Best Museums in Baxenden

"Operated by Manchester City Galleries, the Manchester Art Gallery is a multi-award winning, world-class venue and one of the region’s most popular cultural destinations. The gallery displays an alluring range of art including esteemed contemporary works, photography, design and decorative art, as well as older historically significant works. With 19th century British paintings, major Pre-Raphaelite works and a collection of works by the impressionistic artist Adolphe Valette, Manchester Art Gallery is a destination of national and international importance."

"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."

"Manchester Art Gallery is a public art museum on Mosley Street (near St Peter Square). It’s actually made of 3 buildings. The main one was built in 1823 after a design from Sir Charles Barry."

"National Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M4 3BG - Visit now. Learn all about the history of the beautiful game in the world’s largest football museum with optional Football Plus experiences to put your penalty shootout skills to the test. The clever folk at the museum even help pocket money budgets go further with free weekly Match Attax swopsies sessions."

"From Wednesday May 19, the stunning Whitworth gallery will be partially reopen to the public, with a film screening of Imran Perretta: the destructors on display. The cafe will be back open too, but the full gallery will be up and running again by July 1, in time for its MIF21 summer exhibition. Plan your visit at whitworth.manchester.ac.uk/visit."

"Part of the University of Manchester, The Whitworth acts as a bridge between the university and the people of the city by providing a space to meet, play and learn. The gallery has been named Best Emerging Cultural Destination in Europe and includes gallery spaces, a study centre, learning studio and collections centre."

"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."

"Located near Preston Dock, the Ribble Steam Railway museum invites you to hop aboard a heritage train ride on one of their working steam trains. The museum makes a fantastic and interactive day out for all the family, delving into Preston's historical links to steam trains and Preston Dock. See their Diesel Locomotives, Steam Locomotives, miniature railway, and much more."

"Stood high on Castle Hill dominating Clitheroe’s skyline for over 800 years, Clitheroe Castle Museum is now open after a complete makeover and offers a day of exploration for all the family. Explore the hands-on galleries, collections and displays which reveal amazing stories and take you on a journey through 350 million years of history."

"The Trafford Ecology Park is tucked away in the industrial Trafford Park behind an oil depot and is a registered Biological Important site and a true oasis of wildlife. The park is spread across an area of eleven acres and is a true delight for a nature enthusiast."

"I swear that the good people of Manchester were waiting for me to leave… I’d been visiting for the inaugural Cup North back in 2014 and no sooner had I left, than it seemed a slew of new coffee shops opened, led by Federal Café & Bar, which, by the way, does what it says on the tin. By day, it’s a café, while by night, it morphs into a bar, although, as I discovered, the staff will happily serve you coffee long into the night (and, I suspect, alcohol during the day). The coffee side of the equation is handled by Kiwi transplants, Ozone, supplying the Hodson blend and decaf on espresso, with a couple of single-origins on pour-over, impressive when you consider the (lack of) available space."

"Situated just along from the Arndale, this Northern Quarter cafe is perfect for a healthy shopping break. It features all of our favourite kinds of healthy food, such as banana bread (well, it does contain fruit), smashed avocado and French toast. It’s also ranked 11/1,752 restaurants in Manchester on TripAdvisor, so we really think we’re onto a winner with this one!"

"Having conquered Northern Quarter with their Aussie-style brunch bowls, Federal has opened another charming spot in Deansgate. Expect the same easy breezy vibes, alongside healthy plates that include a winning banana bread."

"Bill’s in Spinningfields is celebrating Shrove Tuesday with a brand new pancake menu, available to order from 21 February to 1 March. The inclusive menu is perfect for both vegan and non-vegan pancake fans – with both sweet and savoury options to chow down on. This year’s menu options include sweetcorn pancakes with eggs, feta and avo, roast tomato and black olive vegan pancakes, classic lemon and sugar, banana and salted caramel, white chocolate with frozen berries and ice cream with chocolate sauce."

"If you like to be the first in line to try something new, head to Bill’s in Spinningfields. Their brand-new pancake menu will be available between 21st Feb – 1st March with a strong mix of vegan, non-vegan, sweet and savoury treats to gorge on. Location: Bill’s, Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB."

"Let's face it, nothing gets you through a difficult day in the office quite like a really great lunch. So forget about soggy sandwiches, sad salads and sweaty scotch eggs. The best lunch spots in Manchester are on hand to transform your day for the better."

"Fig and Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JN - Visit now. This design-store-cum-coffee-bar ticks two boxes at once; shopping for beautiful gifts, and sipping a well-crafted coffee. The interior is warm and welcoming with a stripped-back, Scandinavian vibe."

"Fig and Sparrow, 20 Oldham Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 1JN - Visit now. Serving up a stylish selection of locally-produced gifts, cards and homeware, as well as great coffee and cake."

"Typical Northern Quarter stuff, Fig + Sparrowis a bit hipster and probably styled with Instagram in mind. The coffee’s great and I love the salted caramel squares. Their breakfast dishes start at £2.50 (yes, really) making it a strong"

"Savour the best cuisine of both France and Yorkshire at the elegant Le Bistro De Amis. Pop in for a coffee and sweet treat, relish a freshly prepared salad or sandwich or treat a loved one to a meal from their A La Carte offering. Menu specialities include chargrilled venison, pan roasted chicken breast and twice-cooked pork belly."

"Fine dining made casual with a modern spin on British classics, in the shiny First Street development just outside Manchester’s city centre. High ceilings tower over dark wood and teal furnishings, with cosy booths and dim lighting. An open kitchen gives diners a view of the MasterChef at work."

"Jack Rosenthal Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M15 4RA. Opened by former MasterChef winner Simon Wood, this is a large, welcoming venue. Whether you opt for the fine-dining a la carte, good-value set lunch or tasting menu, the kitchen allows fresh ingredients to shine."

"Take a loved one to the elegant and stylish Bertram’s Restaurant and enjoy adult-only dining with a difference. Start with drinks on the scenic Terrace Bar, followed by a sumptuous meal. Alternatively, opt for one of their popular afternoon teas – the perfect celebratory treat!"