Free Museums in Runcorn

"Located in the city center, the Manchester Art Gallery houses a vast collection of art, from historical pieces to contemporary exhibitions. The museum often features special exhibits, as well as frequent events and talks, and it's free to all visitors. The opening times can vary, so check online for the current hours."

"Manchester Art Gallery always have brilliant temporary exhibitions. Thanks to these guys I discovered Raqib Shaw, who is now one of my favourite artists. Manchester Art Gallery also have great permanent exhibitions with an emphasis on the Pre-Raphaelites."

"Football (known in America as soccer) is the national pastime in England, but especially in Manchester, home of Manchester United. The city's National Football Museum is a great way to learn more about the history and culture of the beloved sport, including special exhibits on topics like the fashion of football shirts and women's soccer. It has a huge archive of items, with pieces that date back to the early 20th century, and it's engaging for kids as well as adults."

"Manchester is renowned for its football, the giants of Manchester City and Manchester United call the city home. Naturally then, so too does the National Football Museum. Some of the footballing world’s most important artefacts are here."

"Discover Liverpool’s status as a British port city at the Merseyside Maritime Museum. Its three exhibition floors reveal the city’s nautical history, from its role in both World Wars to its darker past as a slaving port, as well as waterfront views of the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Royal Albert Dock and its industrial architecture."

"A museum built on the role of Liverpool in Trans-Atlantic Slave trade, the Merseyside Maritime Museum is perhaps one of the most heart-touching museums in the country. The exhibits all showcase the city’s rich sailing story with plenty of articles to read and interactive exhibits perfect for children."

"The fascinating Merseyside Maritime Museum traces the history and development of the city of Liverpool as a major port. The museum houses a range of collections, from an exhibition on the tragic and…"

"An art gallery at the Albert Docks that we enjoy spending short amounts of time at, whilst admiring the modern and contemporary artwork displayed. This wonderful free thing to do in Liverpool with kids only charges for special exhibitions. Our kids love using the free rocket activity backpacks, we also love the kid’s free-play space where they have played for a long time creating patterns, dressing up and generally being a little louder than in the rest of the gallery!"

"The Tate has a great post on its website about what families can do and how they can enjoy the museum together which you can find here. There are trails and activity packs and games to play around the museum. There is a free play for children to play and with ever changing exhibits its a trip that can be repeated time and time again without the kids getting bored."

"As well as the Beatles Story, you’ll also find the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the Tate Liverpool, and the International Slavery Museum. Finally, football fans might want to take a stadium tour of Anfield – the home of Liverpool FC."

"Another museum and one that is large in size and with the number of artifacts and history housed within it. The Museum of Liverpool is the world’s first museum dedicated to the city it resides in. This museum features history and back catalogues of information surrounding Liverpool."

"This wonderful museum showcases Liverpool’s amazing contribution to music, sports, and history in general. There is always something for you and your loved one to enjoy here. The museum of Liverpool will not charge you to enter."

"Liverpool's storied past is explored through an interactive exploration of the city's cultural and historical milestones: the railroad, poverty, wealth, Brookside (a popular ’80s and '90s TV soap opera set in the..."

"With an impressive collection of paintings, sculpture and decorative art from the 13th century to the present day, this grand gallery is still one of Liverpool's best tourist attractions. Part of a strip of much-loved public buildings on William Brown Street (including the Central Library, St George's Hall and World Museum), it's a great place to spend an afternoon. Lose yourself in the Victorian galleries lined with traditional wallpapers, 17th-century Dutch and Flemish art, John Moores Painting Prize winners – including Hockney's Peter Getting Out Of Nick's Pool – and (our favourite) the stunning white sculpture room on the ground floor."

"With a superb display of British art and some outstanding Italian and Flemish works, this is one of the best British art collections…"

"Travel back in time to the industrial revolution at the Quarry Bank Mill. Oozing with heritage, you can experience the ‘sounds and smells’ of steam and water-powered engines, explore the cotton mill to learn about spinning, weaving, the production of material, and the history of the textile industry, tour the Apprentice House for a glimpse into the lives of pauper children, stroll the beautiful gardens, or walk the Styal Estate, filled with woodlands and streams. Interactive, engaging, and educational, the museum exhibits and friendly and knowledgeable staff make Quarry Bank Mill a great day out for all ages."

