National Football Museum Manchester
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National Football Museum Manchester

4.3
·7k reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore over 140,000 football artifacts, test your skills in interactive zones, and relive the passion of the beautiful game.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, shorter queues

CrowdLow
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National Football Museum Manchester

National Football Museum Manchester

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, shorter queues

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore over 140,000 football artifacts, test your skills in interactive zones, and relive the passion of the beautiful game.

4.3
(7k reviews)

"A must-visit for any fan of the beautiful game, tickets last for 12 months with multiple visits."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book Ahead, Save Cash!

Booking tickets online is cheaper than on the day. :ticket: Some interactive bits have queues, so plan accordingly!

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially if you try the interactive challenges. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Football Memorabilia

Historic Football Memorabilia

Throughout the museum

Explore a vast collection of unique items spanning football's rich history, from vintage jerseys to iconic match artifacts.

Interactive Skills Challenges

Interactive Skills Challenges

Interactive Zone

Test your football prowess with penalty shootouts, virtual challenges, and other fun, hands-on activities for all ages.

Football's Greatest Moments

Football's Greatest Moments

Exhibition Halls

Relive legendary matches, discover the evolution of the sport, and celebrate the passion behind English football.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets Online for Savings

Save money by booking your National Football Museum tickets online in advance. On-the-day prices are significantly higher, and some interactive exhibits can have long queues, so pre-booking helps manage your time and budget.

Plan for Interactive Fun (and Queues)

While the museum offers engaging interactive exhibits, be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak hours. Consider visiting during off-peak times or focusing on the historical displays if queues are a concern.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, shorter queues
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

First Old Trafford visit

🎯 Book Ahead, Save Cash!

Booking tickets online is cheaper than on the day. :ticket: Some interactive bits have queues, so plan accordingly! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially if you try the interactive challenges. :athletic_shoe:

reddit.com

Travelling to England, first time to Manchester. Looking for tips.

reddit.com

Looking for things to see as a football turist

📸 Make Your Own Cover

A fun interactive activity where you can create your own football magazine cover. :iphone: Great for photos!

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

There's a lot to see and do, especially with the interactive zones. Don't rush your visit! Reddit

reddit.com

Free day in Manchester

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book Ahead, Save Cash!

Booking tickets online is cheaper than on the day. :ticket: Some interactive bits have queues, so plan accordingly! Reddit

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, especially if you try the interactive challenges. :athletic_shoe:

📸 Make Your Own Cover

A fun interactive activity where you can create your own football magazine cover. :iphone: Great for photos!

⏳ Allow 2-3 Hours

There's a lot to see and do, especially with the interactive zones. Don't rush your visit! Reddit

💰 Baggage Lockers Costly

If you need to store bags, be aware that the baggage lockers are not cheap. :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

4.3
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors generally find the National Football Museum to be an interesting and engaging experience, particularly for families and avid football fans. While the historical exhibits and interactive elements are praised, some find the pricing a bit high and certain interactive queues lengthy. It's considered a worthwhile visit for its unique memorabilia and fun activities, though perhaps not a 'wow' factor for every visitor.

"A nice museum, but not WOW. The exhibition is interesting, but not very special. The interactive part requires extra payments. You can definitely spend there an hour or two and enjoy, but I won't say it's a must for every football fan."

Ilya Yeruhimovich

"I felt so blessed to come across this museum during my visit to Manchester. As we all know, the English Premier League is the best in the world. And in Manchester, you can find two of the biggest clubs in football, both in the same city. At this museum, you can explore all the creativity, history, and passion behind English football. Truly awesome!"

Anh Quân Lê

"Visited the Football Museum in Manchester and it was a mixed experience for me. There are some good interactive bits, especially for kids – things like penalty shootouts, making your own magazine cover, and different touch exercises. The building itself is very striking from the outside and the architecture is worth a look. Inside, there’s a lift to every floor, clean toilets, and a café if you fancy a break. The staff were friendly and even chatted to me about the team I support, which was a nice touch. The gift shop has plenty to browse such as shirts, signed frames, posters, magnets, badges, etc.

On the downside, some of the interactive sections have long queues, sometimes up to half an hour. It’s also cheaper to book online, but if you turn up on the day you pay quite a bit more, which feels unnecessary. I found it a little expensive for what’s there – most of the displays are about football from the 1800s to early 1900s, with not much focus on modern football. There are some trophies, but again, mainly older ones. They have baggage lockers, but they’re not cheap either.

Overall, worth a visit if you’re a big football fan or have kids who’ll enjoy the activities, but I wouldn’t rush back."

Alex Crisp

What People Like

Fascinating historical memorabilia
Engaging interactive displays
Kid-friendly activities

What People Dislike

Can be expensive
Long queues for interactives

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is centrally located in Manchester's Urbis building. It's easily accessible by public transport. Numerous bus routes stop nearby, and Manchester Victoria and Shudehill Interchange are within walking distance. If driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can be pricey. Reddit

Yes, there are several car parks near the museum, including the Manchester Arndale car park and the Exchange Square car park. However, parking in central Manchester can be expensive, so consider public transport if possible. Reddit

Absolutely! The museum is well-served by public transport. Many bus routes stop close by, and it's a short walk from Manchester Victoria train station and the Shudehill Interchange for buses and trams. Reddit

Yes, the National Football Museum is fully accessible. There is a lift to every floor, and facilities are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Reddit

