Portland Basin Museum — Attraction in Tameside

Portland Basin Museum – An industrial museum that is fun and engaging

What is the Portland Basin Museum?

The Portland Basin Museum is a social and industrial Museum that is located in Ashton Under-Lyme. It is housed in a beautiful nineteenth century Ashton Canal Warehouse.

It has two floors full of interesting stories on how it was like to live in Ashton Under-Lyme in the 1920s. You will also find and explore printing machines, clogs, boats, trains and a little farm section. It is fun and interactive for anyone no matter what your age is.

The 1920s Street

Walking down the 1920s street at The Portland Basin Museum was brilliant. It made me feel as if I was actually there witnessing how it was back then living during those times.

The old house was beautiful with lots of lovely furniture and a great fireplace. It highlighted how old houses were small in which big families lived in crammed conditions. There is also a piano in the living room too.

The school looked real with a desk and shelves piled with books. There is a bell there too to add real effect. The education system in Tameside was about teaching pupils the 3 R’s. Also later on there was part time attendance where students would only attend 2 hours a day.

The Fish and Chip Shop was great. There was a till that looked real with a person to make it look like they were selling Fish and Chips. Cool. It was one of the common meals for people to eat in the old times. If people were poor then they could only afford little pieces of Potato.

Other highlights were the grocery store which included real life items that people bought such as the weighing scales and gravy.

The Church was well designed with lovely furniture and a piano. There is also a GP surgery and a Pub to a name a few too. It was also a nice touch to look at some historical objects from Egypt and Greece too.

It was interesting, interactive and engaging. It was brilliant in making every aspect looking so real when it is not. Great.

The other Gallery focused on the history of the Printing machine and Clogs which are shoes that were worn by Mill workers and dancers too. There were some on display to look at. There were some ticket machines and a little area with boats and trains. This covered the history of Transport.

Entry

Entry is free at the Portland Basin Museum.

Facilities

There is a café that is independent that serves a range of sandwiches, cakes, hot and cold drinks. There are also picnic benches that you can sit on and relax during your visit.

There are also toilets too.

Lighting and Access

The lighting at the Museum was great and the objects were easily visible. In relation to accessing the Museum it is open plan and there is a little step to enter the building. There are lifts and stairs to access both floors of the building.

Parking

The Portland Basin Museum has its own car park which is on a cobbled surface. There are also a small number of disabled bays for Blue Badge holders too.

If you love finding out about the history of Ashton Under-Lyme in a fun and engaging way then the Portland Basin...

A Beautiful Hidden Gem Portland Basin In a location easily found not too far away from ASDA

A Fabulous opportunity to Learn, Walk, Jog, Cycle. Talk, Listen and Explore the Benefits of Nature.

Learn about the History of Local Heroes & Industry of this Wonderful; sometimes forgotten region of Tameside. Only a short few miles from Manchester. Easily accessible through all linking transport modes and routes.

Take time to R&R Recover and Recuperate Whilst taking a trip along the canals on Hazel our oldest and still Healthy! Health & Wellbeing Boat. Where you even get a chance to fully immerse yourself in old living history of our Local Families from years gone by.

Book or Hire out any one of our Community Serving Narrow Boats for overnight or several night stays. You may even want to use it for various events or functions. Maybe A treat or an experience for children. Or a Birthday Party, A family Getaway for weekend/weekday stay? You will find one of our very helpful local guides who will be more than happy to chat to you about anything you want to know about Portland Basin and The Local Region.

Eperience a wide range of activities. Including Visiting The History Museum Learn about the Journeys & Lives of Local Heroes. The significance and importance of Narrow Boats & Canals through a timeline across history.

BSR®...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Hidden Gem of Manchester – A Must-Visit!

Portland Basin Museum is truly one of Manchester’s hidden treasures. Nestled by the beautiful Ashton Canal, this museum blends history, culture, and community spirit in such a unique way. The moment you walk in, you’re transported back in time – from the fascinating Victorian street scene that feels so real, to the exhibits showcasing the region’s industrial past.

It’s not just about history, though – it’s about stories. The museum captures everyday life in Manchester and Tameside through the years, making it engaging for both adults and children. Kids especially love the interactive displays, while adults can appreciate the depth of local heritage preserved here.

The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, always ready to share interesting insights. Best of all, entry is free, making it one of the best-value family days out in Greater Manchester. The canal-side location also makes for a lovely walk or picnic after your visit.

If you’re looking for something authentic, educational, and surprisingly fun, Portland Basin Museum is a must-visit. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of Manchester’s history and a smile...