Science and Industry Museum - Railway Carriage
1 / 10

Science and Industry Museum

4.4
·19k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore Manchester's industrial past and scientific innovation in a historic railway station. Free entry!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Science and Industry Museum - Railway Carriage

Science and Industry Museum

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Manchester's industrial past and scientific innovation in a historic railway station. Free entry!

4.4
(19k reviews)

"A fantastic museum with something for everyone! Loved learning about Manchester’s industrial past."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Free Admission, Consider Donation

Entry is free, but a £5 donation is recommended to support the museum's work. :heart:

🚗 Parking Tips

Water St Car Park or Sip car park are options. Check pricing & availability. :car:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Science Zone

Interactive Science Zone

Upstairs

Hands-on exhibits make learning about science engaging and fun for all ages.

'Power Up' Retro Gaming

'Power Up' Retro Gaming

Special Exhibition Area

Relive childhood memories with classic computers and consoles, a hit with both kids and adults.

Manchester's Industrial Past

Manchester's Industrial Past

Explore the city's rich history of innovation, from steam engines to weaving.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Free Entry, But Plan Your Visit

While admission is free, consider a donation to support the museum. Check for ongoing refurbishments as exhibit availability can vary. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for special exhibitions like 'Power Up'.

Family Fun & Parking Pointers

This museum is a hit with families, featuring hands-on science exhibits and interactive displays. Parking can be tricky, especially during peak times like school holidays. The Water Street Car Park or the 'reddit famous' Sip car park in Collier Street are options, but confirm pricing and availability.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon, post-lunch
Why
School groups often depart
Crowd
Medium
When
During special exhibitions
Why
Unique, limited-time experiences
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Best car park for Science museum?

🎯 Free Admission, Consider Donation

Entry is free, but a £5 donation is recommended to support the museum's work. :heart:

🚗 Parking Tips

Water St Car Park or Sip car park are options. Check pricing & availability. :car:

reddit.com

What to do in Manchester?

reddit.com

2-3 days to visit Manchester's industrial history - advice?

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Families

Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays are perfect for kids. :child:

⏳ Check for Refurbishments

Some exhibits may be closed for renovation; check the website. :construction_worker:

reddit.com

Visiting Manchester with 2 kids

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Free Admission, Consider Donation

Entry is free, but a £5 donation is recommended to support the museum's work. :heart:

🚗 Parking Tips

Water St Car Park or Sip car park are options. Check pricing & availability. :car:

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for Families

Hands-on exhibits and interactive displays are perfect for kids. :child:

⏳ Check for Refurbishments

Some exhibits may be closed for renovation; check the website. :construction_worker:

👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast exhibits. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(19k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Science and Industry Museum for its free entry and engaging, hands-on exhibits, particularly the science zone and retro gaming. It's highly recommended for families. However, some note that it can feel more geared towards children, and parking can be a significant challenge, especially during peak times.

"I only spent about 30 minutes here, and to me it felt much more geared towards families and kids rather than adults. If I had visited with a child, I’m sure I would have stayed longer and found it more engaging. On my own, I just walked through quite quickly. Definitely a good recommendation for families with children, especially on a rainy day. For adults, I think the experience is more limited. The best part: it’s free to visit."

Juri Redecker

"Free entry, with recommended donation of £5. Currently undergoing a big refurbish only a small part of the exhibits are currently on display. They had a good section on weaving, and a nice memorial for Stephen Hawkins. Upstairs is a hands-on science exhibit which was fun for the kids. When we visited they had a retro gaming interactive exhibit, which was an extra charge but great fun playing some older games and seeing old consoles. Worth popping in if you are nearby visiting crystal maze live for example, but don’t expect to spend more than a couple of hours in its current limited capacity."

PulaPaul

"The museum was excellent and paid for entry into the "Power Up" exhibition which all the family enjoyed as it had retro computers and consoles that brought back happy memories of our childhood and our kids loved trying those games out too but ended up playing on what they know best Minecraft. An enjoyable day to pass the time and the science and technology free exhibition was good as it had hands on exhibits. Only problem we found was trying to find parking but that might be because it was the school holidays. We would definitely visit again."

