Pick up inspiration for your future group visits with a look at several intriguing attractions in the north of England.
1. Land of Iron, Cleveland
Recently celebrating its 40th anniversary, the former Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum has undergone a multi-million revamp to expand the visitor experience and tell the story of North Yorkshire’s coastal mining heritage. At one time the area supplied over a third of the world’s iron and steel. Groups can explore the Land of Iron’s interactive exhibition with photographs, mementos and objects that tell a fascinating story of the life and work of the miners and their families.
Experienced guides will also take you on a journey underground - the museum has recently opened the North Drift to visitors for the first time in seven years. Listen in darkness to the story of 12-year-old ‘trappy’ lad then enter the tunnels to hear the blast.
2. National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere Port
Situated where the Shropshire Union Canal meets the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey, this seven-acre site is now a conservation area. The museum occupies part of a 200-year-old historic dock, originally designed by Thomas Telford. It was a major transhipment point for cargoes travelling between the port of Liverpool and the inland waterway network. It was one of the largest and most complete dock complexes in the UK.
Groups can stroll around the locks, docks and warehouses before visiting the old forge, stables and workers’ cottages. End your visit with a memorable narrow boat trip. There is free coach parking and group visits can include a guided tour, a historical tour as well as a welcome hot or cold drink and biscuits.
3. Castlefield Viaduct
See another side of Manchester from the city’s first-ever sky park. A National Trust project has seen the 1892 steel viaduct get a new lease of life as an urban park.
The 330-metre long Grade-II listed viaduct sits in Castlefield, the oldest part of the city of Manchester. Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the engineers who worked on the iconic Blackpool Tower, the viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969. Entry is free and pre-booked guided visits are available.
4. Silk Museum
The only silk museum in the north of England has fascinating tours with entertaining stories of the silk workers that helped make Macclesfield a centre for textile design and production.
The original mill has now reopened and groups can watch demonstrations and have a private viewing of the pattern book collection dating back to the 19th century. Get a taste of 19th- and 20th-century fashions with the costume collection and discover the crucial role that the silk industry played during World War Two.
5. Hull Maritime City
Marking Hull’s 800-year seafaring heritage, a £30m four-year project is under way to transform Hull into a world-class Maritime City destination. The project includes the refurbishment and preservation of six historic maritime sites and two historic ships. Once completed, visitors will be invited to journey through Hull’s history, exploring the city’s connections and contributions to the UK and the world.
A new visitor attraction is due to open this year at North End Shipyard. The centrepiece will be the Arctic Corsair trawler which is now a museum ship.
