We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Portland Basin Museum

Portland Place | Ashton, Manchester OL7 0QA, England (Manchester City Centre)
44-161-343-2878
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #16 of 96 attractions in Manchester
Type: History Museums
Owner description: Portland Basin Museum is housed within the restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse in Ashton-under-Lyne. The museum combines a lively... more » Owner description: Portland Basin Museum is housed within the restored nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse in Ashton-under-Lyne. The museum combines a lively modern interior with a peaceful canal side setting. It is an exciting family friendly museum, with something for all the family. « less
Write a Review

75 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    36
    31
    6
    1
    1
Date Rating
Manchester, United Kingdom
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
16 helpful votes 16 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

This is quite well hidden, but luckily well signposted. There is free parking and the attraction is free to enter – great value. It’s not a massive venue, but the space has been used well. The museum is predominately based around early 19th century industrial life in Manchester. There are lots of exhibits randing from model villages to genuine machinery... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 5 more reviews by Mike R for Manchester
Manchester, United Kingdom
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 May 2013

The museum is full of great historical facts and artefacts. Quite a lot to see and an added bonus of canal walks. The cafe there is very reasonably priced and the food / service excellent. Great for kids big and small.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Graham H for Manchester
Manchester
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 20 April 2013

I visited here for a school trip around 20 years ago and the place hasnt changed a bit with good facilites and museum features. Also a good scenic walk around the canals of portland basin.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Stalyteddy for Manchester
Stockport, England
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013

Probably because this is a local museum, out expectations of it were not high. So we were very pleasantly surprised at just how interesting,varied and well presented the Portland Basin Museum is. There were enough intriguing exhibits to keep us fascinated for over an hour, and we got a real feel for what life had been like in our home... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Oldham, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 April 2013 via mobile

It's not particularly big so don't go thinking you can spend the day - MOSI, it certainly is not! However it's somewhere a bit different to spend a morning and its free parking as well as free entry so you really can't grumble. It's very well kept and there are plenty of displays that the children can touch and get... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manchester, United Kingdom
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013 via mobile

I was amazed at how this place had developed since I was last there and the number of and variety of exhibits. The children who are 8 and 10 were kept interested all the time they were there. Good visit and extremely interesting.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Oxford
Senior Contributor
39 reviews 39 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 28 cities Reviews in 28 cities
44 helpful votes 44 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013 via mobile

Small museum with free parking. There are a large number of exhibits within which cater for the whole range of ages. We went with a 3 year old and he was entertained for a couple of hours. It abuts on the canal so there are lots of walks along the towpath, unfortunately for us that was too cold to enjoy.... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manchester
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 April 2013

This museum is resting on its laurels. It has nothing new in the last few years for families or children's. Events are few and far between. Local business is discouraged from flourishing in the centre due to the staff rabbiting and staring the funding cut mentality frozen and creatively empty fear of losing their jobs has robbed initiative and left... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2013 via mobile

Although this place will not stay in your memories for years, it was a nice place to go and keep the kids occupied for a few hours. Our three children are aged from 3-8 and there was something at the museum for everyone, the old style school would have kept my 5 year old girl happy for hours pretending to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Manchester, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
3 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 March 2013

It is a static exhibition downstairs and it is interesting for younger children. Free parking nearby which is a bonus. Not much else around the area to see but the canal is at the back and would be a nice walk but weather too cold at present.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 4 more reviews by James K for Manchester

Travellers who viewed Portland Basin Museum also viewed

Manchester, Greater Manchester
Manchester, Greater Manchester
 
Manchester, Greater Manchester
Manchester, Greater Manchester
 

Been to Portland Basin Museum? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Portland Basin Museum, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing