| Stately Home / Gardens |
Heaton Hall
Heaton Park
Prestwich
Manchester M25 5SW
Tel: 0161 773 1231
Website: www.manchestergalleries.org
Distance: Approx. 13 miles
Opening Times for 2005: Wednesday - Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays: 11.00am -
5.30pm, March 26th - October 2nd.
An 18th century neoclassical country house set in 650
acres of parkland.
This is a grade one listed building with beautifully restored interiors
reflecting late 18th and early 19th century life at Heaton.
Admission free.
Disabled access. Wheelchair access only on ground floor, but the majority of
rooms which are open to the public are on this floor.
Nearest accessible toilets- 100metres.
Guide and hearing dogs welcomed. |
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Little Moreton Hall
Congleton, Cheshire CW12 4SD
Tel: 01260 272018
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Distance: Approx. 10 miles
Opening Times for 2005: March 5th - November 6th: 11:30am - 5:00pm: Wednesday -
Sunday November 12th - December 18th: 11:30am - 4:00pm Saturday and Sunday
Britain's most famous and arguably finest
timber-framed manor house. The drunkenly reeling south front is topped by a
spectacular long gallery.
There are wall paintings recently discovered that are of particular note and
the knot garden is also worth visiting.
A hall not to be missed.
A charge is made for visiting the hall. Free to National Trust members.
Disabled access: Designated parking and 3 manual wheelchairs are available.
Booking essential. There is an adapted WC adjacent to the hall.
The ground floor is full accessible and there is a photograph album of other
floors as these are not accessible. The courtyard is cobbled.
Braille guide and large print guide. |
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Ordsall Hall Museum
Ordsall Lane
Salford
Manchester M5 3AN
Tel: 0161 872 0251
Website:
www.salford.gov.uk/leisure/museums/ordsallhall.htm
Distance: Approx. 13 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Closed
Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New year's Day
The City's best medieval half timber-framed house,
which is squashed between a 1970s housing estate and a 1980s office and
warehouse development.
There are decorated panels from the 16th century, a magnificent great hall, a
Star Chamber and a farmhouse kitchen.
There is also an exhibition about daily life in Salford at the time.
The former Manor House is believed to be haunted.
Disabled access is available.
Admission free. |
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Tatton Hall
Tatton Park, Knutsford, Cheshire
Tel: 01625 534400
Website: www.tattonpark.org.uk
Distance: 11 miles
Opening Times: Please check directly for opening times of the variety of
attractions that are available.
An impressive, historic estate and mansion with 1000
acres of parkland to explore. The mansion contains lavish furnishings from the
heyday of the Egerton family and includes a tour of the Victorian kitchens and
domestic quarters.
Also to be visited is an old hall dating from Medieval times, a farm, gardens
and a children's playground. In fact, something for everyone and a super day
out. |
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Wythenshawe Hall
Wythenshawe Park
Northenden
Manchester M23 0AB
Tel: 0161 998 2331
Website: www.manchestergalleries.org
Distance: Approx. 6.5 miles
Opening Times for 2005: Saturdays only: 11:00am - 5:00pm 4th June - 24th
September. Please note that opening times may be subject to change
A striking half-timbered house with oak panelled
interiors set in beautiful gardens.
Its long history includes a dramatic role in the civil war.
Disabled Access
Independent wheelchair access on ground floor, only but parking available on
the gravel outside the hall.
Nearest accessible toilets: 200m from hall in the courtyard of the park
offices.
Guide and hearing dogs welcomed.
Admission free. |
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| Sports Venues |
Manchester United Museum and
Tour Centre
Old Trafford
Manchester
Tel: 0161 8688 8631
Distance: Approx. 9.5 miles
Opening Times: Telephone for details
Memorabilia includes shirts, trophies and
international caps.
The tour includes the dressing rooms, and entrance onto the pitch through the
players tunnel to an accompaniment of cheering.
Telephone for details of admission charges. |
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Ski Centre ( North
Staffordshire )
Bathpool Park
Kidsgrove
Tel: 01782 784908
Website: www.ski-kidsgrove.co.uk
It is open Monday - Thursday in the evening and all day Sunday in season, For
more inormation contact them on their web site |
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| Other Places of Interest |
Boddington's Brewery
32 Great Ducie Street
Manchester M60 3WB
Tel: 0161 819 1161
Tours of the brewery are available by appointment for
large or small parties.
