Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Alderley Edge

"Walk through a timeline of history from the First World War to the present day. Again, although tickets are free, they must be booked in advance. Find out more and book here."

"Manchester's second most important art gallery is arguably its most beautiful, following a restoration that saw the doubling of its exhibition space through the opening of its sides and back, and the construction of glass-screened promenades. Inside is a fine collection of British watercolours, the best selection of historic textiles outside London and galleries devoted to the work of artists from Dürer and Rembrandt to Lucian Freud and David Hockney."

"Reopened in 2015 after a £15m transformation, Manchester’s gallery in the park is home to an internationally important collection of art, including significant work by William Blake and J.M.W. Turner. It also hosts an exciting roster of visiting exhibitions and events. Visit the website for the latest information."

"Surrounded by the University of Salford, this sizeable museum is on the south side of Peel Park, mapping the history of Salford and with a large inventory of Victorian art. The museum dates to 1850, and would be worth a visit just to appreciate its Italianate Renaissance-style galleries. These have been arranged to reflect the layout of a Victorian museum, with paintings, decorative art and sculpture all competing for your attention in the same space."

"Popular permanent attractions of The Victorian Gallery and Lark Hill Place (re-creation of a typical northern street during Victorian times), as well as an ever-changing exhibition programme. The Museum also provides activities for children during the…"

"In the old Peak Hydrophathic Hotel (1880) the Buxton Museum and Gallery has exhibitions for archaeology, history and geology, all sourced in the town and the Peak District. The Wonders of the Peak exhibition presents a timeline from the Big Bang to the Victorian period. You’ll learn how the range was formed and inspect fossils of Pliocene mammals that once prowled the Peak District, like scimitar-toothed cats and cave lions."

"Free to enter, Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is a modern and well-curated way into the geology, archaeology, art and history of the Peak District."

"1857 museum with 200,000 artifacts displayed in original Victorian glass cabinets, plus fine art. Address : Bold St, Warrington WA1 1DR, United Kingdom"

"Centre For Chinese Contemporary Art is a unique art gallery with a year-round programme of socially engaged exhibitions, events, and artist residencies. They have over 30 years experience of working with emerging and established artists to provide a space for conversation, debate, and cross-cultural exchange. They are the go-to place to discover new artists and explore relevant global issues from different international perspectives."

"CFCCA reopens with a duo of exhibitions investigating and unpicking themes of belonging, identity and citizenship in a globalised and hyper-connected society. Housed in CFCCA’s Northern Quarter galleries, the exhibitions are just a few minutes’ walk from the Arndale Shopping Centre. Multiplicities in Flux brings together works by contemporary artists Grace Lau and Eelyn Lee in a dialogue around identity and belonging."

"Manchester's Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art will reopen both of its galleries on Wednesday May 19. Exhibitions Multiplicities in Flux and Autopsy of a Home, which originally opened in October, will be back until June 13. Booking is advised at cfcca.org.uk but walk-ups are welcome."

"While idling in the Pavilion Gardens you could call in at this gallery in the main building next to the tourist information desk. The Gallery in the Gardens is a platform for painting and arts and crafts by more than 40 local artists and craftspeople. Their works are for sale and include textiles, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, embroidery, glass, linocuts, etchings, woodcarvings and prints."

"Since you’ll find yourself within The Pavilion Gardens, you might want to pay The Gallery in the Gardens a visit. It’s an art gallery featuring paintings, ceramics, and other crafts by local artists. Support the local artists’ high-quality masterpieces by making a purchase or two if you can."

"Contemporary Six – The Gallery is a leading independent art gallery located in the heart of the city centre of Manchester opposite the beautiful Town Hall. Established in 2010 by Alex Reuben, the gallery is known for offering a warm and friendly welcome to art enthusiasts, collectors, and new visitors and explorers to the city. Specialising in original paintings, landscapes, portraits, abstracts handmade prints, sculptures, and ceramics."

"From Darrell Evanes’ scrap metal sculpture to Matthew Bourne’s natural abstracts, Contemporary Six’s repertoire is all encompassing. Having outgrown its former location of Royal Exchange Arcade, the gallery - founded by Alex Reuben in 2010 - now occupies an airy space on Princess Street, where it represents around 40 artists. Best feature: Contemporary Six offers the Own Art Scheme, which allows buyers to pay in monthly instalments"

"Home to a collection of impressive oil paintings, ceramics, local history and a fine selection of the famous Leek Embroideries. Walk in the footsteps of William Morris, D.H. Lawrence, Oscar Wilde and John Betjeman."

"Pep Guardiola’s King Street restaurant promises diners the best of Catalonia right here in Manchester. Chef Paco Perez lays claim to five Michelin stars, and food here is served in a unique style. More complex than tapas but smaller than a plate, dining here is all about taste and presentation."

"Spread across two floors in Spinningfields, Tast is serving elevated yet uncomplicated Catalan dishes. A Michelin Guide restaurant in Manchester, the venue offers guests the chance to watch chefs from the downstairs counter or enjoy an elegant set menu upstairs at Enxaneta Tast."

"If yes, then enjoy a lunch or dinner with your friends or family in Chaobaby which is one of the best Thai buffets. It offers exceptional dining service and delicious dishes. Chefs of Chaobaby collect the fresh ingredients to prepare the delicious dishes following the authentic style of cooking."

"Lupo Caffè Italiano, located at the Boat Shed, Exchange Quay, serves award-winning Italian coffee. Italian-flavours continue to run through its daily-changing menu which has previous included crostatina with nutella, stuffed peppers and pistachio, and white chocolate muffins. The cafe also makes Italian birthday cakes with custom designs."