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home  > places to go in Cheshire > museums & historical sites
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Anderton Boat Lift

Anderton nr Northwich
Restored boat lift. Ride in a boat as it is literally lifted from one canal level to another. Fun for kids and fascinating for parents.
01606 786777
info@andertonboatlift.co.uk
www.andertonboatlift.co.uk

Beeston Castle

Beeston
Ruined medieval fortress with spectacular views. Great for exploring and picnics. Steep uphill walk. Free kids activity sheet. Special events.
01829 260464 (general)
0870 333 1181 (events)
www.english-heritage.org.uk/northwest

Bersham Heritage Centre

Wrexham
Wrexham's industrial history centre, former ironworks in pretty Clywedog Valley. Often holds kids' activities. Start of Clywedog trail.
01978 261 529
bershamheritage@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage

Birkenhead Priory & St Mary's Tower

Priory Street, Birkenhead
Benedictine Monastery 1150AD)  the oldest standing building on Merseyside. Climb the tower for great views across the Mersey.
0151 666 1249

Birkenhead Tramway & Wirral Transport Museum

Birkenhead
Tram rides. Tickets & timetable from Tourist Info at Woodside Ferry Terminal. Museum of restored local buses, trams, cars etc. Model railway.
0151 647 6780 (trams)
0151 647 2128 (museum)
www.wirral.gov.uk

The Boat Museum

Ellesmere Port
World's largest floating collection of canal craft, 200 year old dock complex. Steam powered crane, explore cabins, family events. Boat trips.
0151 355 5017
info@boatmuseum.freeserve.co.uk
www.nwm.org.uk/ellesmere/

Cheshire Military Museum

Chester
Exhibits showing life for Cheshire soldiers and their families. Interactives. Trench display.
01244 327617

Chester Amphitheatre

Chester
Part excavated Roman amphitheatre.  History of Chester displays and brass rubbing in Chester Visitor Centre opposite.
01244 351609 (visitor centre)

Chester Cathedral

Chester
Cloisters, medieval shrine, 200 year old cobweb painting. Maths and shapes trail. Wildlife Safari (bird & animal pictures). Refectory.
01244 324756
www.chestercathedral.com

Chester Guided Walks

Chester
Historical walking tours start at Visitor Centre. Roman Soldier Wall Patrol - a route march around Deva with a Legionary in full battle gear June - Aug. Evening Ghosthunter Tours
01244 402445

Chirk Castle

Chirk
14th century fortress with medieval tower, dungeon. Beautiful grounds, tea rooms, picnic areas. Play area. Snowdrop walk, family fun days.
01691 774706
chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Cholmondeley Castle

Malpas
Gothic style castle (not open to public). Attractive grounds with picnic area, play area, farm animals etc. Events inc. fireworks musical evening and country fair.
01829 720383
www.cholmondeleycastle.com

Congleton Museum

Congleton
Touch screen computers, pull out figures & voice-overs telling story of Congleton. Medieval boat, coin hoards.
01260 276360
info@congletonmuseum.co.uk

Conway Castle

Conway
Big thirteenth century fortress style castle with battlements and towers.  
01492 592358
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Corgi Heritage Centre
 

Heywood, Rochdale
Exhibition of model Corgi vehicles. Free.
01706 365812

Dewa Roman Experience

Chester
Climb aboard Roman galley, walk through reconstructed Roman streets. Fortress excavations. Hands-on studio: try on roman armour etc.
01244 343407

Dunham Massey

Altrincham
18th century mansion. Victorian servants "below stairs". Ghosts! Sawmill. Gardens and parkland. Free kids quizzes, events and family workshops.
0161 9411025
dunhammassey@ntrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Greater Manchester's Museum of Transport

Manchester
Nearly ninety historical vehicles, of which a large proportion are buses  and also the prototype for Metrolink trams.
0161 205 2122
www.gmts.co.uk

Grosvenor Museum

Chester
Chester from pre-history to today. Romans, fossils, quizzes, interactive exhibits.  Some kids' workshops - must be pre-booked
01244 402008
www.grosvenormuseum.co.uk

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

Nantwich
Secret nuclear bunker only declassified in 1993. Visit govt HQ, BBC studio etc. Emergency TV broadcasts. Soviet Spy Mouse Trail for smaller kids.
01270 629219
coldwar@hackgreen.co.uk
www.hackgreen.co.uk

Imperial War Museum North

Salford
Focuses on how war shapes lives. Hands-on sessions including crafts and dressing up plus Animals and War Tour at weekends. Family "Hot Spot" activities during holidays.
0161 836 4000
iwmnorth@iwm.org.uk
http://north.iwm.org.uk

International Slavery Museum

Liverpool
Based in the Merseyside Maritime Museum at Liverpool's Albert Dock. Explores both the historical and contemporary aspects of slavery telling stories of bravery and rebellion amongst the enslaved people.
0151 478 4499
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism/

Leasowe Lighthouse

North Wirral Coastal Park, Near Moreton
You can climb to the top on the first Sunday of each month in winter, and in first and third Sundays in summer. There is a visitor centre. Minimum height 1.10 metres so not for small children.
1.00 -  4.00.
www.leasowelighthouse.co.uk

Little Moreton Hall

Congleton
Free guided tours of hall, a famous example of Tudor half-timbered architecture. Herb and vegetable garden, knot garden. Picnic lawn.
01260 272018
littlemoretonhall@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Macclesfield Silk Museums

