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Our Complete Manchester Transport Museum Travel Guide

Our Complete Manchester Transport Museum Travel Guide 

| Last Updated: October 2023

All over the UK, commuting by public transport is almost always a given for regular folks like us, so much so that a dedicated museum is built to honour our most reliable vehicles in the country. 

What better place to showcase the history of England’s public transport than ole Manchester itself! If you’re travelling here for the first time, here is a complete travel guide to make your visit much more memorable! 

Time Zone

British Summer Time (GMT+1)

Best Time To Go 

The best time to visit the Manchester Transport Museum is on Wednesday (which is the only time they’re open) during their operating hours schedule between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when it is less crowded. 

Also, the Museum is particularly enjoyable to visit during the spring and summer seasons when the weather is pleasant. 

By planning your visit on weekdays and arriving earlier in the day, you can enjoy a more relaxed and leisurely experience at the museum.

How to Get Around

Trains: You can get to the Manchester Transport Museum by walking down to the Queens Road Metrolink Station. 

By taking the Manchester Victoria or Picadilly train, you’ll arrive at Queens Road Metrolink Station. From there, walk straight until you see the museum from far ahead. 

Buses: By bus, you can either take the coach that stops at Cheetham Hill Road or Queens Road. 

Taxis: Apart from random taxis you can get on the streets of the UK, you can use apps like Taxicode or Minicabit to quickly travel to the Manchester Transport Museum. Note that they may be slightly more expensive than other options.

Car service: If you’re going to have a hard time getting a taxi (which you will in such a busy city like Manchester), then apps like Uber and Blacklane are excellent car service apps to get a ride fast! 

Things To Know

Currency: Euro
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: UK English

Calling Code: +44

Address: Boyle St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8UW, UK

Website: https://motgm.uk/

Contact Details: +441612052122

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, closed; Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday 10 AM to 4:30 PM

What to Do in Manchester Transport Museum

Witness the largest collections of vintage buses in the UK

If you’re a fan of vintage buses, you’re in for a treat at the Manchester Transport Museum. With one of the largest collections of vintage buses in the UK, you’ll get a chance to marvel at over 70 historic vehicles. 

From iconic Manchester Corporation Tramways trams to classic buses, this museum is a paradise for transport enthusiasts. So, hop on board and take a trip down memory lane with these magnificent relics of the past.

Behold the iconic Manchester Corporation Tramways open top tram

This iconic vehicle, dating back to 1901, is a captivating piece of history. With its charming open top design, it offers a unique glimpse into the past and allows you to experience the bygone era of public transportation. 

You owe it to yourself to see this remarkable tram and be transported to a time when trams ruled the streets of Manchester.

Gander the replica of the world’s first passenger railway

If you think this museum can’t get any better, think again! This place proudly boasts a working replica of the world’s first passenger railway. 

You’ll have the chance to experience what it was like to ride on this groundbreaking railway that paved the way for modern transportation. 

Once you see it, you can expect to be transported back to a time when locomotives revolutionised travel. 

It’s an unforgettable opportunity to see the birthplace of passenger railways which tells a remarkable story of human ingenuity.

Look at the wide collection of horse-drawn vehicles

Ever wondered how locomotive inventors draft their first ideas? Well, wonder no more, because this place is packed with sketches and hand-drawn blueprints of the vehicles you see when visiting the Manchester Transport Museum. 

From elegant carriages to practical wagons, this museum is home to a treasure trove of historical transportation. 

You can get an idea of how people used to travel and marvel at the craftsmanship of these beautifully preserved relics. 

It’s a fascinating opportunity to explore the fascinating world of horse-drawn vehicles and appreciate the design and ingenuity of our Mancunian ancestors.

Don’t forget to peep at the timeless artefacts like stamps, tickets, and more

At the Manchester Transport Museum, it’s not just about the vehicles. This captivating museum also showcases a range of timeless artefacts that tell the story of transportation itself. 

From vintage stamps to old tickets and more, you’ll discover a fascinating collection of memorabilia that reflects the rich history of travel. 

These artefacts provide a glimpse into the past, allowing you to see how transportation systems have evolved over time. 

So, I advise you to take a stroll through this treasure trove of historical artefacts and even take pictures to store in your picture galleries. 

Explore a remarkable collection of vintage buses, trams, and locomotives

One of the best things to do in this museum is simply allow yourself to get immersed by the past and interesting displays of locomotives. 

Here, you’ll have the chance to explore an extraordinary collection of vintage buses, trams, and locomotives. Get up close and personal with these incredible relics as you delve into the history of essentially British transportation. 

From charming buses to iconic trams and powerful locomotives, this museum has it all. But be advised not to step inside without an expert guide or staff accommodating you— the rules are pretty strict when it comes to that!

Engage with interactive exhibits

Did you know that this museum also offers interactive exhibits? That’s right, these types of displays allow you to engage with a variety of captivating exhibits. 

With a guide or a staff, you can step into the driver’s seat of a vintage bus, try your hand at operating a tram simulator, and explore the inner workings of historical transport machinery. 

Whether you’re young or young at heart, these interactive exhibits offer an exciting way to learn about the fascinating world of transportation. 

So, don’t be shy at all and help yourself experience how the older generation of Mancunians used to travel back in the day! 

