Since 2004, we have been sending families out to road-test heritage attractions across the UK, as part of our annual Family Friendly Museum Award. Here are their top picks from across North West England, from Liverpool to the Lake District.
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People’s History Museum
Manchester
© People’s History Museum
This Manchester museum is the national museum of democracy and explores ideas worth fighting for. From protest to LGBTQ+ rights, expect family friendly ways to tackle the big topics. Find lots of hands-on activities, a great range of pocket money toys, free emergency nappies and gender neutral toilets.
Don’t miss: The museum’s new family friendly Passport Trail.
Museum of Liverpool
Liverpool
The Museum of Liverpool © Gareth Jones
This city history museum tells the story of Liverpool from prehistoric times to the present day. Families named it Best Large Museum in 2019 for its excellent accessibility and facilities, interactive displays and friendly staff who were happy to answer all kinds of questions.
Families loved: The museum backpacks which encouraged conversation across generations.
Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery
Carlisle
A family at Tullie House. Photo by Charlie Hedley.
Close to the England-Scotland border, Tullie House in Carlisle combines a Jacobean building with modern galleries, all full of interactive activities and exhibits. Fire a Roman weapon, climb a life-sized section of Hadrian’s Wall or visit a badgers’ sett!
Our 10-year-old judge said: “Tullie House is our favourite, favourite, favourite museum in the whole world. We go with Gran and Grandad all the time. There are so many cool things to see and do…”
Wordsworth Grasmere
Grasmere
The museum at Wordsworth. Photograph: Gareth Gardner.
Step into another century as you explore the Lake District cottage where renowned poet William Wordsworth lived with his family. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings from the Viewing Station and through regular outdoor activities for families.
Don’t miss: Try out quill and ink writing, as well as learning how a printing press works.
World Museum
Liverpool
The aquarium at the World Museum. © Gareth Jones
So popular with families it has been shortlisted three times for our award, the World Museum has something for everyone. The museum covers millions of years of natural and human history from the Big Bang to the present day, including a recently refurbished aquarium and Planetarium. You can expect a friendly atmosphere, accessible facilities, and plenty of creative stop off points for younger children.
Families loved: The Bug House for the chance to get closer to your favourite creepy crawlies.
Bolton Museum
Bolton
© Bolton Museum
This civic museum was shortlisted for our award in 2019 following a major refurbishment which placed families at the centre of the museum. Its collection ranges from local history to Egyptian mummies. Families loved the friendly staff, interactives, dressing up and games, including a wooden museum where you can make your own gallery.
One family judge said: “We loved this museum. Both boys were engaged the whole time. The exhibits were informative and entertaining. The Egyptian exhibition was the best we have ever seen and the Natural History was fantastic too. It was displayed differently to other ones and felt very fresh and fun. We will definitely be back.”
National Football Museum
Manchester
© National Football Museum
This is England’s only national museum for football, telling the stories of how the sport affects people and society. See world class football artefacts, incredible FA Cup silverware, interactive objects, games and displays that will appeal to all ages. Think you can beat a keeper from twelve yards? Test your mettle from in the museum’s Penalty Shootout. If that wasn’t enough, you can even download a family trail before you visit.
Don’t miss: The Discovery Zone area in the Play Gallery is perfect for under 5s.
The Whitworth
Manchester
© The Whitworth
This art gallery in the park is a get place to be inspired and get creative. Housing a collection of 60,000 artworks, The Whitworth holds regular family activities, including Welly Walks, sensory sessions for under 5s and an Outdoor Art Club – whatever the weather!
Families loved: The gallery’s under 5s sessions, for which they won our Best Digital Activity award.
