Free Museums in Little Town

"Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M2 3JL - Visit now. Grab a free toolbelt activity kit and adventure around this Grade I-listed gallery which makes art headlines around the world for all the right reasons. Don’t miss the Clore Arts Studio and pay-as-you-feel menu for children from award-winning chef Mary-Ellen McTague and Real Junk Food Manchester."

"While not a museum per se, Manchester Art Gallery is home to exhibitions focusing on the development of the arts over time and eras of history. If you are a fashion lover, this should definitely be one of your sightseeing stops, as they usually host at least one exhibition connected to fashion."

"There is so much amazing street art in the city and some of the works are really Instagrammable. Some of my favourite paintings were the one of Arya Stark and, of course, Eleven from the Stranger Things. Some other street art in Manchester that I loved included these works in the photos below."

"The world-leading National Football Museum will open up again on Thursday May 27, with new exhibitions to explore. Visitors will be able to see the English Football Hall of Fame, showcasing some of those who’ve made an outstanding contribution to football, both on and off the pitch. There's also a new photographic exhibition opening on June 11, 2021, coinciding with the rescheduled Euros, looking at the popular culture surrounding the Euro 96 tournament."

"Everyone knows about Manchester’s history and continuing relationship with the world’s most popular sport, football. Manchester United and City are two of the most successful clubs on Earth, whilst also being two of the biggest brands. The former in particular has a rich history dating back to earlier in the 20th century, resulting in their current standing as one of the biggest – if not the biggest – sporting brands."

"Manchester is renowned for its football, the giants of Manchester City and Manchester United call the city home. Naturally then, so too does the National Football Museum. Some of the footballing world’s most important artefacts are here."

"At the Merseyside Maritime Museum you can explore the nautical heritage of Liverpool. Alongside finding out about Liverpool’s central role in the American Civil War and Battle of the Atlantic, tour a historic Liverpool pilot cutter moored in the Dock and take a trip round the adjacent Pier Master’s House. For families the museum recommends:"

"Discover Liverpool’s status as a British port city at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Its three exhibition floors reveal the city’s nautical history, from its role in both World Wars to its darker past as a slaving port, as well as waterfront views of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Royal Albert Dock and its industrial architecture."

"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."

"As a sister gallery to the other “Tates” in both London and Cornwall, Tate Liverpool is a beautiful space housing some beautiful art pieces from the Tate Collection. Located on the waterfront in Liverpool in what used to be a warehouse, Tate Liverpool was designed by James Stirling and opened in 1988. Within the space, you’ll discover the national British Collection of art from the year 1500 to the present day as well as modern art."

"Tate holds a national collection of British art, ranging from 1500 to the present day, as well as important pieces of international modern and contemporary art. Liverpool Tate is one of four major Tate galleries which together hold more than 70,000 artworks. Located in The Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool Tate is a fascinating attraction and just minutes’ walk from ACC Liverpool."

"An offshoot of the London-based art galleries of the same name, Tate Liverpool is located in a handsome conversion of Albert Dock warehouses…"

"Liverpool is home to many varied and exciting museums, including the Museum of Liverpool on the riverfront, the World Museum, and The International Slavery Museum. Whether you want to find out more about the history o Chinatown in Liverpool (it’s the oldest of its kind in Europe), the old overhead railway, the role of the city on the slave trade, or visit the planetarium, there is something for everyone in the free museums around the city. Also Read:A Guide to the very best Nightclubs in Liverpool"

"The Museum of Liverpool is the city’s newest museum and explores the cultural significance and history of Liverpool and its people. The museum’s collections feature a variety of culturally-important items such as fashion, décor and art, archaeological items and photographs. Liverpool is examined through its importance as a port and a gateway for diverse communities into England, as well as its impact on industry, music and art."

"As the newest member of the National Museums Liverpool group, the Museum of Liverpool opened in 2011, with the aim of telling the story of the city and its people. Exhibits are divided into four themes over four different galleries: The Great Port…"

"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."

"Open Eye Gallery is an independent, not-for-profit gallery that works with people to explore and celebrate diversity and creativity through photography. The founders believe photography is for everyone, putting socially engaged photography practice at the heart of the Liverpool community. It has become one of the UK’s leading photography spaces, presenting an international programme, as well as local and national exhibitions."

