Top Picks
Guides
What’s on
Where to go
See all

People’s History Museum (PHM)

Creative Tourist
People's History Museum Manchester
Image © People’s History Museum

Spinningfields‘ People’s History Museum, home of ‘ideas worth fighting for’, is the only museum in the UK dedicated to the history of British democracy.

The galleries trace a path through 200 years of political campaigning, including the fight for the right to vote, an insight into how time off was won (and spent), and women’s liberation. The family-friendly museum houses approximately 1,500 objects, including the largest collection of trade union and other political banners in the world.

It’s also host to a programme of special exhibitions, and a lively series of events, while the museum’s Open Kitchen Cafe & Bar puts an emphasis on delicious, ethical and sustainable food at this wonderful riverside location, and is worth a visit in itself. The shop at the front of the museum, meanwhile, is a great spot for radical books, toys, gifts and homeware for kids and grown-ups alike.

Left Bank, SpinningfieldsManchesterM3 3ER View map
Telephone: 0161 838 9190 Visit Now

Accessibility

Ramps to the main entrance, Main entrance has automatic opening, Tactile maps, tactile drawings of scenes around the museum are also available, an induction loop is fitted at the museum reception. Infrared hearing loop facilities are available throughout the building (reception, Engine Hall, Coal Store, Meeting Room, Mini Theatre in Main Gallery One, Archive Reading Room and The Left Bank cafe bar). If you are attending a public event or Venue Hire event and need to use the induction loop, please inform a member of staff in advance. The museum is fully wheelchair accessible. All lifts in the museum are wheelchair accessible and the main lift near reception also has audio announcements The main galleries are designed to provide a range of sensory experiences, including several different audio, visual and touch elements. Some of the audio material in the galleries has subtitles or is displayed visually. Wheelchair accessible toilets are available on the lower ground, ground and second floor. Wheelchair accessible baby changing facilities are available in the Parent & Child Room behind reception on the ground floor, ground floor toilets and second floor toilets. Designated on-street accessible parking bays are available nearby. Guide dogs are welcome

Children and Families

Hands-on activities for all ages, in every gallery Regular Family Friendly events, Busy Bee explorer packs for 3-6 year olds, Family Friendly trails, Pocket-money friendly souvenirs, Baby-changing facilities – if you get caught short just ask for a free emergency nappy, Breastfeeding welcome, Children’s menu available at The Left Bank cafe bar, Children’s area in The Left Bank cafe bar, Highchairs available in The Left Bank cafe bar, Bottle warmer in The Left Bank cafe bar, Special discount parking

Commercial and Hire Services

Looking for a genuinely inspirational venue? Then why not hold your event in the company of some of the greatest ever team builders, motivational speakers and passionate problem solvers. The museum has conference and meeting facilities within a magnificently restored historic Edwardian Pump House. Licensed to hold wedding and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions.

Services and Facilities

Cafe open from breakfast to afternoon tea, there's something to suit all tastes. Lockers are located on the lower ground floor of the museum.

Opening Hours

  • Monday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Wednesday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Thursday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Friday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Saturday10:00am - 5:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 5:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on at People’s History Museum (PHM)

Featured in

Toddler standing on grass with a paintbrush in hand turning to the right to look at the camera. He is wearing a navy blue rainsuit with a burgundy and navy blue long sleeved tiop underneath. He is standing in front of large cream coloured sheets that have been strung up on a washing line. The sheets have mud marks making on.
Free family things to do in Manchester

The world’s at your fingertips with free history, art, science and creative capers for all ages in Manchester.
things to do with toddlers in Manchester
Things to do with toddlers in Manchester

Read our guide to navigating the city with toddlers and having loads of fun too!

Wicked at Palace Theatre Manchester
Things to do over October half-term

Looking for things to do with the family over the October half-term holiday? We’ve got you covered.

What's on near People’s History Museum (PHM)

Until
ActivityLiverpool
Old Dock Tours, Liverpool

The Old Dock tour is a treat for younger and older visitors alike, fans of Liverpool’s maritime past, and anybody curious about local history.

