Best Arts and Culture Places in Ashton-under-Lyne

"Manchester Art Gallery is the original useful museum, started in 1823 by artists, as an educational institution to make sure that the city and all its people grow with creativity, imagination, productivity, and health. It is free and open to all people as a place of civic thinking and public imagination, it promotes art as a means to achieve social change. It has been at the centre of city life for almost 200 years, created as the Royal Manchester Institution for the Promotion of Literature, Science and the Arts."

"Situated in the heart of Manchester city centre, Manchester Art Gallery mixes history with contemporary fine art to bring us the best exhibitions and collections. The gallery is also famous for its 19th century British paintings and Pre-Raphaelite works. This gallery is great for any art and design students as the variety of work on exhibition is of such a wide variety to suit any artistic style."

"One of five Imperial War Museums in the UK, Manchester’s addition to the repertoire is located in Media City. The striking aluminium-clad building houses a timeline of Britain’s conflicts since the First World War, drawing on different elements of war such as the involvement of women and the impact of science and technology on how wars are fought. Alongside the permanent exhibits are plenty of films and photographs showcasing what life was like during these conflicts.Imperial War Museum | © the yes man / Flickr"

"Inside this stunning building, you will find interesting and thought-proving exhibitions that show how war has shaped the world. Throughout the year there are new exhibitions exploring different stories, events and peoples experiences. The kids will enjoy getting hands-on in the TimeShack where they will find object handling sessions and storytelling sessions, and also getting creative in the Learning Studio where they can make something craft to take home!"

"In Trafford, you will find a striking building that is specifically designed to leave all visitors slightly uneasy and assist them to process all the feelings that conflicts and war can evoke – the building lies on a former bomb site. The main exhibitions chart all the wars that have affected Britain since the First World War. Taxis in Manchester are here to help you avoid missing out the Big Picture Show – a blend of film and photographs."

"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."

"John Ryland’s Library is my personal favourite photo location in Manchester. It’s a working library of the University of Manchester, so make sure to keep quiet and not disturb students that are preparing for their assignments."

"Designed by some of the most renowned architects in the UK, the Millennium Gallery is a piece of art in itself. But the reason people visit is for the eclectic collections it’s home to, including the Ruskin Collection: watercolours, drawings, prints, coins, manuscripts, and illustrated books used to inspire Sheffield’s Victorian workforce. The Craft and Design centre exhibits a modern take on Victorian themes."

"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."

"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."

"After an extensive renovation project, the Whitworth is the best place in the city to view a collection of exciting contemporary art. Keep your eyes peeled on their exciting events calendar, pay a visit to their fabulous restaurant with sweeping views of the surrounding park and pick up a picnic basket of art supplies to spark your own creativity."

"The Whitworth will partially reopen from Wednesday 19 May 2021. The gallery is expected to reopen fully from Thursday 1 July 2021."

"The Hepworth is one of the leading contemporary art museums in Europe. It's the largest purpose-built gallery in the UK outside of London and attracts art lovers from all over. It's set on the waterfront of the River Calder and offers a tranquil atmosphere despite being so close to the City Centre."

"One of the most impressive exhibition spaces outside of London, The Hepworth’s architecture is just as spectacular as the collections housed inside. View rare pieces by famed local sculptor Barbara Hepworth, alongside a series of visiting exhibitions."

"This underground bohemian non-profit café serves also as an exhibition space for local up and coming artists; so enjoy coffee and lunch, while admiring the latest art installation, in the company of creative individuals. Tucked away, just off Oldham Street, lit with a neon pink sign, and a quirky window display, follow the artwork down the stairs as you are led into the café. Greeted by a buzz of chatter, an assortment of miss matched comfy chairs, and a book case with books to borrow, you are instantly made to feel welcome."

"This not-for-profit establishment located in the heart of Manchester has combined creativeness with non-alcoholic beverages and craftsmanship. This is the perfect place to head if you’re looking for a relaxed yet fun atmosphere. Regular events and art exhibitions are extremely popular here, the delicious cups of hot coffee are just a great bonus!"