Admission charge: ?5.95 per person including a pint of Boddington's! |
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Brookside Garden Centre and
Miniature Railway
Macclesfield Rd, Poynton
Tel: 01625 872919
Featuring trains with rides for children a Cafe and a
full Garden centre for the adults and a mini world of steam. |
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Hack Green Secret Nuclear
Bunker
Nantwich, Cheshire
Website: www.hackgreen.co.uk
Not secret any more! ?32m nuclear blastproof HQ with
Audio Visual tours and spooky corridors. Children follow the Soviet Spy Mouse
Trail. Bistro and Shop. Open Daily |
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Historic Warships at Birkenhead
Birkenhead
Tel: 0151 650 1573
Website: www.warships.freeserve.co.uk
Distance: 25 miles
Open Daily from 10am - HMS Plymouth, HMS Onyx, HMS
Bronington and U534 a WWII German U boat (open only to adults via a tour) |
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Jodrell Bank observatory
near Holmes Chapel, Cheshire
Distance: 8 miles
Britain's largest radio telescope.
Science center and arboretum open to the public for tours. Listen to Einstein
and Newton and explore the arboretum!
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Stapeley Water Gardens
one mile south of Nantwich on the A51
Tel: 01270 628628
Website: www.stapelywatergardens.com
Featuring the Palms Tropical Oasis and the Blacktop
Reef Shark enclosure. Monkeys, Stingrays, Tropical House and Angling Centre |
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| Museums |
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Terrace Rpad
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 6DA
Tel: 01298 24658
Website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk
Distance: Approx. 15 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Mainly local information and displays by local
artists.
Admission free. |
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Gallery of Costume, and Platt
Hall
Platt Hall and Park
Platt Fields
Wilmslow Road
Rusholme
Manchester M14 5LL
Tel: 0161 224 5217
Website: www.manchestergalleries.org
Distance: approx. 7 miles
Opening Times: The last Saturday of the month: 10.00am - 5.00pm or pre-booked
appointments or researchers (by appointment only): Tuesday - Friday: 10.00am -
12.00pm or 1.00pm - 5.00pm
This elegant 1764 early Georgian house was the home
of Charles Worsley - a staunch parliamentarian and leader in the civil war.
It contains one of the finest collections of clothing ,textiles and fashion
accessories in the country. There is also an extensive library.
Admission free.
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Imperial War Museum North
Trafford Wharf Road
Trafford Park
Manchester M17 1TZ
Tel: 0161 836 4007
Website: www.iwm.org.uk/north
Opening Times: 10.00am - 6.00pm daily. Closed December 24th, 25th and 26th.
Opened in 2002 an impressive building next to the
Lowry.
Exhibits are in chronological order and include personal memorabilia.
The emphasis is on the people involved in the war and how their lives were
affected.
Regular temporary exhibitions and lectures.
Admission free. |
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Manchester Jewish Museum
190 Cheetham Hill Road
Manchester M8 8LW
Tel: 0161 834 9879
Website: www.manchesterjewishmuseum.com
Distance: Approx. 13 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Thursday: 10.30am - 4.00pm Sunday: 10.30am - 5.00pm
Closed on Saturday and Jewish holidays
This museum describes the story of the Jewish
community in Manchester over the past 200 years.
There are also temporary exhibitions covering a wide variety of topics.
Disabled access: there is an audio guide for visually impaired visitors.
Admission fee: telephone for details. |
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Museum of Science and Industry
Liverpool Road
Castlefield
Manchester M3 4FP
Tel: 0161 832 1830
Website: www.msim.org.uk
Distance: Approx. 11 miles
Opening Times: Open daily: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Based in one of the world's oldest railway stations,
this museum houses 15 varied, informative and entertaining galleries. These
include the air and space gallery, underground Manchester and a 'hands on'
science centre for younger visitors.
There are regular visiting exhibitions.
A museum club is held each Saturday morning for 8 year olds and above. For
information about this, telephone: 0161 275 2630.