Chris Chee

What People Like

Free admission
Interactive exhibits
Family-friendly fun

What People Dislike

Parking difficulties
Can feel child-centric

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is easily accessible. It's a short walk from Deansgate Station, a major transport hub. You can also reach it via bus routes serving the city center. If driving, be aware that parking can be challenging, with options like the Water Street Car Park or the 'reddit famous' Sip car park in Collier Street, though it's advisable to check their current availability and pricing. Reddit

Parking directly at the museum can be limited, especially during busy periods like school holidays. Travelers suggest the Water Street Car Park or the Sip car park in Collier Street as alternatives. It's wise to research parking options and costs beforehand to avoid surprises. Reddit

If arriving by train, Deansgate Station is very close, making it a convenient option. For those coming by car, consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of Manchester and then taking public transport into the city center to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, the museum is well-served by public transport. It's within walking distance of Deansgate Station and numerous bus routes stop nearby, making it easy to reach from various parts of Manchester and surrounding areas.

Deansgate Station is the closest major train station, offering excellent connectivity and being just a short walk away from the museum entrance.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, general admission to the Science and Industry Museum is free! However, a recommended donation of £5 per person is encouraged to help support the museum's operations and exhibits. Reddit

While general entry is free, booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially if you plan to visit special exhibitions like 'Power Up'. This helps manage visitor numbers and ensures you get entry during peak times. Reddit

The museum often hosts special exhibitions, such as the 'Power Up' retro gaming exhibit, which may have an additional charge. It's worth checking their website for current offerings and associated costs. Reddit

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Science and Industry Museum website before your visit. Typically, they are open daily, but specific times should be confirmed online.

The museum occasionally undergoes refurbishments, which might limit access to certain exhibits. Visitors are advised to check the museum's website for the latest information on any ongoing work and which areas are accessible. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include the interactive science zone upstairs, the 'Power Up' retro gaming exhibition (if available), and exhibits detailing Manchester's rich industrial past, including steam engines and weaving. Reddit

While very family-friendly, adults can still enjoy the museum, especially if interested in industrial history and technological innovation. The 'Power Up' exhibition is particularly appealing to adults who grew up with retro gaming. Reddit

Depending on your interest and whether you're visiting special exhibitions, you could spend anywhere from 2-3 hours to a full day. Some visitors find it more engaging with children, while others might explore the main exhibits more quickly. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum features a dedicated hands-on science exhibit upstairs that is very popular with children, allowing them to engage directly with scientific principles. Reddit

The museum typically offers facilities such as restrooms, a cafe for refreshments, and a gift shop selling science-themed souvenirs. Check their website for specific details on accessibility and amenities.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum usually has an on-site cafe where visitors can purchase refreshments, snacks, and light meals. It's a convenient spot to take a break during your visit. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, museums generally allow visitors to consume their own food and drinks in designated areas, often outside or in specific picnic spots. It's best to confirm with the museum directly.

Given its central Manchester location, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and pubs in the vicinity of the museum, offering a wide range of dining choices to suit different tastes and budgets.

Museum cafes typically offer a selection of sandwiches, pastries, hot drinks, and sometimes hot meals. The menu can change, so it's advisable to check their current offerings if you have specific dietary needs.

Museum cafes are generally family-friendly and often have options that appeal to children, such as simpler snacks and drinks. High chairs may also be available.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Science and Industry Museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure. Instagram

The historic train station architecture, the large steam engines, and the interactive science exhibits offer great photographic opportunities. The 'Power Up' exhibition, with its colorful displays of retro tech, is also very photogenic. Instagram

Drone photography is almost certainly not permitted inside or around museum buildings due to safety regulations and potential disruption to visitors and exhibits. Always adhere to local drone laws and venue policies.