"It is one of the three surviving timber houses in Sheffield, making it an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. It was built in the early 16th century and also has exhibitions on life in the 16th and 17th centuries. There are passionate volunteers who will explain the rich history and insightful stories behind the building."

"In the Norton Lees district, lies this half-timbered house built during the Renaissance. Despite its age, it has kept a lot of its Jacobean-style interior and has become a grade 2 listed building. It has been§ a museum open to the public since 1976 and accepts donations rather than admission fees."

"One of the few real 'tourist attractions' included on this list, Bishop's House is known as Sheffield's "Tudor hidden gem". A window to the past, kept open by the Friends of Bishop's House, the house was built in 1554 during Mary Tudor's short reign. Find it near the entrance to Meersbrook Park."

"Italian restaurant, Pasta Factory has always had a great selection of vegan dishes and has even got its own range of homemade vegan cheeses. Plant-based options include Triangoli di Funghi al Tartugo (a mushroom and truffle pasta dish with cashews) and Molle con Crema di Aglio Nero (short pasta with black garlic, shredded red pepper, chillies and almonds). Delivery is available via Uber Eats and Deliveroo."

"Indulge in some authentic Italian pasta at The Pasta Factory. It’s not strictly a vegan- or vegetarian-only restaurant, as meat dishes are also available, but there’s a healthy variety of options for those looking for something plant-based. From the vegan spinach and potato ravioli to the hazelnut and chocolate mousse, you’ll be able to get both dinner and dessert – all for a reasonable price."

"Located on Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter, the Centre for Chinese Contemporary Art is a leading exhibition in exploring contemporary Chinese culture, through performances, workshops and film screenings. It is currently awaiting a date for reopening."

"What: Ok so Hatch is more of a food market than a restaurant, but it certainly has plenty of outdoor space. The shopping and dining hub is made up of a variety of different street food restaurants and independent shops housed inside converted shipping containers. All you have to do is have a browse, pick the food you want to eat and then settle in on one of the bench tables dotted around the space - simple.Where: 103 Oxford Road, M1 7ED"

"Hatch is a hip and trendy box park located on Oxford Road, close to the University of Manchester. You can head there for drinks or food or shopping. Moreover, you can take some nice photos there."

"It may not look like much from the outside, but inside two Victorian villas on Nelson Street you’ll find The Pankhurst Centre – a heritage site of women’s activism. Once the home of local Manchester political campaigner and icon Emmeline Pankhurst, who lived at 62 Nelson Street from 1898 to 1907, it’s here that the very first meeting of the suffragette movement took place. Cut to the present day and visitors can now drop by to explore the story of women securing the right to vote."

"An unassuming little house on Nelson Street, this spot was the birthplace of the Suffragette movement. The home of inspirational leader Emmeline Pankhurst, the first Women’s Social and Political Union meeting was held here in 1903. Nowadays, the place has been converted into a museum detailing the battle for women’s equality in Britain and celebrating its great former occupant."

"Birthplace of the suffragette movement in 1903, the Pankhurst Centre is an excellent place to learn about the fight for women’s right to vote. There are people who guide you through the house to help you learn about the history. The museum is open to the public from 10-4pm on Thursdays, and on the second and fourth Sunday of the month."

"It is one of the three surviving timber houses in Sheffield, making it an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. It was built in the early 16th century and also has exhibitions on life in the 16th and 17th centuries. There are passionate volunteers who will explain the rich history and insightful stories behind the building."

"In the Norton Lees district, lies this half-timbered house built during the Renaissance. Despite its age, it has kept a lot of its Jacobean-style interior and has become a grade 2 listed building. It has been§ a museum open to the public since 1976 and accepts donations rather than admission fees."

"One of the few real 'tourist attractions' included on this list, Bishop's House is known as Sheffield's "Tudor hidden gem". A window to the past, kept open by the Friends of Bishop's House, the house was built in 1554 during Mary Tudor's short reign. Find it near the entrance to Meersbrook Park."