Admission free but there may be a charge for special exhibitions. |
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Museum of Transport in
Manchester
Boyle Street
Cheetham Hill
Manchester
Tel: 0161 205 2122
Website: www.gmts.co.uk
Distance: Approx. 12 miles
Opening Times: Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 10.00am -
5.00pm in summer 10.00am - 4.00pm in winter
Displays include buses, fire engines and lorries.
They are all restored and maintained by volunteers.
Disabled access.
Admission fees: Adults: ?3.00; Children/Concessions: ?1.75.
Family tickets are also available. |
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Pankhurst Centre
60 - 62 Nelson Street
Manchester M13 9WP
Tel: 0161 273 5673
Distance: Approx. 10 miles
Opening Times: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday: 1.00pm - 5.00pm
62 Nelson Street is a small Georgian house which was
the home of Emmeline Pankhurst who, with daughter Christabel, set up the
Women's Social and Political Union in 1903. This eventually led to equal rights
for women.
The museum tells the story of the fight for equal rights, and it contains an
authentic re-creation of Emmeline Pankhurst's parlour.
Admission free. |
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Paradise Mill
Park Lane
Macclesfield SK11 6TL
Tel: 01625 618228
Website: www.silk-macclesfield.org
Opening Times: Guided tours: 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm
Live demonstrations of the intricate art of weaving
silk.
There are 26 restored Jacquard handlooms on display and details about life at
the mill in the 1930s.
The mill still produces silk ties and ribbons. |
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Pumphouse People's Museum
Left Bank, Bridge Street
Manchester M3 3ER
Tel: 0161 839 6061
Website: www.nmlhweb.org
Distance: Approx. 10 miles
Opening Times: Open daily, except Mondays: 11.00am - 4.30pm
This is the national study for the records and study
of the history of working people.
The museum also traces the rise of the labour movement.
It is housed in a former Edwardian hydraulic pumping station.
Admission charge: ?1. Free on Fridays. |
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Silk Museum - Heritage Centre
Heritage Centre
Roe Street
Macclesfield SK11 6UT
Tel: 01625 613210
Website: www.silk-macclesfield.org
Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday: 11am - 5pm Sunday: 1pm - 5pm
This museum describes the development of the silk
industry in Macclesfield. It is housed in an old Sunday School building and
helps to bring the thriving heritage of Macclesfield to life. |
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Silk Museum - Park Lane
Park Lane
Macclesfield SK11 6TL
Tel: 01625 613210
Website: www.silk-macclesfield.org
Distance: approx. 8 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday: 11.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 1.00pm - 5.00pm
The only museum devoted entirely to the history of
the silk industry.
This is housed in the old Macclesfield school of art which was originally built
to train designers in the silk industry.
Exhibitions explore the properties of silk and the development of design.
Also they have displays of historic machinery and information about the lives
of workers in the silk industry.
There are many interactive displays. |
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The Hat Museum
Stockport
Tel: 0161 355 7770
Website: www.hatworks.org
The UKs only dedicated Hat museum featuring the
history and production of Hats in the region right on our doorstep. |
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The Manchester Museum
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M13 9PL
Tel: 0161 275 2634
Website: www.museum.man.ac.uk
Distance: Approx. 10 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 11.00am - 4.00pm
Exhibits from every corner of the globe.
The origins of the museum lie in the wealth created by Manchester's
international trade in textiles in the late 18th century. This, coupled with
the great quest for knowledge and improvement in medicine, science and the arts
at the time, in what was the world's first great industrial city, is the basis
for this collection.
Exhibits are extremely diverse. For example, they range from butterflies to
armoury and from coins to pottery.
Many special events are held to add extra interest for adults and children.
Admission free but there may be a charge for special exhibitions.
use the website from Manchester Museum www.alderleyedge.man.ac.uk to learn more
about the History, Folklore and social history of Alderley Edge |
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Urbis
Cathedral Gardens
Manchester
Tel: 0161 605 8200
Website: www.urbis.org.uk
Distance: Approx. 10 miles
Opening Times: 10.00am - 6.00pm: Tuesday - Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays
A glass futuristic building in the centre of
Manchester concentrating on the humanside of life.
The museum investigates the experience of life in cities around the world
(including Manchester), and human responses to these experiences.
Plenty of 'hands on' exhibits.
Disabled access is available throughout.
Admission charge: Adult: ?5. Reduced admission for children and concessions.
Family tickets available. |
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Warrington Museum and Art
Gallery
Bold Street
Warrington
Cheshire WA1 1JG
Tel: 01925 442392
Distance: Approx. 20 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 5.30pm Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed on Sunday
Local information and displays but also exhibitions
by reknowned artists.
Admission free. |
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West Park Museum
West Park
Prestbury Road
Macclesfield SK10 3BJ
Tel: 01625 619831
Website: www.silk-macclesfield.org
Distance: approx. 8 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Sunday: 1.30pm - 4.30pm
A wide range of fine and decorative art material and
objects relating to local industry and life in Macclesfield in past centuries.
There is also a display to take the visitor on a journey through ancient Egypt.
There are regular temporary exhibitions.
Admission is free. |
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| Galleries |
Buxton Museum and Art Gallery
Terrace Rpad
Buxton
Derbyshire SK17 6DA
Tel: 01298 24658
Website: www.derbyshire.gov.uk
Distance: Approx. 15 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday: 9.30am - 5.00pm
Closed on Sunday and Monday
Mainly local information and displays by local
artists.
Admission free. |
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Castlefield Gallery
2 Hewitt Street
Knott Mill
Manchester M15 4GB
Tel: 0161 832 8034
Website: www.castlefieldgallery.co.uk
Distance: Approx. 13 miles
Opening Times: Wednesday; Friday; Saturday and Sunday: 1.00pm - 6.00pm
Thursday: 1.00pm - 8.00pm
Designed by award winning Manchester architects, a
purpose built space for exhibitions. |
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Chinese Arts Centre
39 - 43 Edge Street
Manchester M4
Tel: 0161 832 7271
Distance: Approx. 14 miles
Opening Times: Everyday: 10.30am - 4.30pm
Features exhibitions of Chinese arts and crafts.
Admission free |
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Lady Lever Art Gallery
Port Sunlight Village
Wirral CH62 5EQ
Tel: 0151 645 3623
Distance: Approx. 38 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 12noon - 5.00pm
Created as a memorial to Lady Lever by her husband,
the Sunlight Soap magnate, William Hesketh Lever.
Principal collections are 18th and 19th century English paintings and
sculpture. 17th to 19th century furniture, Wedgewood pottery and Chinese
porcelain are also on display.
Facilities include a cafe and a shop.
Admission free. |
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Manchester City Art Gallery
Mosley Street
Manchester M2 3JL
Tel: 0161 235 8888
Website: www.manchestergalleries.org
Distance: Approx. 14 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00am - 5.00pm Closed: January 1st; Good
Friday; December 24th-26th and 31st.
Collection covers everything from early continental
painters to Gainsborough, Blake, Constable and the Pre-Raphaelites.
Admission free |
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Metropolitan Art Galleries
Manchester Metropolitan University
All Saints
Oxford Road
Manchester M13
Tel: 0161 247 1708
Distance: Approx. 11.5 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Three galleries in the university exhibition
department displaying degree shows and other examples of progressive work of a
high standard.
Admission free. |
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Salford Art Gallery
Peel Park
The Crescent
Salford
Manchester M5
Tel: 0161 736 2649
Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 4.45pm Saturday - Sunday: 1.00pm -
5.00pm
Originally this gallery displayed the works of
L.S.Lowry which have now been transferred to The Lowry.
There are still exhibits of lesser known artists and there is a re-creation of
a Victorian street which is popular with children.
Admission free. |
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Stockport War Memorial Art
Gallery
Wellington Road South (on the corner of Greek Street)
Stockport SK3 8AB
Tel: 0161 474 4453
Distance: Approx. 7.5 miles
Opening Times: Monday; Tuesday; Thursday and Friday: 11.00am - 5.00pm Saturday:
10.00am - 5.00pm Closed on Wednesday and Sunday
Paintings and sculpture of national and regional
importance.
Also frequent visiting exhibitions.
Admission free |
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Sudley House
Mossley Hill Road
Aigburth
Liverpool L18 8BX
Tel: 0151 724 3245
Distance: Approx. 35 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 12noon - 5.00pm
The shipping magnate, George Holt's Collection of art
in the house that he lived in. The collection concentrates on nineteenth
century British art but also includes Italian works and paintings by
Gainsborough, Turner and others.