Learn about the history of the double-decker buses 

The double-decker buses showcased at the Manchester Transport Museum have a rich history worth exploring. 

These iconic vehicles have been an integral part of Manchester’s transportation system for decades— and in my experience, are still used in some parts of Manchester and even outside of the city to this day! 

Originally introduced in the early 20th century, double-decker buses quickly became a symbol of the city’s bustling streets. They provided a practical solution to accommodate more passengers and navigate through the city’s busy roads (roadside assistance manchester). 

Over the years, these buses have undergone various design changes and technological advancements, adapting to the evolving needs of commuters. 

Visiting the museum allows you to delve into the fascinating journey of these double-decker buses, witnessing their transformation and understanding their significance in Manchester’s transportation heritage.

Step back in time with the Victorian-style street exhibit

One underrated aspect of the museum is letting you see how roads and streets look back in the day. 

While subtle, you can still feel the Victorian-era inspired vibes the museum is trying to showcase. 

You can stroll through meticulously recreated buildings, complete with cobblestone paths and gas lamps. 

Also, you can experience the sights and sounds of a bustling Victorian street, with shops, horse-drawn carriages, and even costumed mannequins bringing the scene to life. 

Learn about the Manchester Corporation Tramways

As mentioned, one of the more popular exhibits of the museum is the Manchester Corporation Tramways. 

The Manchester Corporation Tramways was an old system of trams (Guide to Manchester trams) in Manchester. They used to be the way to get around the city back in the day, and it’s built a foundation of our modern transport system we now experience today. 

You can even get a close up of these vintage vehicles and marvel at their timeless design. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about transportation in general, this is one of the best displays the museum has to offer. 

Where to Eat

The Pasta Factory 

Address: 77 Shudehill, Manchester M4 4AN, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441612229250
Website: http://www.pastafactory.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 5 to 10 PM; Sunday 12 to 9:30 PM; Monday closed 

The Pasta Factory offers handmade pasta dishes with delicious sauces and fillings. It’s known for its cosy atmosphere and authentic Italian flavours.

Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza 

Address: 9 Cotton St, Ancoats, Manchester M4 5BF, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441618208292
Website: https://www.rudyspizza.co.uk/pizzerias/ancoats
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12 to 10 PM; Sunday 12 to 9 PM

Situated on Peter Street and just a few blocks away from the Manchester Transport Museum, Rudy’s is a popular pizzeria serving traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas. 

Their pizzas are made with high-quality ingredients and cooked in a wood-fired oven for a crispy and flavorful crust.

Mackie Mayor

Address: Smithfield Market Hall, 1 Eagle St, Manchester M4 5BU, United Kingdom
Contact Details: N/A
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MackieMayorNQ/
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 9 AM to 10 PM; Sunday 9 AM to 6 PM; Monday closed 

This vibrant food hall is located on Swan Street and features a variety of food stalls offering different cuisines. 

You can find everything from burgers and pizzas to Asian street food and gourmet sandwiches. It’s a great spot if you’re looking for a diverse dining experience.

The Wharf

Address: The Wharf, 6 Slate Wharf, Manchester M15 4ST, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441615074240
Website: http://www.thewharf-castlefield.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 12 to 11 PM; Friday and Saturday 12 PM to 12 AM

The Wharf is a pub and restaurant (burger restaurant manchester) with a relaxed atmosphere. They serve a range of British and international dishes, including burgers, fish and chips, and hearty pub classics. 

They also have a selection of beers and cask ales if you’re planning on spending the evening with friends and are looking to have some fun drinking with buddies! 

El Gato Negro

Address: 52 King St, Manchester M2 4LY, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441616948585
Website: https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/
Opening Hours: Daily 12 to 10 PM 

El Gato Negro is a Spanish tapas restaurant known for its vibrant flavors and stylish setting. They offer a wide range of tapas dishes inspired by different regions of Spain, along with a carefully curated wine list.

Federal Cafe Bar

Address: 9 Nicholas Croft, Manchester M4 1EY, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441614250974
Website: http://www.federalcafe.co.uk/

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 7:30 AM to 4 PM; Friday 7:30 AM to 5 PM; Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM; Sunday 8 AM to 5 PM 

Federal Cafe Bar is a cosy and laid-back spot known for its delicious brunch offerings. They serve a range of dishes including avocado toast, eggs benedict, and fluffy pancakes. 

I also highly recommended their coffee which tastes amazing from their cappuccino and espresso lineups!.

TNQ Restaurant and Bar

Address: 108 High St, Manchester M4 1HQ, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441618327115
Website: https://www.tnq.co.uk/
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 12 to 10 PM; Sunday 12 to 7 PM

TNQ Restaurant and Bar is a contemporary eatery offering modern British cuisine. They focus on using locally sourced ingredients to create seasonal and inventive dishes, which proudly gives you an idea on why Mancunian cuisines are the way to go! 

V-Rev Vegan Diner

Address: 20-26 Edge St, Manchester M4 1HN, United Kingdom
Contact Details: +441618060928
Website: https://www.facebook.com/vrevmcr/
Opening Hours: 24/7

If you’re looking for vegan options, V-Rev Vegan Diner on Edge Street is a fantastic choice. They serve indulgent plant-based comfort food, including burgers, loaded fries, and milkshakes. 

The diner has a fun and retro vibe, making it a popular spot among vegans and non-vegans alike.

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