£8.50 with concessions
Until
ComedyManchester
Creatures of the Night Comedy Club

An insanely committed seven-nights-a-week, Creatures of the Night Comedy Club opens its doors (20.30-22.30 typically, though please check) for evening after evening of side-splitting comedy.

from £5.00
Until
ComedyManchester
The Comedy Vault

Every Monday night upstairs at Fierce Bar, The Comedy Vault hosts an outrageously funny open-mic night. Come and try your hand or just to watch and laugh.

free entry
Until
ComedyManchester
Comedy Balloon

Every Wednesday at Ape & Apple, Manchester’s official underground comedy club, Comedy Balloon’s friendly and warm comedy night takes place.

free entry
See all events

Where to go near People’s History Museum (PHM)

Merseyway is built on giant stilts over the river Mersey – hence the name! It was one of the first shopping centres to open in 1965 and was refurbished in 1995. Merseyway are proud of their heritage and their role in continuing to attract visitors to Stockport. They strive to live up to the brand promise “famous brands, fabulously close”.
Manchester
Merseyway Shopping Centre

Merseyway is built on giant stilts over the river Mersey – hence the name! It was one of the first shopping centres to open in 1965 and was refurbished in 1995. Merseyway are proud of their heritage and their role in continuing to attract visitors to Stockport. They strive to live up to the brand promise “famous brands, fabulously close”.

Leeds
Brewery
Springwell

The home of North, with a beautiful taproom over looking the brew house, on Buslingthorpe Lane. Every weekend we open the doors to our brewery and pour incredibly fresh beer next to the tanks where it was brewed!

Ring O'Bells
Restaurant
Ring O’Bells

Popular country pub based in Ormskirk, serving classic British food and local ales.

Abington Street Market
Blackpool
Shop
Abington Street Market

Abington Street Market is a go-to for independent retail, housing 12 shopping units selling everything from handmade ceramics to clothing, crystals and cake.

Beautiful view of our Dining Tipi Table
Altrincham
Event venue
Millington Hall Farm

Millington Hall Farm is a one of a kind destination offering field to fork dining alongside learning experiences that will stay with you long after your visit.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not
Blackpool
Museum
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach resort, this museum of oddities is the perfect place for families to discover the strange, the unusual and the extraordinary.

Image courtesy of Saoko Cocktail Bar.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Saoko Cocktail Club

This cocktail bar may be the new kid on the Blackpool block, but it’s already renowned for its excellent service and imaginative drinks that offer an ‘experience and a story’.

Little Black Pug by Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Restaurant
Little Black Pug

Head to Balckpool’s Little Black Pug for an historic, laid-back, family-friendly pub with a huge malt whiskey collection.

Ian Jones.
Blackpool
Shop
Aunty Social

Both a lifestyle store and a community arts hub, Aunty Social showcases the very best of Blackpool’s creative community. A great spot to pick up lovingly-made gifts.

Exterior of fish and chip shop
Blackpool
Restaurant
Harrowside Fish & Chips

Winner of the Good Food Award’s coveted Chippy of the Year award on multiple occasions, Harrowside is a great choice for fish and chips in Blackpool.

See all places

Manchester District Guides

The cafe in the trees at the Whitworth
Oxford Road, Manchester

We cherrypick our favourite spots on Oxford Road, taking in unique theatres, characterful gig venues and fascinating museums.
Salford museum and art gallery exterior
Salford, Greater Manchester

Cross over the River Irwell, and you’ll find yourself in another city entirely – Salford, which is enjoying something of a regeneration.
The Quays, Greater Manchester

The Quays is home to MediaCityUK (the largest media hub in Europe) and studios purpose-built for the BBC’s move up North in 2011.
chinatown, manchester in sun by ben williams
Chinatown, Manchester

Chinatown is a network of back streets dotted with Chinese restaurants – go to Ho’s Bakery for perfect honey buns, Hunan for spice and Middle Kingdom for a very affordable menu.
Ancoats, Manchester
Ancoats & New Islington

Ancoats, just off the Northern Quarter in Manchester, is one of the city’s most increasingly desirable neighbourhoods. Find out why.
Canal Street, Manchester

Manchester’s picturesque Canal Street and its surroundings constitute what is reputedly the oldest gay village in the country.
Chapel Street, Salford

Chapel Street has the different counter-cultural feel of another city: still industrial, more casual, temporal. Here’s what the area has to offer.

Culture Guides

Music in the North

From Afrobeat to psychedelia, alternative rock to glistening pop, we take a look at some of the best gigs happening in early 2025.

Boy watching hands making shadow puppets on a screen
Family things to do in the North

As we move into festive season, Manchester and the North is packed with fun events and activities for families, both indoors and outdoors.

Poet Rosie Garland. Credit Absolut Queer Photography.
Literature Events in the North

Bookish goings-on are perfect for picking up presents for others and treats to get yourself through the cold, dark days ahead.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

From contemporary dance to ballet classics, and cult rock ‘n’ roll musicals to new writing, our theatre guide spans the festive season and beyond.

A man is dressed as an Elf in a decorated department store.
Cinema in the North

Get ready for animated classics, Muppet mayhem and a whole host of New York movies -- it's Christmas time in the cinema.

Classical Music in the North

Read our latest highlights from the live classical music offer in Manchester and the North, taking in a number of the region's most cherished orchestral forces and venues.