Magnificent George Buller furniture is also on display.
A tea room is open at weekends.
Admission free. |
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The Chancellor's Building
Keele University
Keele
Staffordshire ST5 5BG
Tel: 01782 583376
Website: www.keele.ac.uk/depts/rd/exhib.html
Distance: Approx. 46 miles
Opening Times: 10.00am - 8.00pm daily
Contemporary work in a variety of media by nationally
acclaimed local and regional artists.
Admission free. |
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The Cornerhouse
Oxford Road
Manchester M1
Tel: 0161 200 1500
Website: www.cornerhouse.org.uk
Distance: Approx. 11.5 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Saturday: 11.00am - 6.00pm Sunday: 2.00pm - 6.00pm
Three galleries exhibiting a rolling programme of
contemporary art.
There is also a bar, a vegetarian restaurant and a shop.
Admission free. |
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The Lowry
Pier 8
Salford Quays
Manchester M17
Tel: 0161 876 2020
Website: www.thelowry.com
Opening Times: The Gallery: Monday - Wednesday: 11.00am - 5pm Thursday;
Saturday - Sunday: 11.00am - 8.00pm Friday: 11.00am - 10pm
A newly built building to commemorate the life of L.
S. Lowry and exhibit a wide variety of his work.
Other modern and contemporary art is also displayed and there are up to 16
specific exhibitions each year.
The building also houses two theatres, an interactive exhibition, a restaurant,
a bookshop and other facilities.
The buildings are open every day: 9.30am - midnight.
The interactive exhibition, called The Artworks, is open: Sunday - Wednesday:
10.00am - 5.00pm
Thursday - Saturday: 10.00am - 8.00pm
Admission to the building and galleries is free.
Admission the the Artworks is: ?3.75 (Free for under 4s)
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The Tate Liverpool
Albert Dock
Liverpool L3 4BB
Tel: 0151 702 7400
Website: www.tate.org.uk/liverpool
Distance: Approx. 35 miles
Opening Times: Tuesday - Sunday: 10.00am - 5.30pm Closed on Mondays, December
23rd - 26th and January 1st
Opened in 1998 in a converted warehouse on Albert
Dock.
Home of the largest collection of modern art in the North of England.
A redevelopment scheme using lottery money in 1996 has resulted in new
galleries and other facilities being added.
There is a cafe and a shop in the gallery
Admission is free although there is a charge for special exhibitions. |
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The Walker Art Gallery
William Brown Street
Liverpool L3 8EL
Tel: 0151 478 4199
Distance: Approx. 35 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 12noon - 5.00pm
One of the finest collections of fine and decorative
art in Europe. The collection covers six centuries of art.
The gallery has recently had a major refurbishment.
Facilities include a cafe and a shop.
Admission free. |
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University of Liverpool Art
Gallery
Abercrombie Square
Liverpool L69 3BX
Tel: 0151 794 2347/8
Distance: Approx. 35 miles
Opening Times: Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday and Thursday: 12noon - 2pm
Wednesday and Friday: 12noon - 4pm Closed at weekends, Bank Holidays and in the
month of August.
Fine and decorative arts from the university's
collection, on display in a Georgian house in the centre of the city. Works
include those of Turner, Burne-Jones, Augustus John, Lucien Freud and Elizabeth
Frink.
Admission free |
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Warrington Museum and Art
Gallery
Bold Street
Warrington
Cheshire WA1 1JG
Tel: 01925 442392
Distance: Approx. 20 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Friday: 10.00am - 5.30pm Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Closed on Sunday
Local information and displays but also exhibitions
by reknowned artists.
Admission free. |
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Whitworth Art Gallery
The University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester M 15 6ER
Tel: 0161 275 7450
Distance: Approx. 11.5 miles
Opening Times: Monday - Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm Sunday: 2.00pm - 5.00pm
website: www.manchester.ac.uk/whitworth
email: whitworth@manchester.ac.uk
Displays cover just about every field of the arts and aim not only to
display but also to inform.
The gallery houses one of the great collections of British watercolours and
also excellent works by modern and contemporary artists.
Textiles, prints and wallpapers are on display.
There is a cafe and shop on site.
