It seemed like only five minutes since the summer holidays but in the blink of an eye half-term was upon us and school was out again. For various reasons we weren’t able to travel anywhere too far, we settled instead for some local(ish) days out, the first of which was at Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-Under-Lyne, not far from the centre of Manchester.
A lucky find, I had never heard of this place before and stumbled upon it browsing the internet for some place to go.
We weren’t expecting too much but I was impressed at first glance with its lovely setting – the museum is right next to a canal inside a restored 19th century canal warehouse.
Entrance was free and surprisingly there were only a few other people inside, we virtually had the place to ourselves.
On the ground floor we found a wonderful recreation of a 1920’s street complete with sound effects.
We looked inside an old kitchen and parlour, Son played hopscotch in the school yard and was a rather firm teacher who (rather too much) delight in making Husband stand in the corner.
There were shops to look inside – we enjoyed the fish and chip shop, the clothes shop and the green grocers..
A church had organ music playing, next door was a pub and after that a doctor’s surgery.
Another area of the museum had extensive displays and information about inhabitants of the local area down the ages – so well done and interesting for all ages.
One level down we found a huge exhibition space all about industry in this area through the years. We learned about clog making, weaving and hat and glove making. Apparently clog fighting competitions were once the thing here. Two people wearing wooden clogs kicked each other in the shins until one could bear it no longer and admitted defeat. Queasy just thinking about it I couldn’t imagine enjoying being a spectator…
We loved the canal boat replica where you could climb on board and see the living quarters up close…
Even Joey from War Horse made an appearance…
A wonderful museum, we had such an interesting afternoon here and Husband and I both remarked we had paid to go into museums that fell far below this place.
We were so long inside we didn’t have time to explore the surrounding area and the canals that run next to the building. So when the sun put in its appearance on another afternoon we headed right back with our bikes and put that to right.
Looks great, free entrance is always a bonus!
Absolutely – this was better than some we’ve paid for!
Oh at first I thought you were in Portland Oregon lol!
I wish!!!! This was nice but Portland Oregon sounds more like it…
Isn’t it always that these unexpected locations are so fantastic.
That is so true Terry, I wasn’t expecting much but was blown away.
What an interesting museum Joy and so nice that it was free to enter. I like the canal side location too. I don’t think that I’ve ever been to Ashton-under-Lyne – so many places to try and visit! Hope you got your kitchen completed over the holidays too.
We’ve lived in Manchester a long time Marion and I had never been there either!! I wasn’t expecting much from this museum but it was such a good one and so well done – educational but fun as well. Thankfully kitchen work is nearly done – it has dragged on a bit but just some little bits and pieces to go now. We moved everything back in again over the last few days and although we love it that is me done with home improvements for a very long time!!
Seems like you don’t have to go too far to find interesting places, Joy..:)
If you look hard enough George there is always something fun to do – sometimes (like here) where you least expect it!!
Waouh I didn’t know that this museum existed. I have been living for 3 years in manchester I never went to Ashton-under-lyne. I am so bad.
I’ve lived for over 20 years in Manchester and only just made it there so do not feel bad!!! It is a great little museum though if you are at a loose end for a couple of hours sometime.
Looks like a great museum Joy, I bet your son enjoyed seeing your husband in the corner….;)
I think maybe he enjoyed it a little too much!! He took on the role of mean teacher very willingly….
😂😂
This museum seems so charming that I wouldn’t hesitate to explore when I visit Manchester, Joy! Is one day enough to explore all of the museum?
One day would be perfect, definitely enough time to look around the museum and explore the canals afterwards – we loved it.
There are few things better than a street of yesteryear (and I’m probably alone in my love for stuff in jars), but it’s rare to come across one at a free museum (especially one that elaborate!). Good find!
We’re very keen on stuff in jars too!! That street was so well done and the museum was just great. We’ve been raving about it since to anyone who’ll listen!!
That looks great, though I share your revulsion for the clog fighting. Ugh! That’s quite a cycling helmet your son has.
Not for the shy and retiring cyclist….
Quite a journey in time. Thank you Joy.
Thank you for coming along!! We had a lovely afternoon of time travel.
Very nice museum. I like it that way; it doesn’t look “commercialized.” Rather, it has that nice traditional charm of an old apartment. 🙂
That’s exactly right, it was quirky and very charming, we loved everything about it
I’m not sure how not drinking alcohol on Mondays helped the soldiers and sailors… but I’m sure it made sense at the time!
Me neither….
I love local travel. Built my blog on it, , glad I found yours
Thanks Kelly, sometimes the best places are right under your nose!
Indeed, I always say, I live were others dream of visiting
Thanks joy
Playing tourist in your own town is always a good idea!
Absolutely Hilary, sometimes the best places are right under your nose, you never realise until you look with tourist eyes.
This looks such an interesting museum Joy – I love the social history aspect. It must have been a tough life back in the day and the concept of clog fighting sounds rather gruesome to me! Imagine those on your shins 😦 Lovely setting by the canal and so good that these old buildings are being put to good use!
It’s a gorgeous spot, we discovered it by chance Rosemary but so glad we did!! I’ve lived in Manchester for over 20 years and never been to this part, goes to show what you can find when you are looking. The clog fighting though… makes me shudder just thinking about it.