THE runaway success of Nowhere Boy has sent visitor numbers at The Beatles’ former homes soaring.

Since the launch of the blockbuster film about John Lennon’s childhood and adolescence, pre-bookings to his one-time home, Mendips, in Woolton, have doubled.

The National Trust, which manages Mendips and Sir Paul McCartney’s childhood home at 20 Forthlin Road, has reported a 90% increase in people wanting to tour the properties.

Both open to the public this weekend for the season, and the Trust already has more than 700 pre-bookings, up from 300 for the same time last year.

Simon Osborne, the National Trust’s Liverpool properties manager, said: “Following the very successful release of Nowhere Boy about John Lennon’s early life, pre-bookings for tours around Mendips and Forthlin Road have seen a 90% increase.

“We believe researchers from the film looked round the two houses as a source of inspiration and it is great viewers of the film want to do the same.”

Visitors to Mendips can expect to see more “homely” touches to the interior of the house, to give it a more lived-in feel.

There will be a lit fire in the front room, washing line in the back garden and visitors will be able to catch the unmistakable smell of apple pie cooking in the kitchen.

The more delicate aroma of perfume will also be noticeable in the bedroom of Lennon’s Aunt Mimi.

Mr Osborne added: “It is extraordinary how small things can add to the atmosphere of a place.