city's most iconic sites related to the Beatles, including the Cavern Club, Penny Lane and Strawberry Field.

The trip includes a visit to an exhibition dedicated to the pop group and overnight stay in the world's only Beatles-themed hotel. The following day, you can roam the city streets at your leisure before traveling back to London.

Our pick: Overnight Liverpool and Beatles tour

• Includes: Roundtrip train tickets, 4-star hotel, breakfast, 2-hour 'Magical Mystery' tour, entry to Beatles Story Exhibition and Cavern Club, Liverpool map
• Price: From £327 for adults and £316 for children (5-15)
• Duration: 2 days

Prices of day tours to Liverpool from London

Prices for Liverpool day tours from London typically start at around £200 per traveler.

For a 2-day tour of Liverpool expect to pay about £330 each, depending on the size of your group.

Best time to visit Liverpool

The best time to take an excursion to Liverpool is during the summer months, when the days are long and the weather is more reliable. During July and August, temperatures can reach highs of 30 degrees Celsius, and there are generally few days of rain.

What to see and do in Liverpool

The Beatles Story

The Beatles Story exhibition in Liverpool tells the story of the Fab Four, from their humble beginnings in the city to their rise to global fame. The immersive museum includes a replica of the Cavern Club and Abbey Road Studios to transport you back in time to their height of success in the 1960s.

Visitors can also see a range of memorabilia, including original instruments, handwritten lyrics and clothing worn by the band members.

Royal Albert Dock

The Royal Albert Dock, in the heart of the city, is a former UNESCO World Heritage Site that was an important global trading station throughout the 19th century. Today it is lively as ever as a thriving hub of culture and history.

Highlights include the Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool, and the International Slavery Museum. Alternatively, participate in an escape room, get soaked in thrilling watersports or simply enjoy a meal at one of the dock's diverse restaurants.

Magical Mystery Tour

A magical mystery tour is a must for any Beatles fan. The tour takes you to all the places associated with the band in their hometown of Liverpool. You'll see where they grew up, went to school and played their first gigs. You'll also visit the sites of some of their most famous album covers.

The tour lasts two hours and finishes at the birthplace of the Beatles as the world knows them — the Cavern Club.

Travel tips

• The weather in England can be unpredictable at times. Make sure you bring an umbrella with you on your Liverpool day trip.
• The train from London to Liverpool takes just over 2.5 hours. Make sure you have some snacks and drinks, as well as a form of entertainment to keep you occupied during your journey.
• For the most comprehensive Beatles information, take the Magical Mystery coach tour.