Admission free. |
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| Historical Significance |
Godlee Observatory
Floor G
Main Building
UMIST
Sackville Street
Manchester
Tel: 0161 202 2940
Distance: Approx. 8.5 miles
Opening Times: Thursdays: 7.00pm - 10.00pm
A wonderful structure built in 1902 a still
containing the original Grugg telescope and refractor.
There are panoramic views of the city from the observatory's gallery.
Admission free.
Disabled access: difficult because of the spiral staircase used to get to the
observatory. |
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John Rylands Library
Deansgate
Manchester M1
Opening Times: This library is closed for major refurbishment until 2005
Housed in a Victorian Gothic building, this is a
fascinating collection of early printed books including the Gutenberg Bible,
several Caxtons and manuscripts dating back to 2000BC. |
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Nether Alderley Mill
Congleton Road, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TW
Tel: Information from: 01625 584412
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Distance: Approx. 3 miles
Opening Times for 2005: April 1st - October 30th: Thursday: 1:00pm - 5:00pm and
Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays: 11:00am - 5:00pm
A watermill dating from the 15th century with working
machinery. The Victorian machinery was restored in the 1960s after 30 years of
lying derelict. Regular flour-grinding demonstrations now take place.
A charge is made. Free for National Trust members.
Disabled access: Ground floor is largely inaccessible and there is no access to
the other floors. |
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Quarry Bank Mill
Quarry Bank Road, Styal, Wilmslow
Tel: 01625 527468
Website: http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-quarrybankmillandstyalestate
Water power was the wonder of the late 18th Century
and today you can see this technological breakthrough in action at Quarry Bank
Mill & Styal Estate. Award-winning galleries are devoted to water and steam
power, with hands-on displays and exhibits, an 1830s Beam Engine and a
Horizontal Steam Engine which steam daily.
Discover the lives of the mill workers and how pauper children spent their
time, with lessons in the schoolroom, and hours working cleaning up cotton
waste among the clattering looms which today produce Styal Calico cloth.
Meet people who once worked in cotton mills with a lifetime of stories to share
with you.
The essence of a visit to Quarry Bank Mill is the warm, friendly atmosphere.
Situated in over 384 acres of the beautiful countryside of Styal Country
Estate, this remarkable Georgian museum is a valuable resource for learning
more about our industrial and social heritage.
You can enjoy country and riverside walks, explore our history, shop, or simply
relax.
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| Family Friendly |
Alton Towers
Alton
Staffs
ST10 4 DB
Tel no.08705 20 40 60
Set within 500 acres of beautiful gardens and
countryside this is a wonderful day out for thrillseekers. The theme park is
zoned to suit different age groups. The gardens are beautiful to sit in for the
less adventurous! Now there is a hotel to stay in on site. Open all year round.
for more info. check their website www.altontowers.com it is about 60 minutes
by car from Wilmslow. Take the Leek road from Macclesfield and it it signed
from the Leek Ashbourne road. |
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Anderton Boat lift
Northwich
Cheshire
CW9 6FW
Tel.no. 01606 786777
The world's first and UK's only working boat lift.
Received Quality Assured Visitor Attraction award. |
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Blackbrook Bird Centre
Winkill near Leek
Staffs.
Tel.no. 01538 308293
It has birds, reptiles, animals and fish including
some of the world's most rare and endangered species. Open daily from 10.30 -
5.50pm Closed Dec.25,26, 31 jan 1. |
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Blue Planet Aquarium
Ellesmere Port
www.blueplanetaquarium.com
It is the largest aquarium adventure in the UK with
more sharks than anywhere else in the country. The highlight is an underwater
safari through a tunnel on a moving walkway. Open daily 10.00am. Closes at
6.00pm during school holidays and in term time at 5.00pm Mon - Fri, 6.00pm
Sat/Sun
Take the M56 and head for Ellesmere Port. Leave at junction 15 on to the M53.
Follow signs for Cheshire Oaks and Blue Planet Aquarium. |
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Bruntwood Park
Schools Hill (main entrance)
Cheadle
off the roundabout by John Lewis and Sainsbury's.
It has a great playground for children and a cafe.
