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Updated 01/16/2011 05:00 AM

Travel with Val: Liverpool readily caters to biggest Beatles fans

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It's hard to escape the Beatles nowadays, with their songs on Broadway, images on billboards and their recordings just a download away on iTunes.

So if you're in the market for some homegrown nostalgia, take in the early days of the rockers in Liverpool, England. The attractions have been around for some years, and are gaining popularity in this port city on the banks of the River Mersey.

Fans can take an interesting aside at "The Beatles Story" on Albert Dock. Recently tripling in size, the exhibit chronicles the first stirrings of the Beatle sound, their influences, instruments and infamy.

After the primer, take your own "Magical Mystery Tour" to the suburbs of Liverpool, which are full of places made famous by the Beatles and other 1960s bands. The guided hop-on, hop-off bus tour provides photo-ops along Penny Lane, outside Strawberry Field or any one of the former Beatles’ homes.

Sir Paul McCartney's former home is part of the historic trust, while George Harrison's birthplace is occupied by new residents.

Back in the city, visitors can view a sculpture of Eleanor Rigby and visit the storied Cavern club, where the Beatles played hundreds of times.

You don’t need to be a "Day Tripper" to visit Liverpool, now that you can check into The Hard Day's Night Hotel. Beatles songs are looped through the lobby and restaurant, while guests can program their own set in their rooms. You can also make your own music, as murals of John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Harrison and McCartney look on.

"You get mad Beatle fanatics who save up to stay in here. Its 750 pounds [about $1,200] a night," says Hard Day's Night Hotel manager Mike Dewey. "And everybody wants to stay in here or the Lennon suite."

Whatever gets you through the night! For more information, visit www.harddaysnighthotel.com.

For more travel deals and news, check out Val's website at TravelwithVal.com or follow her on Twitter at twitter.com/travelwithval.