RHS Garden Bridgewater
One of the biggest garden projects in Europe, and more fun for kids than a flower garden has any right to be: a huge walled kitchen garden, lake walks, and space to run that feels endless.
Imperial War Museum North
Salford, Greater Manchester
War told through objects and voices in Libeskind's shattered-globe building on the quays. Every hour the lights drop and the Big Picture Show fills the walls - the single most affecting free experience in Greater Manchester.
Pitch it at seven and up; the themes are handled with care but they are real. Pair with a walk along the quays to MediaCity to lighten the afternoon.
Know before you go
- Pitch it at 7 and up. The themes are handled carefully but they are real.
Looking for more museums & science near Salford?
Also in Salford
The Lowry
Free galleries holding the world's largest LS Lowry collection, a free immersive 360 room, and theatres with a steady run of family shows. One of the easiest rainy-day wins on the Quays.
Ordsall Hall
A Grade I listed Tudor manor house marooned among Salford's new-builds, free to walk round, with a proper Great Hall, gardens and school-holiday craft sessions. Closed Fridays and Saturdays, which catches people out.
Salford Museum & Art Gallery
Free, small and genuinely good: Lark Hill Place, a full Victorian street rebuilt indoors, is the bit the kids will remember. Peel Park is right outside for the run-around afterwards.