They also have a newly opened animals section which includes rabbits, chickens,
turkeys and pigs. It is only about 15 minutes drive from Wilmslow. |
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Canal Boat Hire
Freedom Boats Ltd.
Macclesfield canal Centre
Brook St.
Macclesfield
SK11 7AW
Tel.no. 01625 420042
You can hire their 26 feet dayboat after some basic
tuition, if necessary! It takes 12 persons and is fully equipped with cutlery
plates cups etc.
You can explore the peaceful waterways at 4 mph. The children enjoy 'helping'
at the locks. Baots can also be hired further along the canal at Bunbury.
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Castleton Caverns
The Castleton Caverns comprise The Blue John Cavern,
Treak Cavern, Speedwell Cavern and the great Peak Cavern.
They are all located on the edge of the pretty town of Castleton in the Peak
District.
The setting is spectacular and very beautiful. A great place for walking too!!
Two of them offer boat trips and you can see wonderful stalagmites and
stalagtites. For further details of each Cavern check out the website
www.cressbrook.co.uk/hopev/caves |
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Chatsworth Hall farm
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PP
Tel.no. 01246 565300
One of Britain's most famous and best loved Stately
Homes. It has a farm with lots of animals ranging from guinea pigs to Shire
horses for the children to see. There are 3 periods of 20 minutes where the
children can handle some baby animals during the day, 11.30, 2.00 and 4.10pm
There is a very big play area which is very popular. This attraction is about
90 minutes drive from Wilmslow. |
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Chester Zoo
This is a wonderful zoo where the animals and
surroundings are very well care for. It is a great day out.
It is open all year round closed Dec. 25, 26 . The cost in Peak Season is:
adults £14.50, children (3-15) £10.50 Concessions £13 off Peak: Adults £10.50,
Children £7.50 and Concessions £9.50 as of Aug 2005. More info on
www.chesterzoo.org |
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The Chestnut Centre Conservation park
Wildlife Discovery Park
Castleton Road,
Chapel-en-le-Frith
High Peak
Derbyshire
SK23 0QR
Tel no. 01298 814099
This delightful place houses one of Europe's largest
groups of multi-specied otters, owls and othe indigenous wildlife. You can
wander along the tree and stream-lined walks and experience the close and
exciting proximity of this world of otters, owls, deer, foxes and wildcats and
other native species in near natural surroundings.
There is a tearoom also where you can get snacks and drinks. Open all year
round 10.30 - 5.30pm Weekends only in January. On road between Chapel and
Castleton via Winner's pass. More info on
www.ottersandowls.co.uk |
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Danebridge Trout Farm
Wincle
Macclesfield
SK11 0QE
Tel no. 01260 227293
A lovely place to take the children by the river
Dane. The children can both feed the fish and catch them. Guaranteed to catch 3
fish for £5, and take them home to eat. There is great excitment at eating what
they have caught! You can then either have a picnis by the river or visit the
Ship Inn, which has a children's room ,for lunch. |
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Formby
Victoria Road,
Freshfields,Formby
Liverpool
L37 1LJ
01704 878591
It is owned by the National Trust and is a wonderful
large area of stunning coastline made up of sandy beach, sand dunes and pine
woods. You can see red squirrels which are a protected species here. Look for
5000 year old Elk footprints in the sand ( we didn't find them! ) |
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Lakemore Country Park and Animal Kingdom
Haslington nr Crewe
Tel: 01270 253556
36 acre park featuring coffee shop indoor play areas,
pets corner and childrens animal rides, wallabies, lemurs, racoons and
wallabies amongst others !
A great day out for all the family |
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Manley Mere adventure trail Nr. Frodsham
Lower farm
Manley
WA6 0PE
Tel no. 01928 740243
Adventure trail needs wellies and a complete change of clothing as the chances
of falling in the stream are 100%
There are water sports on the Mere. They are Kayaking, Improvised Rafting,
Sailing and Windsurfing. |
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Museum of Science and Industry
Liverpool Road,
Castlefield
Manchester
M3 4FP
Tel no. 0161 832 1830
Situated in the oldest passenger railway station in the world the museum tells
the story of thhistory science and industry of Manchester
- the world's first industrial city.The 'hands on' gallery recommended. A very
good day out! Open all year round 10.00 - 5.00pm except on 24,25,26 Dec. Hot
meals available. You can take the tram from Altrincham. More info.
www.msim.org.uk |
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Poole's Cavern
Derbyshire
Tel no. 01298 26978
It is a natural limestone cave situated in the
beautiful woodland of Buxton Country Park. It has been visited for 5000 years
since neolithic tribes took shelter there. The cave has been known since the
1600s as the First Wonder of the Peak. Guided tours leave every 20 minuts and
take about 45 minutes. You can see lots of Stalagmites and Stalatites. Warm
clothes are recommended as the temperature is about 7 degrees. Open Mar1 - Oct
31.