For football tourists, arriving by train at Manchester Victoria is very convenient as it's a short walk. If coming from further afield, consider the tram network which connects to major hubs and stops near the city centre. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are more affordable when booked online in advance. On-the-day admission is more expensive. Check their official website for the most current pricing and any special offers. Reddit

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the museum on the day of your visit. However, it's highly recommended to book online beforehand to secure your entry and benefit from lower prices. Reddit

The museum often offers concessions for students, seniors, and families. It's best to check their website for specific discount categories and eligibility criteria. Booking online can also present savings. Reddit

Tickets for the National Football Museum are typically valid for 12 months, allowing for multiple visits. This is a great perk if you're a local or plan to visit Manchester again. Reddit

While booking online is recommended for savings, you may not always need to book a specific time slot. However, during busy periods or for special exhibitions, timed entry might be required, so always check the booking details. Reddit

🎫 ⚽ Onsite Experience

The museum boasts extensive collections of football memorabilia, interactive exhibits like penalty shootouts and magazine cover creation, and displays detailing the history and evolution of the sport. Reddit

Yes, the museum has a dedicated discovery zone with many interactive activities designed for children, including skills-testing simulators and fun challenges. Reddit

Most visitors spend between 2 to 3 hours exploring the exhibits and participating in the interactive displays. If you're a very keen fan, you might want to allocate even more time. Reddit

Yes, there's a well-stocked gift shop offering a range of football-related merchandise, including shirts, signed frames, posters, and souvenirs. Reddit

The museum is housed in the striking Urbis building, known for its distinctive modern architecture. The building itself is often noted as an attraction worth looking at from the outside. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, the museum has a cafe where you can grab a break and refreshments. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

Generally, it's best to consume your own food and drinks in designated areas or outside the museum. The cafe provides options if you need to purchase refreshments. Reddit

Being in the city centre, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs surrounding the National Football Museum, offering a wide variety of cuisines and price points. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed in most areas of the museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the artifacts. Always check for signage. Reddit

Yes, the museum offers many photo opportunities, from the historic memorabilia and trophies to the interactive displays like the magazine cover creator. The architecture of the Urbis building is also photogenic. Reddit

Iconic trophies, vintage jerseys, and the interactive magazine cover station are popular photo spots. The exterior of the Urbis building also provides a striking backdrop. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The National Football Museum is a fantastic destination for families. The dedicated discovery zone offers numerous interactive activities that will keep children entertained for hours, from penalty shootouts to creative magazine cover making. Reddit The museum's layout is accessible with lifts, making it easy to navigate with strollers.

Tip: Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the longest queues for the interactive exhibits. The museum's 12-month ticket validity is also a great bonus for local families looking for repeat visits. Reddit

⚽ Dedicated Football Fans

For the true football aficionado, the museum is a pilgrimage. The vast collection of memorabilia spanning every era of the game is unparalleled. Reddit You'll find yourself lost in the history, reliving iconic moments and discovering forgotten heroes.

Don't miss the chance to see historic trophies and artifacts that tell the story of English football's journey. The museum's focus on the sport's evolution and cultural impact offers a deep dive that goes beyond just match results. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While the museum's on-the-day ticket price can feel a bit steep, booking online in advance significantly reduces the cost. Reddit The 12-month validity of tickets also offers excellent value if you plan to visit Manchester multiple times.

Be aware that baggage lockers and some interactive elements might incur additional costs. Prioritize the historical exhibits if you're looking to maximize your experience without extra spending. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Football's Rich History

The National Football Museum houses an incredible collection of over 140,000 football-related items, making it a treasure trove for fans. These exhibits span the entire history of the sport, from its early days to the modern era. You can find everything from vintage football shirts and boots to match programs, tickets, and even iconic trophies. The displays are curated to tell the story of football's evolution, its cultural impact, and the unforgettable moments that have defined the beautiful game. Reddit

While the museum focuses heavily on the historical aspects, it doesn't shy away from celebrating the passion and creativity behind football. Visitors can delve into the stories of legendary players, pivotal matches, and the development of tactics and rules. It's a journey through time that appeals to both seasoned historians and casual fans looking to deepen their understanding of the sport's legacy. Reddit

Interactive Fun for All Ages

Beyond its historical displays, the National Football Museum excels in providing engaging interactive experiences. These activities are a major draw, especially for families and younger visitors. Popular attractions include penalty shootout simulators where you can test your shooting accuracy, and the chance to create your own football magazine cover, offering a fun, personalized souvenir. Reddit

These hands-on elements are designed to be both entertaining and educational, allowing visitors to physically engage with the sport. While some of these interactive sections can attract queues, they are generally well worth the wait for the unique experience they offer. The museum aims to make football accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their prior knowledge or skill level. Reddit

Manchester as a Football Hub

Manchester is renowned as a global football capital, home to two of the world's most famous clubs, Manchester United and Manchester City. The National Football Museum capitalizes on this rich footballing heritage, offering a comprehensive look at the sport's significance in England and beyond. Its location in the heart of Manchester makes it a perfect addition to any football-themed itinerary for visitors supporting their team or simply exploring the city's sporting identity. Reddit

For football tourists visiting Manchester, the museum provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse themselves in the sport's culture. It complements visits to stadium tours like Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium by offering a broader historical and cultural context. The museum's proximity to other city attractions also makes it easy to combine with other sightseeing activities, solidifying Manchester's status as a must-visit destination for football enthusiasts. Reddit

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