Salford Museum & Art Gallery - Review for families

Best for

All ages

Cost

Free entry.

What’s on offer

Salford Museum is a museum of social history, featuring permanent and temporary collections ideal for families. The permanent Picture Gallery is just one of them, featuring several works of Victorian art. You’ll also find galleries displaying the history of Salford, Manchester and even Northern England, some of the UK’s most beautiful works of art - plus the Life Times Gallery, which often features exhibits about historical Britain and the Great Wars.

Keeping with the Victorian theme of the Picture Gallery, Lark Hill Place is an old Victorian street located in the museum’s basement. Transport your family 150 years with just a simple walk through this stunning recreation – it really is that impressive. Here, you’ll find countless artefacts and objects and you’ll even find a vintage sweet shop selling actual sweets (which is perfect for a treat)!

Activities for children include a quiz sheet that they can complete on their way around the exhibits and arts & crafts events on in the school holidays. Like most attractions, there’s also a gift shop and a café.

The museum’s range of family-friendly facilities include baby-changing facilities and accessible toilets, in addition to a ramp at the entrance of the museum and lift inside going to all floors (so it’s ideal for buggy users). There is parking nearby, but it’s not free.

Highlights

The museum and gallery are frequently referred to as one of Salford’s ‘gems’. As you’ve probably guessed, Lark Hill Place (the recreated Victorian street) is absolutely one of the museum’s highlights. TripAdvisor visitors have described the experience of walking through Lark Hill Place as unique, especially for history buffs, families and visitors from abroad. Listen to the sounds of Victorian children playing and blacksmiths hard at work – whilst also absorbing just how much life has changed since Victorian times – which, when you think about it, weren’t that long ago!

The area surrounding the museum is quite pleasant, so it’s nice to enjoy a coffee in the café and relax, especially on a sunny day. The shop is reasonably priced and the staff are super friendly.

What to watch out for

The Lowry exhibit is no longer at Salford Museum & Art Gallery. Make sure you keep an eye on the website for up-to-date exhibition info.

MFM tips:

Bring at least £3 change for parking, though you probably won’t need it all.

Plan for 2 – 3 hours here.

What the owners say

“Salford Museum and Art Gallery presents an exciting programme of permanent displays and changing contemporary exhibitions together with a range of events and activities guaranteed to inspire.”

Visit the official Salford Museum & Art Gallery website

More family days out in North West England...

MOSI
Heaton Park
Imperial War Museum North
Breakout Manchester
Abbotsfield Park Miniature Railway
Manchester United Stadium Tour