More info. on www.poolescavern.co.uk |
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Quarry Bank Mill and playground
Styal
Wilmslow
SK9 4LA
Tel no. 01625 527468
This is a museum of national importance. Discover the
lives of the mill workers and how pauper children spent their time with lessons
in the classroom and hours working cleaning up cotton waste among the noisy
looms which still produce Styal Calico cloth. The Apprentice house is situated
close to the old village built to house the workers.You can get a ticket for
this very interesting house where the children lived and went to school.A talk
is provided to bring it all to life. The village too is well worth a stroll
around.
More info on http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-quarrybankmillandstyalestate |
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Redhouse Farm
Dunham Massey
Altrincham
WA14 5RL
Tel no. 0161 941 3480
They have a wonderful Maize maze (Dinasaur-themed)
this summer which is a big hit with children. last year's was in the shape of a
cow! There are lots of other activities for kids including a Halloween special.
For more info visit their website www.redhousefarm.co.uk |
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Redesmere
A lovely lake with lots of ducks ,geese, swans, coots
etc. Very convenient parking beside the lake where you can feed the birds.
Bring lots of bread. Don't go on Sunday afternoons as the birds are already
full!!
To get to it take tha A34 south from Wilmslow. Go through the Monks Heath
traffic lights and past Capesthorne Hall on your right. Soon you will see the
lake on your left. There is a small turning on the left to the lake. If you
come to a crossroads signed Pexhill Road on the left you have already passed
the turning. it's about 700m from the Monks Heath Traffic lights. |
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Stockley Farm at Arley Hall
Northwich
Cheshire
CW9 6NA
Tel.no. 01565 777492
The organic working farm set in 700 acres with its
150 herd of cattle is a great day out for the family.There are always baby
animals for the children to handle and feed such as newborm calves, piglets,
chicks, rabbits, lambs and goats. You can watch the caows being milked. More
info. www.stockleyfarm.co.uk
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Sudbury Hall Nat. Trust Museum of Childhood
Ashbourne
Derbyshire
DE6 5HT
Tel no. 01283 585305
They have a fascinating display about children from
the 18th century onwards. Adventurous 'sweep-sized' children can try a chimney
climb. They have collections of toys, dolls and games from the period.
Open Mar 6th - Oct 30th, Wed - Sun 1.00 - 5.0pm and 3rd - 11th Dec 11.00 -
4.00pm. www.nationaltrust.org.uk |
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Tatton Park
Knutsford
Cheshire
Tel no. 01625 534400
Set in wonderful parkland with 1000 deer, sheep and cattle, it is a great local
amenity. There is a farm with lots of animals for the children to interact with
. There is also a very nice play area. Frequently there are other activities
such as classic car events more suitable for adults. The japanese garden is one
of the best in the UK it is one of our faorite places to visit. Neigbouring
Knutsford is a delightful old town. |
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Tittesworth Resevoir
South of Macclesfield and the Roaches
Approach from Macclesfield Leek A523 or Buxton Leek A53
It has a very good visitors centre. Nice walk around
the lake. |
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Well Dresssing
Tourist Information centre
Tel no. 01246 345777/8
It is a local tradition to the Derbyshire area and takes place in many villages
on different dates. Its origins are a mystery and may date back to the Celts or
even earlier times. The church banned the custom but it was revived by
Tissington in 1349. Each village has it's own way of dressing the wells which
can take up to 7 days to complete. The final result will only last for about a
week. You can watch the villagers at work or admire the finished products! The
season starts at the beginning of May and continues up to early September. You
can get a leaflet from the Information office in Wilmslow or check out the
website www.derbyshirethepeakdistrict.co.uk
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