National Trust’s Speke Hall and Beatles’ Childhood Homes Scoop Top Accolades at Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards

The National Trust is proud to announce that two of the places it cares for in Merseyside have been recognised at the 2023 Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards.

Speke Hall has been named Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, while the Beatles’ Childhood Homes have won Experience of the Year.

The awards, which celebrate excellence in the tourism industry, were announced at a glittering ceremony held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral on Thursday 2 March, 2023. The awards recognize the outstanding achievements of businesses and individuals in the tourism sector across Merseyside.

Speke Hall is a magnificent Tudor mansion that has been lovingly restored by the National Trust. It is one of the finest examples of its kind in the country, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The property is home to beautiful gardens, a rare breed farm, and a stunning collection of art and furniture.

The Beatles’ Childhood Homes are two modest homes in Liverpool that have been preserved to reflect the early lives of John Lennon and Paul McCartney. The National Trust has carefully restored these properties to their 1950s and 1960s glory, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the humble beginnings of two of the greatest songwriters of all time.

The judges said of the National Trust places, “Speke Hall is very much a hidden gem; great for whiling away the hours with a lively variety of things to do.  The staff were particularly friendly and helpful and a credit to the organisation,” and, “The experience at the Beatles’ Childhood Homes definitely has the wow factor and allows visitors to get up-close and personal with a piece of Scouse history.”

Commenting on the awards, Simon Osborne, General Manager at Speke Hall, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award. Speke Hall is a very special place, and we are proud to be able to share it with so many visitors. This award is a recognition of the hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain and enhance the property.”

Meanwhile, Mike Innerdale, Director of the National Trust’s North Region, said: “We’re thrilled that the Beatles’ Childhood Homes have won the Experience of the Year Award. These properties offer a unique glimpse into the early lives of two of the world’s most famous musicians, and we are proud to be able to preserve and share their heritage and stories with the public, in particular the next generation of talented musicians. I’d also like to thank the thousands of visitors who come to enjoy both Speke Hall and the Beatles’ Childhood Homes every year, who make our work so worthwhile.”

Speke Hall itself reopened to visitors for 2023 on 8 March and in the hall and across the grounds, there will be an extensive programme of events throughout the year, including Easter family activities and evening plays in the summer. Guided tours of the Beatles’ Childhood Homes can be booked via their National Trust webpage, with tours available from March to November.