What to do and see in North West England, England: The Best History Museums

Housed in the Victorian cells in Warrington Police Station the Museum of Policing in Cheshire preserves and displays artefacts spanning the history of policing in the County since the Force was founded in 1838

Open from the 18th May on Tuesdays & Thursdays and the first Sunday of the Month from 10am - 4pm only. Our WW2 Hangar is, as it was, during WW2. Hangar 42 was a key Hangar at RAF Squires Gate, housing Hawker Hurricanes and Boulton Paul Defiants. Operated by Volunteers the exhibits include Mark II & IX Spitfire's and a Hawker Hurricane MKII as well as original and operational RAF airfield vehicles. Please note that this Visitor attraction is best suited to children 10 years or older. Entry fees are Adults £5.00 Children 10-16 £3.00, under 10's Free. Veterans and serving members of the Armed half price with ID Card. If you are interested in sitting in the cockpit of one of our Spitfire Aircraft, there is a fee of £5 for this on top of the entrance fee. Free Car park, NO PETS. Advance ticket sales only via www.ticketsource.co.uk until 21st June, whilst covid restrictions apply. H42 is Covid Secure, follow Social Media for new updates

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.

World Museum Liverpool is a fantastic family day out! Over five free floors explore: the aquarium and the Treasure House Theatre; the natural world in the Clore Natural History Centre and Bug House; the human world in the World Cultures gallery and Weston Discovery Centre; the earth with dinosaurs and animals from around the world; and space and time through scientific instruments and the Planetarium. There are also two cafés and two shops.

This is original underground command center for the Navy, Air Force and Marines tracking Atlantic enemy submarine and convoy shipping during World War II. The building is encompasses 30,000 square feet of rooms and corridors, including the iconic Operations Room - a huge 20ft high map of the Atlantic ocean, where the movement of allied and enemy ships were plotted throughout the war. Now reopened as a visitor centre, you can spend hours exploring, learning and discovering more about Liverpool during the war, and the stories of the women and men that worked at Western Approaches during the war.

Immerse yourself in Lake District History at the Museum of Lakeland Life and Industry. Inside you can explore a typical Victorian farmers home from the food in the kitchen, to the elegance of the parlour. Other galleries tell the story of the Arts and Crafts movement, and the industrial history of this beautiful part of the world. Here you can discover the Lake District’s past in farming, mining, tanning, and many other ways that people have made a living amongst the fells. The Museum allows you to discover how people have lived in the Lake District and how the unique landscape has shaped their lives. You can also find out about Arthur Ransome, one of the Lake District’s most famous authors, and colourful characters. And why not stroll down the Victorian high street before you go to find out about the toys, food, and even medicines of the past. The Museum of Lakeland life is a must see for anyone interested in the history of this beautiful area, and with changing exhibitions looking at all aspects of Lakeland Life there will always be something new to discover.

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.