The 10 Best History Museums in Greater Manchester, England

Clayton Hall is Manchester's only moated manor house. The later part of the hall has been dressed to show the hall in Victorian times. Children are encouraged to touch and have a go at various household activities. They can also get dressed as Victorians. Afterward there is a separate cafe and shop where you can buy very reasonably priced home made refreshments. With bacon baps, home-made cakes and home-made soup usually available.

The People's History Museum (PHM) is the national museum of democracy, telling the story of its development in Britain: past, present and future. The museum provides opportunities for people of all ages to learn about, be inspired by and get involved in ideas worth fighting for; ideas such as equality, social justice, co-operation, and a fair world for all. PHM offers a powerful annual programme exploring the past, present and future.

Bolton Museum and Art Gallery has something for everyone. Visit our Ancient Egypt Gallery to see fascinating artifacts, learn about Bolton's rich heritage or meander your way through our collection of art. Learn about creatures from all over the world and don't forget to say hello to our dinosaur friend on your way in! We are also home to Greater Manchester's only aquarium.

This museum includes objects, documents, photographs and oral histories charting the stories and experiences of Manchester’s Jewish community, including their experiences during the Holocaust.

Portland Basin Museum is housed within the restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse in Ashton-under-Lyne. The museum combines a lively modern interior with a peaceful canal side setting. It is an exciting family friendly museum, with something for all the family.

Purpose-built to tell powerful stories of over a century of conflict, IWM North makes full use of its extraordinary exhibition space to deliver a moving and immersive experience.

Welcome to the Museum of Wigan Life. The museum is Wigan's hidden gem with collections covering the whole history of the Borough and beyond. Our Ancient Egyptian exhibition has recently been featured on BBC 2's Immortal Egypt with Joann Fletcher. The permanent gallery explores local history with everything from the Roman settlement to Northern Soul at Wigan Casino. New displays highlight the area's famous industrial past 'Coal, Cotton and Canals' and earlier trades such as clock making and pewter ware. Find out how the Pit Brow Lasses shocked Victorian society, what's a lobby-gobbler and why are Wiganers known as pie-eaters? For children there's our Arts Award trail, mock Egyptian tomb, dressing up and activity table. The museum is housed in a beautiful Grade II listed building designed as a library in 1878 by Alfred Waterhouse, architect of London's Natural History Museum and Manchester Town Hall. You can walk in the footsteps of George Orwell who researched 'The Road to Wigan Pier' here in the 1930s or pop upstairs to Local Studies and discover your own family history with our friendly team.

Bramall Hall, owned by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council, is a superb example of a Tudor Manor House with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. The Hall, one of the most beautiful treasures of England, is of great national importance. The magnificent 16th Century wall paintings, striking Elizabethan plaster ceiling, the Victorian Kitchens and Servants’ Quarters give this Hall its unique charm. The Hall stands in 70 acres of parkland designed in the Victorian Romantic style. It offers woodland walks with intriguing glimpses of the Hall itself and of the brooks and lakes. The Stables Kitchen is an independent business located in Bramhall Park but is not owned by Stockport MBC. Bramall Hall offers guided tours, school visits and is used as a wedding and private function venue.