"Key to the redevelopment of the Ropewalks quarter of Liverpool, and catering for the needs of film and art lovers since 2003, FACT was founded on a remit to "use the power of creative technology to inspire and enrich lives". Tucked behind the bohemian Bold St, this futuristic-looking space – made up of three floors of galleries, cinema screens, a cafe and a bar – celebrated a decade since its launch, in which time it has played host to pioneering work from Pipilotti Rist, Nam June Paik, Apichatpong Weerasethakul and Kurt Hentschläger. 88 Wood Street, fact.co.uk."

"Not only a great place to catch the latest films, it also puts on regular exhibitions by a range of international artists focusing on creative media and digital technology. You’ll find three galleries to explore as well as a café and bar where you can talk art and film with friends. Opening Times: Tuesday-Sunday 11:00-6:00 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ 8 minute walk from LJMU Mount Pleasant Campus and a 15-minute walk from LJMU City Campus."

"FACT on Wood Street is hoping to open again from May 19 with three brand new exhibitions including Biennial artists. Soft Boys, in the foyer gallery, is a short film about queer and trans joy, specifically within the Somali culture and community. It’s free, no booking needed."

"Touch of Health Spa & Aesthetic Clinic aim to provide top class spa, aesthetic and post operative aftercare treatments, at an affordable price. Trust that your treatment will be carried out by a fully certified and insured massage therapist. We are not just a beauty salon, we offer so much more."

"Whether you are looking for a relaxing spa day or an indulgent beauty treatment, The Bannatyne Spa at Manchester Quay Street has what you need. The professional team will help you escape and unwind with expert Elemis facials and massages, beauty treatments and expert nail treatments. For Further Information and To Book A Spa Day"

"If you are in the mood for a more “Francaise” flair to your meal, then check out Cote Brasserie where every detail is meticulously planned out to create gorgeous croissants and succulent croque monsieur. They offer a gluten-free menu for those individuals who are sensitive, and can accommodate any taste bud and any dietary choice. The restaurant also maintains a blog that offers even more information about their menu, personal story, restaurant events, and overall inspirational articles on a variety of subjects."

"Côte Brasserie serve breakfast and brunch from 8am until 12 noon on a Monday to Friday and then 9am to 1pm on a Saturday and Sunday. Highlights include a breakfast set menu that involves any cooked breakfast with fresh orange juice or cloudy apple juice and a hot drink of your choice. Options include a full English breakfast, Crepe Complete (pancakes, bacon and comte cheese), Eggs Florentine, Eggs Royal and Eggs Avocado."

"Keep an eye out for this one - if you blink you might miss it. The French restaurant can be found in Liverpool’s Cavern Quarter near Mathew Street and serves up authentic French food in a bistro style. The menu changes weekly to make most of the seasonal produce available, so you can go as many times as you’d like and never tire of the menu."

"If gorgeous food, a fine dining experience and an environment steeped in history are your thing, then make The French your next restaurant of choice. Based within Manchester’s grand Midland Hotel, The French became one of the first UK restaurants to be awarded the honour of a Michelin-star. Since reopening in 2013, and again undergoing refurbishment in 2016, the restaurant has made rapid progress towards once again becoming one of the finest eating destinations in the country."

"The flagship fine dining restaurant at The Midland Hotel is Manchester’s long-standing answer to Haute cuisine. Now under the Manchester-born chef Adam Reid, winner of the BBC’s prestigious Great British Menu, who has brought The French a new sense of youth. Despite the name, The French focuses on British food using local ingredients and native flavours such as Beef Dripping, Rhubarb and Lancashire cheese."

"Chef-Patron Adam Reid is no stranger to fine dining and has worked in many Michelin-starred restaurants during his career. He even scooped the dessert top spot on BBC’s Great British Menu, with his signature dish Golden Empire. Diners at The French can expect the same creativity from Adam with the menu putting his stamp on modern British cuisine."

"If you're more of a beer drinker, BrewChimp on Church Road is the place for you. Alongside venues in Stretford and Flixton, BrewChimp's Urmston haunt is the official home of the local craft beer and wine bar. Promising to ‘do things differently’, the cosy bar is full of quirks (including an old-fashioned shop bell) that’ll make you want to stay for more than just the one drink."