Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The most famous pedestrian crossing in the world and the most annoying for drivers. Fleets
of tourists visit this zebra crossing on Abbey Road every day to follow in the footsteps of
the Beatles, literally.
This is the location where the photo for the cover of the Beatles' 1969
Abbey Road
album
was shot. On the morning of August 8, 1969, photographer Iain Macmillian had ten
minutes to capture the four members for the cover shot, near EMI Studios, which is where
they recorded the album. It's located on this road and now named Abbey Road Studios.
The four band members, led by John Lennon, walked across the road here. All, but George
Harrison, are wearing Tommy Nutter suits. He was the most well-known designer for rock
stars to get their eccentric ensembles in the swinging 60s. You can visit his old shop on
Saville Row another time if you're interested in London's rock history. George Harrison is
at the back barefoot and in jeans.
It's pretty hard to recreate that epic shot considering how busy this tourist destination has
become, but if you have five people, go for it. Facing the crosswalk from where you just
came from, you'll want four people from your group to cross from the left to the right side.
Abbey Road Studios
is most synonymous with the Beatles, but has a very long history and
is still in operation today. Formerly known as EMI Studios, Abbey Road dates back to 1931
and has been used by the London Symphony Orchestra, Cliff Richard, Pink Floyd, Kylie
Minogue and more.
Local's tip:
Bring a permanent marker along with you to this stop. While the studio is not
open to the public, a wall in front of it has now become a tourist destination unto itself.
Covered in graffiti, fans write tributes to the Beatles and their own messages on the wall.
Don't be surprised if your message is missing on your next trip though, they paint over the
wall every month.
4:40 pm -- Walk to Regent's Canal
•
Price:
FREE
