Manchester Museum Tours

Manchester Museum which includes street scenes, heritage architecture and a city
Manchester Museum showing interior views
Manchester Museum showing interior views as well as an individual femail
Manchester Museum which includes interior views and art
Manchester Museum


Home to dinosaurs, mummies and live animals, this free attraction boasts collections of precious artifacts from nearby English locations and faraway cultures.

The centrally located Manchester Museum brings natural history to life for young and old alike and is ideal for keeping the family entertained on a rainy afternoon. Explore the museum’s various exhibitions across several beautiful Victorian galleries. You’ll find one of the U.K.’s largest and most important collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts, dating as far back as 10,000 B.C. There’s also a collection of Roman antiquities and other finds from Manchester and the local region.The museum grew from the personal collection of one wealthy local manufacturer from the 19th century and became part of the Manchester Natural History Society in 1835. As more and more artifacts were donated from around the world, the museum had to upscale several times. Eventually the famous architect Alfred Waterhouse was asked to design the present-day museum building. Waterhouse also designed Manchester's Town Hall and the Natural History Museum in London.The current building has been open since 1890. Visitors often say the museum looks deceptively small from the outside. Once indoors, you’ll find everything from prehistoric fossils to live amphibians and reptiles in the award-winning vivarium. Downstairs, kids will be amazed by the enormous Tyrannosaurus rex that is about 70 million years old. They often laugh when they learn his name is Stan, after the man who found him (Stan Sacrison). The huge skeleton stands alongside a large collection of other fossils and natural history items.There is no admission fee for the museum, but a small, voluntary donation for upkeep is appreciated. The museum is open daily, except December 24-26 and January 1. Exhibits vary find details on the museum’s website. Manchester Museum is centrally located on Oxford Road, near the University of Manchester. There is car parking available for a fee on nearby Booth Street West. The museum is about a 15-minute walk from Oxford Road train station and there is a free Metroshuttle bus, which services city center train stations as well as some car parks and bus stops, from Victoria station to Oxford Road.

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Best Lodging Options Near Manchester Museum

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

4 out of 5
London Road, Manchester, England
Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central

4 out of 5
56 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester, England
Leonardo Hotel Manchester Central
Kimpton Clocktower by IHG

Kimpton Clocktower by IHG

5 out of 5
Oxford Street, Manchester, England
Kimpton Clocktower by IHG
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre

Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre

4 out of 5
Charles Street, Manchester, England
Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre
Britannia Hotel Manchester

Britannia Hotel Manchester

3 out of 5
35 Portland Street, Manchester, England
Britannia Hotel Manchester
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel

5 out of 5
Free Trade Hall Peter Street, Manchester, England
The Edwardian Manchester, A Radisson Collection Hotel
The Alan

The Alan

4 out of 5
18 Princess Street, Manchester, England
The Alan
Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG

3 out of 5
Goadsby St Off Swan St, Manchester, England
Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre Arena by IHG
Hyatt House Manchester

Hyatt House Manchester

4 out of 5
55 Booth Street West, Manchester, England
Hyatt House Manchester
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Manchester Museum

Manchester Museum offers a vast collection of exhibits and is easily accessible by train. Visitors can explore a variety of activities nearby, including theater, shopping, and entertainment. If you're wondering when to visit, check out what's on in Manchester for exciting events and programs during your stay. Experience the rich culture and vibrant atmosphere the city has to offer while enjoying your time at the museum.

Food and drinks

Indulge in delightful treats at Wendy's Memory Lane & Tearoom, located a mile from Manchester Museum, perfect for a cozy meal. For wine enthusiasts, Holmfirth Vineyard offers a romantic experience 19 miles away, while Dunscar Bridge Brewery provides a lively atmosphere 13 miles from the museum.

Shopping

For unique gifts and souvenirs, check out Deansgate Locks, only 0.8 miles from the museum, offering a vibrant city atmosphere. Affleck's Palace is 1 mile away, filled with eclectic shops. If you're up for a drive, the Trafford Centre is 5 miles away, featuring a family-friendly shopping experience.

Recreation

At Old Trafford, immerse yourself in the electric atmosphere of a world-class sports stadium. Northenden Golf Course offers a serene outdoor setting for golf enthusiasts. For relaxation, visit Prestwich Forest Park, where you can enjoy peaceful walks and connect with nature amidst lush greenery.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the UK Bungee Club with a heart-pounding 160ft bungee jump, located 2 miles from Manchester Museum. For a unique indoor adventure, try Chill FactorE's skiing, found 5 miles away, or tackle the Vertical Chill Ice Wall climbing experience, only 1 mile away.

Nightlife

Catch a show at O2 Apollo Manchester, just a half mile from the museum, for a vibrant cultural experience. For a cinematic night, head to Printworks a mile away. If you're feeling lucky, try your hand at Manchester235 Casino, only 0.9 miles away, for thrilling city vibes.

Find the best attractions near Manchester Museum

Whether you're a culture enthusiast or looking for family-friendly activities, Manchester Museum and its surroundings offer a variety of attractions. Explore historic houses, urban parks, and significant buildings like the Manchester Cathedral and the University of Manchester. Don't miss the vibrant Manchester Arena for events and entertainment. With plenty of outdoor experiences and cultural sites, there's something for everyone to enjoy in and around Manchester Museum.

  • Salford Quays: Just 2 miles from Manchester Museum, Salford Quays is a vibrant waterfront area known for its modern architecture and cultural attractions. Enjoy the lively atmosphere as you explore the MediaCityUK, home to the BBC and other creative industries, along with a variety of restaurants and bars.
  • Canal Street: Located only 0.7 miles away, Canal Street is the heart of Manchester's LGBTQ+ community and is famous for its lively nightlife. The colorful street is lined with bars, cafes, and restaurants, making it a perfect place to soak up the local culture.
  • Piccadilly Gardens: Just a mile from the museum, Piccadilly Gardens offers a green oasis in the city. It's a great spot for families, featuring gardens, fountains, and plenty of space to relax or enjoy seasonal events and markets.

Best time to go to Manchester Museum

Visitor numbers around Manchester Museum is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Manchester Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Manchester Museum

Visiting Manchester Museum can be budget-friendly, as it offers free entry. Nearby attractions like Canal Street, Trafford Centre, and Piccadilly Gardens are also free to explore. To save on accommodations, consider visiting from November to January when prices are lower, and book about a month in advance for the best deals. Use Expedia to find last-minute hotel discounts, filter by budget, and combine your hotel with flights for added savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide exclusive discounts and cash back for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Manchester Museum are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April to June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Manchester Museum about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the Manchester Museum with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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