Best Museums in Preston

"Take advantage of the free-entry to Manchester Art Gallery and admire the works of Manchester artists, a wide selection of British art and a large number of European masterpieces. The gallery was designed by Charles Barry, who is best known for rebuilding the Houses of Parliament after a devastating fire. The Art Gallery underwent an extension and refurbishment by Hopkins architects in May 2002, with 35 million pounds being spent on letting in more light, opening a new wing and installing an interactive children’s gallery."

"Located near St Peters Square, Manchester Art Gallery houses both permanent and temporary exhibitions. We were made to feel very welcome visiting with children. Kids can borrow ‘explorer tool belts’ for free containing engaging activities to complete whilst visiting the gallery."

"Visiting the Football Museum in Manchester is a must, regardless of whether you’re a football fan or not. Honestly it beats me that the museum is free to enter, given how elaborate the exhibits are. The museum covers the social history and cultural journey of football becoming a global phenomenon, and everything is very lucidly explained and displayed."

"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."

"From 19 May – 1 July, The Whitworth is open for film screenings of its new exhibition, Imran Perretta: the destructors. The Whitworth Café, Art Garden and Collections Care Centre are also open from 19 May to 1 July. The rest of the gallery remains closed while the next exhibitions are installed, following COVID-19 safety guidelines."

"The Blackpool branch of the world-famous wax museum features over 80 wax figures of famous celebrities, film and television characters, athletes and musicians. Alongside the collection of British and international stars, guests can now take to the floor and meet the stars of Strictly, with Tess and Claudia and judge Craig Revel Horwood in the new Strictly Come Dancing experience, which includes a Strictly inspired dancefloor, replica glitterball trophy, and score paddles on the judges' desk. There is also a real treat for fans of Coronation Street, as Madame Tussauds Blackpool has created a replica of the iconic Rovers Return, with classic characters such as Ken and Deidre, Jack and Vera, Bet Lynch and Hilda Ogden."

"We’ve only ever been to the one in Blackpool and it is a lot of fun. There is something for everyone to see, reminisce over and enjoy. The kids enjoyed the Bushtucker trial section and the Spiderman scene."

"The museums in Salford give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. Explore the cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical side of Salford with these museums."

"Now, this is definitely one of our favourites and up there for best value, it’s equally fun for kids (We’d say from 7ish and up) as adults (we’d say 80 and down ;-). Ripleys is world famous so shouldn’t need much introduction but in case you’ve not heard of it…. ‘Ripley Believe it or not’ showcases oddities which are so strange, some may question the claims that they are indeed real….."

"Situated inside Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, is the city’s very own Ripley’s Believe it or not!. That’s right, the franchise famous around the world for dealing in everything strange, unusual and downright bizarre has a museum right in the heart of Blackpool’s biggest tourist attraction. Spread across 2 floors and 8 thrilling galleries, the museum features oddities like a...Read more"

"A museum of oddities built across two floors and based on Ripley's Believe It Or Not. Situated along Ocean Boulevard."

"as the name would suggest, our last suggestions may not ‘geographically’ qualify as Blackpool…… but its right on the boarder (basically, on Blackpool Airport..and has a Blackpool postcode….. which makes us wonder if they’re just being posh by putting ‘lytham’ in the name lol) and one which a lot of you will pass without knowing on your way into the town. Just off Squires Gate lane is located the Lytham Spitfire Centre. For a fiver (per adult – kids £3 ands under 10’s free!!) you can look around the centre and see some of the spitfire restoration going on plus….."

"Located at Blackpool Airport, and constructed for the RAF at the outbreak of World War II, Hangar 42 was home to various RAF and Polish Squadrons, operating night fighter cover for Preston and Merseyside Docklands. Today, it has been transformed into a visitors centre and retains many of its original features from when it was active. A dedicated team of volunteers portray life in the RAF for both air crew and ground crew during those desperate days of World War Two."

"This attraction features well-maintained locomotives that date back more than 100 years. A preserved railway, it is now also the home of the collection from the Southport Railway Museum and was opened to public access in 2005. It also operates passenger services from Preston Riverside to and from Strand Road Crossing."

"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."

"Another Nepalese restaurant with hundreds of ‘excellent’ reviews on TripAdvisor, Saffron Waterloo boasts a 4.5 rating. One reviewer wrote: “We have been coming to the saffron for a few years now and it never disappoints, service always outstanding whether you sit in or take away staff are fantastic and every meal is so fresh and cooked to perfection. Plenty of chef specials which are all fantastic."

"Parking Available, Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service"

"148-154 Waterloo Road, Blackpool FY4 2AF EnglandChinese, Indian, Thai, NepaliDinnerSeating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Reservations, Accepts Credit Cards, Buffet[email protected]+44 1253 344292http://www.thegurkhablackpool.co.uk"

"CFCCA is the UK leader in Chinese visual culture, with a reputation for debut solo exhibitions and a roster of internationally-renowned artists; impressive considering that, three decades ago, it was just a series of events in Manchester’s Chinatown. As Manchester’s Chinese population is second only to London’s, the centre’s heritage is particularly important; now represented in a new archive and library. Best feature: A vibrant events schedule, spanning film screenings to workshops and even Mandarin lessons"

"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."

"The museums in Salford give the very essence of its citizens and rich culture. If you are looking for something deeper and more meaningful, head to the museums in city. Explore the cultural, artistic, scientific, or historical side of Salford with these museums."