Museums & historical sites - Kidsguide Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester, NE Wales

parents' corner l subscribe to newsletter l free listings & featured ads l search
packed with free local information for parents in the North West Cheshire, Merseyside, Manchester, NE Wales
home > places to go in Cheshire > museums & historical sites > places to go in Manchester > museums & historical sites > places to go in Merseyside > museums & historical sites > places to go in NE Wales > museums & historical sites
Kidsguide pick a region	Museums & historical sites Museums, castles, historical sites, mills, historical industrial sites, amphitheatre Photo of Beeston Castle courtesy of local photographer Mark Nelson. http://society6.com/Zardoz67
other links you might find useful: private parks & gardens galleries & arts centres boats, trains & automobiles scientific attractions places to go in Cheshire places to go in Manchester places to go in Merseyside places to go in NE Wales
top links: homepage Cheshire Merseyside Manchester NE Wales what's on? family-friendly events what's new? what's new on Kidsguide subscribe to newsletter latest newsletter parents' corner salesboard cheap easy things for kids to do at home offers & competitions ... join us on line facebook.com/kidsguide twitter.com/Kidsguide search search & site map Google map
	make your company a featured listing here for only £12.99/month		Kidsguide tip Most of these attractions hold special family events especially during school holidays: check the events section of their websites.
	Check before you go! Sometimes things change, places close down, contact details alter or we just make a mistake. There's nothing worse than disappointed kids so please contact the venue before you set off. If you do notice something wrong or out of date, please do other parents a favour and let us know.
	basic listings
	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. Woodlands & wildlife trails. Special family friendly events. 01829 260464 (general) 0870 333 1181 (events) www.english-heritage.org.uk/northwest
	Bersham Heritage Centre	Wrexham Devoted to telling the story of Wrexham’s historic industries and archaeological sites, Bersham Ironworks and Minera Lead Mines. Closed: October 31st 2011 – March 30th 2012. 01978 318970 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. Try steam powered crane, explore cabins, family events. Boat trips. 0151 355 5017 www.nwm.org.uk
	Bolton Library and Museum Services	Bolton For a fun family day out and inspiration for all, Bolton's Museums and Libraries are the place to go. 01204 332211 museum@bolton.gov.uk www.boltonmuseums.org.uk
	Bolton Steam Museum	Bolton The largest collection of working mill steam engines in the UK. See website for opening times and steaming days. www.nmes.org
	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. Den building area. Snowdrop walk, family fun days. Join in pike drill. 01691 774706 chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk www.nationaltrust.org.uk/chirk-castle
	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
	Clitheroe Castle & Museum	Clitheroe Small but attractive castle ruin set on hill overlooking town, great play area. Museum very family friendly. Children's activities. Cafe. www.lancashire.gov.uk
	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 Impressive, large 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
	Ewloe Castle	Wepre Park, Connah's Quay Ruins of a native Welsh castle, one of the last fortifications built by the Princes of Wales. Walk through a wooded valley: can be very muddy. Loads of streams, waterfalls, squirrels. Very atmospheric. Children's play area in Wepre Park. www.flintshire.gov.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
	Halton Castle	Halton Brow Castle ruins. 01928 569 895 www.nortonpriory.org/menu/halton-castle
	The Hardmans' House	Liverpool Time capsule of post-war years. Unopened food rations, glamorous period clothing, evocative original photographs. Children's quiz trail. Book your place on a tour in advance. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
	The Hat Works	Stockport Special exhibitions, children’s events, craft workshops in holidays and special family activities. Children's tours (booking essential). 0161 355 7770 bookings.hatworks@stockport.gov.uk www.hatworks.org.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/
	Lancaster Castle	Lancaster Dates back to 12th century. Site of the Pendle witch trials and still used as a law court. Well preserved with lots to see. Events inc. kids' activity tours. www.lancastercastle.com
	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
	Llanymynech Limeworks Heritage Area	Llanymynech Explore the fascinating Hoffman Kiln. Follow Caratacus, the Romans, Offa and others onto Llanymynech Hill. Enjoy the wildlife. 01691 839130 joanzorn@tiscali.co.uk www.llanymynech.org.uk
