Accessible Britain

the whole site (even the sewer system) is wheelchair accessible, with smooth-surfaced
paths connecting the different buildings, allowing you to avoid the Victorian cobbles.
Wheelchairs can be borrowed (£20 deposit required), and the staff are very willing to
help. All multi-level buildings are served by lifts, and most buildings have disabled
toilets. Visually impaired visitors can access a handling collection without supervision:
it’s available in the Collections Centre (Tues–Thurs 10am–12.30pm and 1.30–4.30pm;
0161 8330027).
FOOD & DRINK aa The museum’s stylish ground-floor coffee shop serves drinks, snacks and
cakes in a spacious, contemporary dining room, while the licensed first-floor restaurant
offers a full menu featuring hot and cold meals and snacks, as well as several children’s
options. In addition, there are plenty of excellent restaurants nearby, including many in
the picturesque canal basin.
107 Cavern Club, Liverpool
Address: 10 Mathew Street, Liverpool L2 6RE Web: www.cavernclub.org Tel: On-site manager 0151 236
1965; Admin office 0151 236 9091 Hours: Mon–Wed 10am–midnight, Thur 10am–1.30am, Fri & Sat
10am–2am, Sun 10am–midnight Dates: Closed Dec 25 Entry: Entrance fees for everyone are Mon–Wed
free; Thu & Fri free until 8pm, then £4; Sat & Sun free until 1pm, then £2.50 til 8pm, then £4. There’s a £1
discount if you book online. Bands playing at the weekend in the Cavern Lounge may cost more: check
website for details
The most famous club in the world, which oversaw the birth of Mersey Beat in the early
1960s, remains a vibrant centre for live music nearly sixty years after it first opened.
You can see the original stage where the Beatles, Cilla and other household names first
played, and listen to new groups trying to emulate their success.
Crowds arrive from around the world to pay homage at this shrine to popular
music – on a typical day you’ll rub shoulders with locals, Japanese coach parties and
assorted Americans, all keen to soak up the atmosphere, have a drink and take in the
vibe. Despite first hitting the headlines more than half a century ago, this iconic club
attracts a clientele aged from 15–75 as it showcases the next wave of young talent. New
live bands play daily in the Cavern Club, with more established groups playing weekly
in the adjoining Cavern Lounge. The whole area is full of memorabilia, much of it
for sale. Tourist coach trips leave daily from the club on a Magical Mystery Tour
around Liverpool.
As the club is on a pedestrianised street, there is no drop-off at the door, but nearby
are multi-storey car parks and lots of on-street designated Blue Badge bays. The club
entrance is downstairs, so either ring ahead to be met or send a companion down to
the reception: helpful staff will escort you around the block to a neighbouring building,
where there is lift access to the Club and Lounge – it’s a bit of a trek but all step-free. The
only accessible toilet in the club is en route from the access lift. Once inside, there is a
solid level floor throughout with no steps, though a steep ramp leads up to the bar in
the Lounge. There are many accessible tables, where you can sit and enjoy a drink, and
lighting is subdued but even throughout. Noise levels are generally high, with music
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