Tripod use might be restricted, especially during busy periods, to avoid obstructing pathways. It's best to check the museum's photography policy or inquire with staff upon arrival if you plan to use a tripod. Instagram

Filming for commercial purposes or media coverage usually requires prior permission from the museum. For personal vlogs or social media content, check the museum's guidelines on filming. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families with Kids

The Science and Industry Museum is a top-tier destination for families. Its hands-on science exhibits are a huge hit, allowing children to learn through play and experimentation. The 'Power Up' exhibition, if available, offers a fun trip down memory lane for parents and a novel experience for kids with retro gaming. Reddit

Given that admission is free, it's an excellent option for a budget-friendly family outing, especially on a rainy day. Be prepared for potential parking challenges; utilizing public transport or researching nearby car parks like Water Street or Sip car park in Collier Street beforehand is recommended. Reddit

🧑‍🎓 Solo Travelers & Adults

While geared towards families, solo adult visitors can still find plenty to appreciate. The museum's exploration of Manchester's industrial heritage is fascinating, offering insights into the city's past and its global impact. The historic railway station setting itself is also a point of interest. Reddit

If the 'Power Up' exhibition is running, it's a definite draw for adults who enjoy retro gaming. Even without special exhibitions, the core displays provide a solid few hours of engaging content for those interested in science, technology, and history. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

This museum is a dream for budget travelers as general admission is free. While a donation is recommended, it's entirely voluntary, making it possible to have a rich cultural experience without spending a penny on entry. Reddit

To keep costs down further, consider packing your own lunch and snacks, as museum cafes can add up. Utilizing public transport to reach the museum will also be more economical than paying for city center parking. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Manchester's Industrial Heritage

The Science and Industry Museum is housed in the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station, making it a living testament to Manchester's pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. Visitors can delve into the city's past through exhibits showcasing textile machinery, steam engines, and the impact of innovation on society. These displays offer a tangible connection to the ingenuity that shaped the modern world. Reddit

Beyond the machinery, the museum explores the broader social and economic changes brought about by industrialization. You can learn about the lives of workers, the development of transportation, and the scientific breakthroughs that fueled this transformative era. It’s a journey through the very foundations of modern industry and urban development. Reddit

Many visitors find these historical exhibits particularly fascinating, offering a deep dive into the context of Manchester's global significance. The sheer scale of some of the preserved machinery is awe-inspiring, providing a powerful visual representation of the era's technological prowess. Reddit

Hands-On Science for All Ages

A major draw for families and the curious alike is the museum's hands-on science exhibit. This area is designed to make learning fun and accessible, allowing visitors to experiment with scientific principles through interactive displays. It’s a space where children can freely explore and discover, fostering a love for science from a young age. Reddit

These interactive elements are not just for kids; adults often find themselves captivated by the engaging experiments. From understanding basic physics to exploring chemical reactions, the exhibits are thoughtfully designed to be both educational and entertaining. The 'Power Up' exhibition, featuring retro computers and consoles, is another example of how the museum brings technology to life in an interactive way, appealing to nostalgia and modern interests alike. Reddit

The tactile nature of these exhibits makes the learning experience more memorable. Visitors can physically manipulate objects, observe cause and effect, and gain a deeper understanding of scientific concepts in a playful environment. This approach is highly praised by families looking for engaging activities. Reddit

Navigating Parking and Accessibility

Finding parking in Manchester city center can be a challenge, and the Science and Industry Museum is no exception. While there isn't extensive on-site parking, travelers have identified a few options. The Water Street Car Park is frequently mentioned, and some Reddit users refer to the Sip car park in Collier Street as a 'reddit famous' option. It's crucial to check current availability and pricing for these, especially during peak times like weekends and school holidays. Reddit

For those relying on public transport, the museum is very well-connected. It's a short walk from Deansgate Station, a major hub for trains and trams, making it an accessible destination for visitors from across the region. Numerous bus routes also serve the area, providing convenient access from various parts of Manchester. Reddit

Accessibility within the museum is generally good, with efforts made to ensure most areas are reachable for visitors with mobility issues. However, as with any large, historic building, it's always advisable to check the museum's official website for the most up-to-date information on accessibility features and any temporary limitations due to ongoing works. Reddit

You may also like