Macclesfield
4 museums. Fabric and clothing exhibits. Working looms, hands-on activities. Try weaving designing and printing.
01625 612045
info@macclesfield.silk.museum
www.macclesfield.silk.museum

Manchester Museum

Manchester
Egyptology, science for life gallery, mammals, birds and live animals, collections of fossils and minerals. Kids' workshops and activity sessions. Monthly "Big Saturdays" family activity days. Monthly under 5s sessions with storytelling, art & crafts.
0161 275 2634
www.museum.manchester.ac.uk

Merseyside Maritime Museum

Liverpool
Story of Liverpool's maritime history, emigration and slavery. Dress up as sailors, pirates or mermaids, activity sheets, books and a rocking boat. Sea Urchins play area.
0151 478 4499
maritime@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime

Minera Lead Mines and Country Park
 

Wrexham
Starting point for the Clywedog Trail. Restored beam engine house, winding engine and boiler houses. Try panning for lead. Picnic spots with scenic views.
01978 762122
mineraleadmines@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk

Mouldsworth Motor Museum

Mouldsworth
Vintage, classic and sports cars, early bicycles. Old toys and pedal cars. Kids quiz with prizes. Near Delamere Forest.
01928 731781
www.mouldsworthmotormuseum.com

Museum of Science and Industry

Manchester
Tells the story of the history, science and industry of Manchester - the world's first industrial city. Frequent activities and workshops for children at weekends.
0161 606 0156
www.msim.org.uk

Nant Mill & Clwedog Valley

Wrexham
North Wales own "Ironbridge Gorge". Walking trail through valley with nature trails and picnic spots. Also Minera lead mines.
01978 752772
mineraleadmines@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk

Nantwich Museum

Nantwich
Tells the story of Nantwich through the ages - Quizzes and special child-friendly displays during holidays.
01270 627104
enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk
www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

National Football Museum

Preston
Memorabilia,  interactive games including penalty shoot out, be your own pundit, televised table football.  Footy Fun Zone - under 7's play area.
01772 908 442
enquiries@nationalfootballmuseum.com
www.nationalfootballmuseum.com

Nether Alderley Mill

Nether Alderley
15th century working watermill. Flour grinding demonstrations.
01625 584412 
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens

Runcorn
800 year old Augustan priory excavated to show how medieval monks lived. Walled garden.
01928 569895
info@nortonpriory.org
www.nortonpriory.org

The People's History Museum

Manchester
Closed till end 2009. Museum dedicated to the 'extraordinary story of ordinary people', offering a new look at the lives of working people over the last 200 years.
0161 839 6061
info@peopleshistorymuseum.org.uk
www.peopleshistorymuseum.org.uk

Quarry Bank Mill 

Wilmslow
Restored cotton mill. Try weaving, dyeing cotton etc. See how hard children worked. Water wheel. Woodland/riverside walk. Play area.
01625 527468
quarrybankmill@ntrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Royal Air Force Museum

Cosford, Shropshire
Large aviation collection with over 70 historic aircraft. Visitor centre and restaurant. Free entry except during special shows and rallies.
01902 376 200
cosford@rafmuseum.org
www.rafmuseum.org

Ruthin Gaol

Ruthin
Find out what prison was like in the 19th century. Try the hand crank and experience the dark cell.
01824 708281
susan.dalloe@denbighshire.gov.uk
www.ruthingaol.co.uk

The Salt Museum

Northwich
History of Cheshire's salt industry. Interactive exhibits and free kids quiz sheets. Special events and school trips.
01606 41331
www.saltmuseum.org.uk

Shore Road Pumping Station

Birkenhead
Display about building the Mersey Railway Tunnel and a working giant steam pump "the Giant Grasshopper".
0151 650 1182
www.wirral.gov.uk

Speke Hall

Liverpool
Mansion with priest hole, Victorian kitchen, servants' quarters. Wooded gardens, walk along the Bund. Kids' play area. Children's activity sheets.
0151 427 7231
spekehall@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Stretton Watermill

Stretton, nr Farndon
Working corn mill in beautiful setting on Dee. Two waterwheels turning grain into flour. Picnic spot. Local walks nearby. Open only at certain times - check website.
01606 41331
cheshiremuseums@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
www.strettonwatermill.org.uk

Warrington Museum & Art Gallery

Warrington
Fossils, Egyptian treasures. Family friendly exhibits and see kids' section on their web site. Holiday activities.
01925 442392
museum@warrington.gov.uk
www.warrington.gov.uk/museum

Wirral Museum

Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
Permanent exhibitions include a model of the Woodside area at the time of the opening the Queensway Road Tunnel
Admission Free
0151 666 4010
www.wirral.gov.uk/ed/wirral_museum.htm

World Museum Liverpool
 

Liverpool
Egyptian and Asian artefacts. Natural history inc. fossils and dinosaurs. Planetarium with free public shows inc. sunshine show for the under-5s
0151 478 4399
www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/wml/

World of Glass

St Helens
Galleries and interactive exhibits. Victorian furnace and labyrinth of tunnels, mirror maze, interactive play area, glass blowing demonstration.
08700 114466
www.worldofglass.com 

Wrexham County Borough Museum

Wrexham
Welsh heritage from pre-history to 21st century. Often holds kids activities.
01978 317970
museum@wrexham.gov.uk
www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage

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