The Greater Manchester museum that’s free to visit and ‘not to be missed’

One visitor said it's hard to believe it's free it's that good

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Greater Manchester has no shortage of fascinating museums whether you want to learn about natural history, science, the world of football or democracy. We’ve even got a museum with a hidden Victorian street.

They’re all great places to take the kids during the school holidays, providing them with entertainment and education. A museum visit is a handy activity to have up your sleeve for rainy days during the school holidays.

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Housed in a restored nineteenth century warehouse by the canal in Ashton-under-Lyne is Portland Basin Museum, a family-friendly museum that takes you on a trip back in time and explores the history of the local area.

Visitors are invited to step inside the recreated 1920s street and take a peek into scenes of daily life from times gone by.

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There’s a replica of a kitchen, complete with food on the table and laundry airing from the ceiling, an old pub and even a chippy.

Mannequins and antiques bring the scenes to life in displays which delight both children and adults.

Kids can learn about life in the coal mines or cotton mills, and get up close to historic machinery. Younger kids will love the interactive play area too.

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Next to the museum is the Bridge View Cafe, where you can grab a sandwich or a snack, and the museum also has picnic tables outside should you want to bring your own picnic.

The museum showcases temporary exhibitions in the entrance, which change every six to eight months. The current one, The Nine Towns of Tameside, is on until 6 July 2025 and is inspired by the 50th anniversary of the creation of the borough of Tameside.

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Portland Basin Museum has received heaps of praise from visitors on Tripadvisor. One reviewer, GemZ77, described it as “excellent”.

They wrote: “The exhibits are really well maintained and interesting, with plenty of nice touches for children. Some really interesting points about local history that we didn’t know and that got us talking (and googling!).

“Staff were fabulous, friendly and offering help when needed. Oh and the cafe was fabulous too, had delicious home made scones. We will definitely be back! Hard to believe that this is free entry too, excellent. Many thanks to all involved in maintaining the museum, it’s a local attraction not to be missed.”

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One reviewer described it as “Lovely museum. Great for kids….We took our young grandchildren and it didn't disappoint. “

Another visitor, Justice C, wrote: “A charming museum which offers, on the first floor, displays of British history in brief from the Celts to more modern times. We particularly enjoyed the recreated rooms from bygone days…I hope this museum will continue to be supported in the years to come as I feel it plays a vital role in showcasing history particularly as it relates to the local area.”

The museum is completely free to visit and open Tuesday-Sunday, except bank holidays from 10am to 4pm.

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There is free parking at the museum, and it’s a 20-minute walk from both the Ashton-under-Lyne bus and train stations.

Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA

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