1 / 3Imperial War Museum
📍 Trafford Park, North West
Imperial War Museum North offers free admission, interactive displays, and an hourly 360° panoramic projection show at Salford Quays. Tram-accessible with a dedicated stop; family activity zones and special exhibitions run throughout the year.
Congratulations on their 20th Anniversary! Some new features added and the big picture show amazes as ever. Attended an evening event and it was brilliant the whole set up was completely transformed. By day the museum now has poppies from London and New items are being added to the display cases. School holidays fast approaching there seems to be plenty going on. It's free entry, carpark is NCP but still worth a visit. Plenty to see and do. I'd highly recommend a good few hours. On the hour they have a huge 360 panoramic show, all different. An amazing cafe with some delicious food and a very good gift shop. Plenty of photographic opportunities and selfies to be had. The Museum has a timeline but you don't have to stick to that. On certain days they have veterans in who give first hand experience of war too. There really is something for everyone and is a great day out.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
A compelling free day out for families with history-curious children across all ages. The 360° show is a genuine highlight that captivates younger visitors, and the family game inside adds hands-on engagement. Plan the entrance in advance — the main entrance has been closed at times with poor temporary signage from the tram stop.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →21 Google reviews
Steve D
3 years ago
“Congratulations on their 20th Anniversary! Some new features added and the big picture show amazes as ever. Attended an evening event and it was brilliant the whole set up was completely transformed. By day the museum now has poppies from London and New items are being added to the display cases. School holidays fast approaching there seems to be plenty going on. It's free entry, carpark is NCP but still worth a visit. Plenty to see and do. I'd highly recommend a good few hours. On the hour they have a huge 360 panoramic show, all different. An amazing cafe with some delicious food and a very good gift shop. Plenty of photographic opportunities and selfies to be had. The Museum has a timeline but you don't have to stick to that. On certain days they have veterans in who give first hand experience of war too. There really is something for everyone and is a great day out.”
K. Peake
3 months ago
“This was a superb tram stop for arrival and departure, with lengthy platforms for the services! Walk is quick to the Imperial War Museum itself and location is nice by the bridges that cross the bay, departure boards are up to date too. It is easy to get to the elevated level of the platforms, also there's space to sit around when waiting!”
Shahid Inayet
3 years ago
“Eye-opening artefacts and history well told. There is a family game in there too, great for teamwork.”
Mr Sloth
9 months ago
“The tram stop is convenient for not only the Imperial War Museum but also for Salford Quays and MediaCity. It loses a star because there are no direct trams into Manchester city centre, the line ends at Deansgate where you have to change onto a different tram to get back into the city centre.”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Imperial War Museum North at Salford Quays delivers free admission, artefact-rich displays, family team games, and a spectacular hourly 360° projection show across every wall and surface. The museum is directly served by the IWM North tram stop, and onward travel to Manchester city centre requires a change at Deansgate. Special events including evening programmes and veteran talks have drawn strong reviews.
