The UK’s music scene has thrived long into the past, with classical composers paving the way for pop pioneers, heavy metal masters, and Britpop belters.
If the pandemic has put a halt on your holiday plans and you’re instead looking at a staycation in the UK, why not make it a musical-themed getaway.
With so much history to explore and plenty of experiences to be had along the way, charting a city’s musical past could be your next perfect mini-break.
Liverpool
Where else to begin than the home of the world’s biggest-selling musical act of all time – The Beatles.
Retrace the Fab Four’s history by taking in the Cavern Club, Penny Lane, and Strawberry Field before a trip to the Beatles Experience to learn everything there is to know about John, Paul, George, and Ringo.
Once you know your White Album from your Revolver, why not check out the other musical delights that this buzzing city has to offer.
The Liverpool Philharmonic is a spectacular sight and is surrounded by some of the best bars the city has to offer, including the Everyman Bistro – a must-visit for jazz fans.
Manchester
There’s no shortage of musical heritage to soak up in ‘Madchester’ – whether you want to delve into the history of the acid house at the Hacienda, or sample the city that birthed legends like the Stone Roses and Oasis.
Breathe in the history at the site of the Boardwalk – where so many of Manchester’s most famous acts played or even debuted.
And why not live like a proper Rock ‘n’ Roll Star by finding a serviced apartment in Manchester for your trip – just don’t introduce any TVs to the windows!
London
23 Heddon Street, Berwick Street, Walthamstow dog track; now that might sound like an unspectacular collection of places, but what if we said: The Rise And Fall Of Ziggy Stardust And The Spiders From Mars, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? and Parklife?
As well as hunting down famous album locations (we could have said Abbey Road, too, but that would have been easy!) there’s plenty more for music fans to get their teeth into in the capital.
Head to Denmark Street in Soho – the centre of the UK’s music universe in the Swinging Sixties – pick a side between Blur and Oasis in The Good Mixer, or head to Mayfair to check out the houses at 23 and 25 Brook Street, where a pair of wildly juxtaposed famous musicians once lived – tragic rock icon Jimi Hendrix and classical composer Handel.
If you’re heading on a musical trail of the UK, don’t forget to compile a playlist of all the relevant artists and bands along the way!
