1 / 3Portland Basin Museum
📍 Ashton-under-Lyne, North West
Free admission museum in Ashton-under-Lyne with period shop fronts, a Victorian teacher experience, canal-side access, and boat trips. Particularly strong for children aged 6–12.
This is a very well thought out museum, lots of exhibits and descriptions, there's things for kids to do as well. It's free to enter also you get access to the canal side with barges and a marina. Certain times they have boat trips (40 mins I believe) There's also a cafe (closed Monday and Tuesday) very good food and lots of drink options. Very pleasantly surprised, free parking too. There is a street set out in the 1920s I think showing the shops and doctors surgery along with a fish and chips shop, but I must say the person being the chippy counter looks a bit scary, her eyes seem to follow you around. Have fun.
🏆 Family Action Verdict
Children aged 6–12 get the most from this museum — the interactive displays, period atmosphere, and Victorian teacher session are calibrated for that age group. The free admission and parking remove cost pressure, making repeat visits easy. Canal boat trips extend the day for curious kids and adults who want to explore the waterway.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →1,527 Google reviews
Maggie Birkett
a month ago
“This is a very well thought out museum, lots of exhibits and descriptions, there's things for kids to do as well. It's free to enter also you get access to the canal side with barges and a marina. Certain times they have boat trips (40 mins I believe) There's also a cafe (closed Monday and Tuesday) very good food and lots of drink options. Very pleasantly surprised, free parking too. There is a street set out in the 1920s I think showing the shops and doctors surgery along with a fish and chips shop, but I must say the person being the chippy counter looks a bit scary, her eyes seem to follow you around. Have fun.”
LENTO VIOLENTO
6 months ago
“Good museum, great for children and families. The lady who does the victorian time travelling teacher is absolutely brilliant. Give her a raise, came with my 6yo daughter for a school trip, was not disappointed.”
June Sedgwick
2 months ago
“This is a brilliant FREE place to visit with junior age children. Showing life after the war with shops and housing. Lovely cafe. My Grandson age 9 loved it.”
Stephen Rothery
a month ago
“A superb interactive kids friendly adult interest museum with local canal walks and canal boat trips”
Reviews from Google
Overview
Portland Basin Museum recreates post-war life through period shops, housing displays, and authentic props. The Victorian travelling teacher experience draws strong praise, especially for primary-school-age children. Canal-side access opens onto barges, a marina, and seasonal boat trips of around 40 minutes. Free parking adjoins the site. A café operates on-site, closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The building is pram-accessible throughout.
