North West’s top family attractions revealed – and two are in Manchester

The school summer holidays are in full swing, and family attractions across the region are busier than ever.

But what makes a great day out for the family?

Car dealership Brindley Group have compiled a list of the UK’s family attractions, ranking each on six factors important for family days out: average review score (Google Reviews and Tripadvisor combined), onsite dining, onsite parking, child ticket price value, adult ticket price value, and family of four ticket price value.

And when it comes to the 10 best family attractions in the North West, two in Manchester have made the list – and they both come in the top five.

The Science and industry Museum makes number four on the list, with an average score of 72 out of 90.

The museum explores how ideas can change the world – from the industrial revolution to today and beyond.

It’s located at the site of the world’s first intercity railway, between Castlefield, the Roman heart of Manchester, and The Factory – a landmark new cultural space in the city that will open next year.

The family favourite is currently undergoing a multi-million-pound restoration programme, which is being delivered while the museum remains open to visitors.

The critical restoration work aims to transform its Victorian buildings and create improved gallery experiences.

This includes the Power Hall, where the term ‘Northern Powerhouse’ was coined, and the 1830 Station and Warehouse – some of the world’s earliest railway buildings in the world’s first industrial city.

Also in Manchester, the People’s History Museum also receives a score of 72, and makes number five on the list of the best family attractions in the North West.

This museum, based at Left Bank, is dedicated to telling the story of the British people’s fight for democracy.

They use their unique historical collections, exhibition and learning programme to celebrate the stories of the radical thinkers who believed in ideas worth fighting for.

The Manchester Argonaut, a colourful new sculpture by internationally acclaimed artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, has recently gone on display at the museum to mark the start of its new programme exploring the history of disabled people’s rights and activism.

Both museums also feature in the list of the top five best UK free family attractions.