10 of the best museums and galleries in Greater Manchester

Looking for something to do in the Manchester rain? Look no further.

Lydia Mastrolonardo - 28th August 2026

In need of a day trip, but the weather’s rubbish and money’s a bit tight? You’ll want to have a read of this then.

We just so happen to have put together a list with some of the best museums and galleries that our wonderful region has to offer – whether transport, dinosaurs, or artwork is your thing, there really is something for everyone.

There are so many amazing options in Greater Manchester that it would be silly not to make the most out of them.

So without further ado and in no particular order, here’s 10 of the best museums and art galleries across the region.

Manchester Museum

Oxford Road

Starting off strong with one of our personal favourites, Manchester Museum.

Manchester Museum is not only side one of the city’s most spectacular 130-year-old neo-gothic buildings, but it also has a little bit of everything, which makes for a lovely day trip for everyone, as no matter your interest, there’s plenty to explore.

Think all things natural history – from taxidermy tigers, to mummies, and cultural exhibitions from across the world. While you’re there, why not take the kids to meet Stan the Tyrannosaurus Rex?

Open every day apart from Mondays, all galleries and exhibitions are free but you must book in advance for the temporary exhibitions.

Hat Works

Stockport

Over in Stockport is where you can find the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, tucked away inside a Victorian mill.

Many people don’t even realise that this South Manchester town was, in fact, once the centre of the British hat-making industry, but that’s why this museum walks you through the history of all things hatting, whilst being easy on your pennies.

Admission is free for all, however booking in advance is recommended. If you want to go the full mile, you are also able to book a guided tour, which costs around £8.50 for adults and under 16s go free.

Open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am-4pm.

Museum of Transport

Cheetham Hill

Transport enthusiasts, this one’s for you.

Inside the Museum of Transport Greater Manchester, you’ll find over 70 vintage buses, coaches, trams and fire engines.

Not only is this historic 1930s bus garage home to every kind of bus and tram you could imagine, but they also have a traditional tea room and museum shop that completely transport you back in time… get it? And throughout the year lots of different special events take place too, allowing visitors to travel in style on some of the historic vehicles from their collection.

Tickets for adults cost between £6 and £7.50, while people with disabilities, or accompanied children under 16, can enter for free.

Open 10am-4:30pm on Wednesdays, weekends, and bank holidays.

Imperial War Museum North

Trafford Park

IWM North takes you on a journey all the way from the First World War, to current conflicts.

The waterfront museum is completely filled with art installations and interactive exhibitions exploring the impact of war on society

They also run accessible, sensory-friendly ‘relaxed hours’ on the first Sunday of every month, for those that benefit from the opportunity to explore in a quieter environment, and there are also quiet breakout rooms available, as well as an indoor area for anyone wishing to bring a packed lunch.

Open daily from 10am-5pm, except over Christmas, IWM North is completely free to enter and no booking is necessary.

Science and Industry Museum

Manchester City Centre

There’s always something going on at the Science and Industry Museum, that you can guarantee.

From its fabulous selection of permanent free galleries, like Revolution Manchester or the Textiles Gallery, to its ever-changing selection of exhibitions and events, there’s something for all ages and interests to get involved with.

Not to mention a fantastic range of activities for the little astronauts and scientists among us all year round.

The museum is open every day from 10am-5pm.

Fireground

Rochdale

Fireground explores the different scenarios that our brave fire service have overcome across the past 200 years – including two World Wars, many terror incidents, house fires, and vehicle crashes – and is fully equipped with uniforms medals, paintings, and the fire engines themselves to really immerse visitors in the world.

The museum is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-4pm, with children’s tickets costing £6, adults £8, and those under three going free, but we think it’s well worth a visit.

There’s also free onsite car parking, as well as being easily accessed from the Metrolink stop directly outside and the train station a stone’s throw away.

People’s History Museum

Spinningfields

Everyone should visit the People’s History Museum at least once in their lives if you want to feel empowered.

The museum explains Britain’s major political parties and movements, as well as covering historic activism, protests and events such as the Peterloo Massacre, the emergence of the NHS and the continuous fight for LGBTQIA+ equality, among many other important causes.

This colour-coded gallery explores multiple different themes – including courage, revolution, reform, loyalty, dignity, and peace.

Open 10am-5pm every day, except Tuesdays, and entry is completely free.

Bolton Museum

Bolton

The family-friendly Bolton Museum is another one that’s got a bit of everything.

It’s home to over 3,500 pieces of fine art, dating from the 18th century to now, as well as a botanical collection boasting about 60,000 different specimens, over 100 ceramics, and a surprisingly vast collection of Egyptology due to Bolton’s links to the cotton trade.

While the Nature Gallery is currently partially closed, there are plenty of other areas to explore celebrating art, culture and history.

The museum is free to all and open 9am-5pm every day, with slightly different hours on Wednesdays and Sunday.

Portland Basin Museum

Ashton-under-Lyne

This award-winning museum can be found within an old canal warehouse.

Its purpose is to showcase local history of the Tameside area, hence why the location seems particularly fitting with it being located on a historic canal junction – which during the Industrial Revolution would have been a bustling hub for trade.

Their current exhibition, Period Street, serves as a portal back in time to the 1920s, with traditional shops and housing that portray life back then. There’s also an educational play area for the little ones.

It’s open from 10am-4pm on Tuesdays to Sundays, with completely free entry and parking.

Greater Manchester Police Museum

Northern Quarter

Ever wanted to know what a 1879 police station or 1895 court room looked like? Now’s your chance.

Since being founded back in 1981, Greater Manchester Police Museum has curated a collection of police-related objects and archive material packed with history.

To get full access to the archive, you must book an appointment, but the museum is easily accessible from all over Greater Manchester, due to it being in such close proximity to Manchester Piccadilly Station.

It’s open to the public on Tuesdays from 10:30am-4pm, free of charge, but if you wish to book a private tour or larger group visit, this is available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.

Credit: The Manc Group / Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)

The Science and Industry Museum makes a great day out in Manchester — Credit: The Manc Group / Drew Forsyth (Science Museum Group)

Who knew educational activities could be so fun and cheap?

Now all you have to do is plan your route, absorb as much information as possible, and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

While many of these have free car parking, we would always advocate for you to use green methods of travel, as well as aiming to save money where possible, which is why using the Bee Network is the perfect way to get around.

Featured Image – The Manc Group