Best Arts and Culture Places in Ashton-under-Lyne

"I love the Art Gallery and have the Gallery a great place to visit with children and offers something a little different to enjoy with your children. The Gallery has several exhibits which are free for the public to enjoy. I love that the Gallery have tried to be really child friendly and for those with younger children, there is explorer tool belts for family groups with children aged three to six."

"Dynamic world class art gallery space, mostly free entry, features in Manchester from long-standing gallery icons like the Manchester Art Gallery and the Whitworth Art Gallery to lesser know art gems like The Lowry and Cornerhouse galleries. See contemporary Chinese art on display in the Chinese Arts Centre and catch more great contemporary art in hidden gem the Castlefield Gallery."

"Housed in an iconic aluminium-clad building designed by Daniel Libeskind, the IWM North houses several fascinating exhibitions which tell the story of how a century of wars have affected people’s lives in Britain. The main exhibition space shows a timeline of the wars that Britain has been involved with since the First World War. The Big Picture Show uses the latest HD projection technology to tell people’s stories of war in a vivid and captivating way."

"Another grand old building that a lucky few can get wed inside, John Rylands is still in use as a functioning library (as part of the University of Manchester library), although many visitors come simply to admire the architecture. The building is actually a vast memorial to the late John Rylands, conceived by his wife and designed by Basil Champneys. Similar in style to the Town Hall, this is another example of neo-Gothic architecture that is revered worldwide."

"On Deansgate in Manchester is the John Rylands Library, a late-19th century Victorian building in a Gothic style. What’s so different about this library is that it looks a lot more like a cathedral than a place for housing books. It is considered by many as Manchester’s most beautiful building and houses some of the earliest books ever printed."

"Located in Deansgate, right by Australasia (a famous Instagrammable restaurant in Manchester), John Rylands Library is definitely one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Yep, you’ve heard me right: in the world!. It’s home to incredible pieces of printing (some of the oldest in Europe)!"

"A photo posted by Helen Morecroft (@helenwm9) on May 25, 2016 at 12:40pm PDT. Take a trip to the Millennium Galleries, where you can visit The Ruskin Collection – a range of exhibits curated by Victorian writer John Ruskin, and intended to inspire Sheffield’s workers during that era. From detailed imagery of trees and landscapes to original sketches of birds and wildlife, hours can be spent gazing at this collection of unique work."

"The Millennium Gallery is one of Sheffield’s most prominent art galleries. It is located in the city centre making it easy to access, and entrance is free to visitors. The gallery has a number of permanent collections as well as spaces for temporary exhibits so there is always new culture to experience."

"Found in Whitworth Park, the Whitworth Art Gallery is part of the University of Manchester and owns more than 60,000 works of art. It was first opened in 1889 and now showcases paintings by the likes of William Blake, Thomas Gainsborough, and Camille Pissarro. There is also an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as a wallpaper collection, which includes more than 5,000 examples of vibrant papers."

"The Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester has a very Instagrammable restaurant. With all glass walls it feels like your in the middle of nature. You have beautiful views over the park in which you can find the Whitworth Gallery."

"Starting life in 1995, S1 Artspace was initially an art studio run by volunteers in Sheffield’s west district. Since then, it’s grown into an organisation that pioneers new artwork and ideas from artists from all walks of life, from recent graduates to international superstars. Over 500 artists have been featured over the last 20 years, including seven Turner Prize nominees and six winners, so the calibre is always high."

"Once known as Eat New York in the Northern Quarter, Triple Bagels opened up in Prestwich just a matter of months ago – bringing salt beef, burgers and bagels to North Manchester. The American-inspired menu is the perfect lunch option, with Deliveroo available for those nearby. Triple Bagels, 24 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, M25 0LD."

"Java Bar Espresso is Manchester’s oldest independent coffee shop. ‘Java’ being the slang word for ‘coffee’ in the states, incorporating Italian coffee and a European past, this is one historical coffee shop you’ll want to visit. Located in Victoria Station, this place opens especially early just for you on your way into work, and closes late for those of you making your way home."

"Using seasonal ingredients, Brewers Fayre The Hunsworth boasts a menu of traditional pub dishes. Varied sharing platters are served alongside tempting nibbles and British favourites. Hearty breakfasts are also available for early risers, while…"