"The Open Eye Gallerywas first established in 1977 and is housed on the waterfront of Liverpool. This not-for-profit gallery houses a collection of contemporary of photography, with workshops taking place. Promoting up-and-coming young photographers, anyone who steps foot in this gallery will be impacted by the powerful images and inspired to chase their photographer dreams."

"Independent and not-for-profit, the Open Eye is the only gallery of its kind in the North West of England. Appropriately housed in an inspiring, modern building on Mann Island, it showcases both well-known and emerging photographers. Don’t overlook this gallery, it’s well worth a visit."

"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"

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Dan1980 used under CC BY 3.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Sankey Valley Park is a wonderful location to blow those cobwebs away, get that heart rate up and partake in a brisk walk in Warrington’s most loved parkland."

"Excellent park for a decent length walk, plenty of wildlife along the way. There are many birds and a couple of foxes around dusk. There is also plenty of space and singing birds."

"Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing. Tucked away from Warrington’s main town centre, where you will find all your standard high street shops and some small independent boutiques too, you will find Woolston Park. A wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning or sunny weekday after work, Woolston Park is a much-loved spot by local people."

"Another one that you'll have to exercise patience for is the RNCM (Royal Northern College of Music), which is - understandably - prioritising the return of students and tutors. You can see the latest updates at www.rncm.ac.uk."

"The Royal Northern College of Music is an internationally acclaimed conservatoire, as well as an eclectic performance venue delivering a diverse programme of music and opera performances."

"The iconic Blue Coat started out as a school and at almost 300 years old, is one of the oldest buildings in the city centre. Work on the listed building began in 1716 after the Blue Coat school was founded by Reverend Robert Styth, rector of Liverpool, and Bryan Blundell, master mariner. Since then, the famous building has become a centre for the arts and a meeting place for people across Merseyside."

"Situated in the heart of the city centre in Church Street retail area, is the distinctive Bluecoat Chambers. Built in 1716-17 as a charity school, Bluecoat Chambers in School Lane is the oldest surviving building in central Liverpool. Following the Liverpool Blue Coat School’s move to another site in 1906, the building was rented from 1907 onwards by the Sandon Studios Society."

"The oldest remaining building in central Liverpool, Bluecoat Chambers is packed with history. Opened in 1717 as a charity school, the building now operates as an arts centre. Following damage to the building suffered during the Liverpool Blitz in 1941, a period of restoration saw the venue re-open fully in 2008, to celebrate Liverpool’s year as City of Culture."

"Formerly known as William Sicilian, Sicilian NQ is the first and only true Sicilian restaurant in Manchester – offering up hearty, traditional dishes that aim to encapsulate the culture of Sicily. Think Sicilian wines and beers, antipasti, pasta, cannoli and even lovely traditional Italian desserts that go down extremely well with a good old cup of coffee. Sicilian NQ, 14 Turner St, M4 1DZ."

"Formerly known as William Sicilian Street Food, this authentic Sicilian restaurant popped up in the Northern Quarter earlier this year – renamed and reworked as Sicilian NQ. The lovely little restaurant hones in on the idyllic region’s homely food, bringing dishes such as arancini, cannoli, cipollini, pasta and more to our rainy city. Sicilian NQ, 14 Turner St, M4 1DZ."

"Offering up a modern take on the Victorian pub atmosphere, and with roasts of either chicken, beef sirloin or a mushroom wellington, accompanied by “all the trimmings”, served all day every Sunday, it’s not hard to see why The Bay Horse Tavern is a much-loved Northern Quarter hangout. A wide range of starters, desserts and drinks are also available alongside your choice of roast. You can find Sunday menus, more information about COVID-safe guidelines and book your table ahead of reopening via The Bay Horse Tavern website here."

"Located in the Northern Quarter, The Bay Horse Pub serves up hearty pub grub including pies, pizzas and wraps. One TripAdvisor traveller said: “We were down in Manchester for the weekend and came across The Bay Horse, originally for a drink but ended up having a superb meal and staying for a few drinks after. Great atmosphere and really friendly staff."

"But if you're wondering where to get breakfast in Manchester, then you have to put The Bay Horse Tavern on your list. Their breakfast classics will make you run back for more. The Bay Horse Tavern serves breakfast and brunch every day until 4 pm."