	Macclesfield Silk Museums	Macclesfield 4 museums. Fabric and clothing exhibits. Working looms, hands-on activities. Try weaving designing and printing. 01625 612045 www.silkmacclesfield.org.uk
	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 Liverpool	Liverpool Demonstrates Liverpool’s unique contribution to the world and showcase popular culture while tackling social, historical and contemporary issues. www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/mol/
	Museum of the Manchester Regiment	Ashton-under-Lyne The Museum tells the story of the Manchester Regiment soldiers through the objects they left behind including uniforms, equipment, weaponry, souvenirs and medals. Art activities and family workshops in the holidays. 0161 342 2254 www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/mom
	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.mosi.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 Conservation Centre	Liverpool See craftspeople conserving art and sculpture. Exhibits inc. mummified Egyptian crocodile & Peter Pan's People's Gallery. Free activities suitable for families on Saturday afternoons & school holidays. Children's menu and highchair in café. Nearby St Johns Gardens suitable for picnics. 0151 478 4999 www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/conservation
	National Football Museum	Manchester Hall of Fame. Interactive activities: test your speed, reactions and accuracy, score a penalty, try commentating. Cafe and shop. 0161 605 8200 www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
	National Museum of Penny Slot Machines	Southport Pier Over 100 Penny Slot machines some dating back to the 1890's. Great fun to play inc. Blackpool Tram Race and Harry Corbett’s Sooty TV Concert’. www.visitsouthport.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
	Park Bridge Heritage Centre	Medlock Valley, Ashton under Lyne Restored remains of industrial buildings & railway lines. Includes Stables Tea Room. 0161 330 9613 www.tameside.gov.uk/countryside/medlock
	The People's History Museum	Manchester 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
	Portland Basin Museum	Ashton under Lyne Restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse. Trails and activities for children. Picnic tables. Canal boat trips. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Free admission 0161 343 2878 www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsandgalleries/portlandbasin.htm
	Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village	Port Sunlight, Wirral Port Sunlight Museum & Garden Village offers family fun throughout the year, featuring a Museum, sprawling gardens and a tearoom. 0151 644 6466 info@portsunlightvillage.com www.portsunlightvillage.com
	Prescot Museum	Prescot, Knowsley Prescot Museum's new exhibition explores the Natural World with objects from World Museum Liverpool, with visits from Knowsley Safari Park's smaller animals. 0151 430 7787
	Quarry Bank Mill	Wilmslow Restored cotton mill. Try weaving, dyeing cotton etc. See how hard children worked. Water wheel. Woodland/riverside walk. Play area. School holiday activities for all the family. Picnic facilities. Trails and tracker packs. Cycle route. 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	see Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse
	Setantii Museum	Ashton-under-Lyne The history of Tameside from Celtic times to the present day with olden day figures, replica armour and the Anderson air raid shelter with wartime sound effects. Holiday art activities and family workshops. 0161 342 2812 www.tameside.gov.uk/setantii
	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
Touchstones Rochdale	Rochdale Arts and Heritage Centre with lots of family activities. Free entry to the museum and art galleries. Family Activity Creative Tours (F.A.C.T.) last Sunday of every month. Summer holiday events. Cafe www.link4life.org
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
Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse (formerly 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.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/visiting/museums/weaver-hall.aspx
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
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 & Archives	Regent Street, Wrexham A great visitor experience for everyone who wants to discover the county borough’s heritage and collections held in the museum and the archives. Coffee bar & bistro. 01978 317970 museum@wrexham.gov.uk www.wrexham.gov.uk/heritage

other links you might find useful: private parks & gardens galleries boats, trains & automobiles scientific attractions places to go in Cheshire places to go in Manchester places to go in Merseyside places to go in NE Wales



All users must read and accept Kidsguide's disclaimer and conditions of use including Kidsguide's use of cookies before using this site home l contact us l about us l privacy policy l cookies l copyright © Kidsguide.co.uk 2004 - 2013 l free listings & featured ads