England’s most iconic music destinations

England is home to some of the most iconic bands and singers in the world. The Beatles, Oasis, Amy Winehouse – these are just some of the names you can probably find in playlists named ‘Classics’ around the world. But have you ever wondered what the places that inspired their songs or their videos look like? Join us on a musical journey in three of the biggest landmark cities in music history: Liverpool, London and Manchester.

Can you even talk about musical destinations without talking about Liverpool and The Beatles? Probably not. As one of the biggest rock bands in the world, the Fab Four from Liverpool hold a special place not only in our hearts, but in the musical landscape. Of course, if you’re in Liverpool, you can’t miss a visit to The Beatles Story experience, but did you know you can also visit the places that inspired their biggest hits? You can start from Penny Lane, a real street in the Mossley Hill suburb of Liverpool, that inspired the eponymous song of the group. Your journey can continue to The Cavern Club, the first ever establishment that hosted The Beatles and the place their manager, Brian Epstein, actually discovered them and made them a world-famous household name. You can finish your visiting trip at Strawberry Fields. Close to John Lennon’s family home, Strawberry Fields was the name given to a Salvation Army children’s home. It held a dear place to his heart and even his aunt would reminisce of his excitement to participate in the annual party held on its grounds.

When you reach Liverpool, be sure to book a stay at the Staybridge Suites Liverpool. With a great location and Travel Sustainable label, this aparthotel will make you feel right at home. And you’ll even have a ferris wheel close by.

You can’t walk around London without accidentally crossing a location that inspired either a song, a movie, a book or a poem. If you take a Hidden London walking tour, you can discover even more undisclosed gems and fully immerse yourself in the London experience. But for now, let’s spice up your visit to the capital of England and stick to the locations that were the backdrop of some historic music videos and albums. Of course, the first on our list is Abbey Road, The Beatles’ album cover that sparked a long-lasting theory that one of the members died because he was barefoot in the picture. Although we don’t recommend you walk barefoot around London, this is surely a location worth visiting. Another iconic location you can’t miss is Berwick Street, the location you can find as the album cover for ‘(What's the Story) Morning Glory?’ by Oasis. If you have the album with you, you can try and find the exact position the picture was taken.

When you’re done with the above, you can start searching for the real-life locations of music videos that are sprinkled around London. With a variety of bands and artists that chose the city to be their studio, it can make visiting the city feel like a very musical treasure hunt experience. We start from Hoxton street, the place that inspired The Verve’s four minute 35 seconds walk for the ‘Bitter Sweet Symphony’ music video. We wouldn’t recommend bumping into the people walking down the street – which Richard Ashcroft, the lead singer, actually did.

If you’re a rap fan, we’ve got you covered. Stormzy, the British singer and songwriter, also filmed in London. For his song, Vossi Bop, he filmed on both Westminster Bridge and outside the Bank of England. And last, but certainly not least, we have Amy Winehouse. With a well deserved spot in VH1’s list of top 100 Greatest Women in Music, Amy Winehouse was a Londoner through-and-through, and she showed her love for the city by filming the video for her hit ‘Back to Black’ in Stoke Newington – an iconic indie residential area you shouldn’t miss when visiting London.

If you’re looking for a nice place to spend the night in London, be sure to check out Radisson Blu Edwardian New Providence Wharf Hotel, London. With both Proud and Travel Sustainable labels, this hotel will care for both your experience and for the environment.

Going back to the North West, we stop this time in Manchester. Discover this city at your leisure with an independent scavenger hunt and update your playlist with all the indie rock you can think of. Why? Because chances are that any band that makes the cut was formed in Manchester. Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, The Verve, Joy Division – all of them once called Manchester their home. And they probably all rooted for Manchester United during game season. With that said, you might not be surprised that you can visit places that inspired them. For instance, Salford Lads Club – like Strawberry Fields for The Beatles – inspired The Smiths to write the song of the same name, but also to film two music videos and pose for the inside cover album photo in front of the building.

Book an apartment in the Hyatt House Manchester and enjoy some breathtaking views close to the centre of the city.