Take a step back in time at this fascinating museum
Portland Basin Museum, Tameside(Image: Portland Basin Museum (TMBC))
It feels as if the summer has flown by now that August bank holiday weekend is around the corner. But for those with kids there are nearly two weeks to fill with activities before the schools return in September.
One wallet-friendly activity to do is visit a museum, many of which are completely free. We’ve got so many to choose from across the region, covering everything from social history to war.
The Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-under-Lyne is one that’s regularly top-rated by families. Housed in a restored nineteenth century warehouse by the canal, it explores the history of the local area and takes you on a trip back in time.
For the best ideas on days out, shopping and parenting issues, get the Manchester Family newsletter here
The museum is packed with displays which recreate life from decades ago. There is a replica of a 1920s street complete with old shop fronts.
Visitors can take a step back in time(Image: Portland Basin Museum (TMBC))
Visitors can get up close to a recreated old kitchen, a pub and even a chippy. Throughout are mannequins and antiques which bring the scenes to life.
There are lots of interactive elements which kids will love. Following a visit in July one visitor,Vanessa, wrote on Tripadvisor: “Visited Portland Basin museum with our Grandson who is six years old. He absolutely loved the old fashioned street and all the interactive parts. It really sparked his imagination. We were there for over 3 hours.”
Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE
Another visitor from Sandbach wrote in July: “We came here after seeing a post on Instagram about the amusing mannequins and it was well worth the visit.
The museum is located in a former warehouse (Image: Portland Basin Museum (TMBC))
“What a great place! You walk down a 1920s street and visit a grocer’s, a chippy, a pub and a doctor’s surgery to name a few.
“It is really good for children, lots to learn and very interactive and all for free! The staff were lovely and helpful too.”
Next to the museum is the Bridge View Cafe, where you can grab a sandwich or a snack, and the museum also has picnic tables outside should you want to bring your own picnic.
The museum is completely free to visit and open Tuesday-Sunday, except bank holidays from 10am to 4pm.
There is free parking at the museum, and it’s a 20-minute walk from both the Ashton-under-Lyne bus and train stations.
For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.