Free Museums in Ince-in-Makerfield

"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."

"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."

"Located on Mosley Street, Manchester Art Gallery is a free entry gallery that has been at the centre of life in Manchester for nearly 200 years. The gallery strives for social change through its collections, displays and public programmes. Pay a visit to see exhibitions including Grayson’s Art Club and What is Manchester Art Gallery."

"Situated on the city’s famous Albert Dock, the Tate Liverpool houses an impressive collection of British and international modern and contemporary art. Currently on show is the exhibit “Tracy Emin and William Blake in focus”, which examines the parallels between the two artists. Visitors can also admire Judy Chicago’s Beatles-inspired mural, “Fixing a Hole”."

"The docks are home to the Liverpool Maritime Museum, the Beatles Story, the International Slavery Museum and the Tate Modern Art Gallery. This is a great place to stop off for coffee or lunch."

"Another museum and one that is large in size and with the number of artifacts and history housed within it. The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first museum dedicated to the city it resides in. This museum features history and back catalogues of information surrounding Liverpool."

"Proudly showcasing the city’s global significance, the Museum of Liverpool sits on the city’s iconic Pier Head. Here you’ll find exhibitions on the history of Liverpool, the passing trade through the docks and the unique impact the city has had on the world in years gone by."

"The Museum of Liverpool is the newest museum in the city’s catalogue and celebrates the extensive culture and history of Liverpool and its people. The museum is a must-see for anyone keen to swat up on local heritage, as sporting and creative achievements are recognised."

"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"

"Travel back in time to the industrial revolution at the Quarry Bank Mill. Oozing with heritage, you can experience the ‘sounds and smells’ of steam and water-powered engines, explore the cotton mill to learn about spinning, weaving, the production of material, and the history of the textile industry, tour the Apprentice House for a glimpse into the lives of pauper children, stroll the beautiful gardens, or walk the Styal Estate, filled with woodlands and streams. Interactive, engaging, and educational, the museum exhibits and friendly and knowledgeable staff make Quarry Bank Mill a great day out for all ages."

"Supported by Arts Council England, with help from Bluecoats, LJMU, and Liverpool Irish Festival. This gallery has managed to support exhibitions exclusively created by local artists. While running local events, social, clubs and group crits, to strengthen and become the heart of the Liverpool art scene."

"Over the past 125+ years, the Whitworth has seen many transformations but none so much as its recent £15 million development, resulting in accolades such as RIBA National Award and Art Fund’s Museum of the Year 2015. Now home to an internationally important collection numbering 60,000 works - blending high-profile names like Blake, Spencer, Rembrandt and Moore with fresh new talent - the gallery’s principal aim remains the same: ‘the perpetual gratification of the people of Manchester’."

"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."

"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."

"Knowsley Leisure And Culture Park is a place where you can go for both fitness and relaxation. A nice leisure centre that offers a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where you can stay active and fit while having loads of fun with your friends and families. They have a public swimming pool made for both recreation, fitness and swimming lessons."

"Set within a natural conservation area, discover the 74-acre Camphill and Woolton Woods, providing an ideal setting to relax and unwind on your walk. Along the woodland pathways of this historic park, you’ll find a walled garden and magnificent views from Camp Hill, which was formerly home to a Bronze Age encampment. Further details here"