West Park Museum, Macclesfield

West Park, Prestbury Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 3BJ.
Tel: 01625-619831. Fax: 01625-617880.
Donated in 1898 by Mrs Marianne Brocklehurst to the people of Macclesfield this museum contains a large collection of fine and decorative arts including bird illustrations by the celebrated ornithologist Charles Tunnicliffe RA. It also has significant collections of Egyptian artefacts collected on Mrs Brocklehurst's many visits to Egypt in the late 19th century. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 1.30pm - 4.30pm.

Norton Priory Museum & Gardens, Runcorn

Tudor Road, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 1SX. Tel: 01928-569895.
Set in 38 acres of woodland this former Augustine Priory is best known for its beautiful gardens and contemporary outdoor sculpture. The excavated remains of the Priory contain exhibitions and displays about the buildings. There are year round activities and planned events for the family. Free parking, on site shop, picnic areas, educational programmes, parties catered for. Pre-booking required for parties. Special Needs provisions for the disabled. Open April to October from 12 noon - 5.00pm (6.00pm at weekends). Weekend opening only from November to March from 12 noon - 4.00pm.

Nantwich Museum

Pillory Street, Nantwich, Cheshire CW5 5BQ. Tel: 01270-627104.
Museum based on the history of the locality with special displays on Cheshire cheese-making and local tapestries. Visiting programmes. Open from April to September from Monday to Saturday 10.30am - 4.30pm. From October to March, Tuesday to Saturday only.

Northwich Salt Museum

162 London Road, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 8AB. Tel: 01606-41331.
Fax: 01606-350420.
The complete story of the traditional Cheshire salt industries in video, models, displays, photos and paintings as well as artefacts used in salt production. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10.00am - 5.00pm, Saturday and Sunday 2.00pm - 5.00pm (last entry 4.00pm).

Museum of Liverpool Life

Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1PZ. Tel: 0151-478 4080. Fax: 0151-478 4090.
A complete insight into the people, history and events that have shaped Liverpool and created so-called "Mersey Culture". Tributes to the Beatles, the Grand national, the TV Soap "Brookside" and its 2 great football teams. Open daily from 10.00am - 5.00pm. Closed Christmas and New Year holidays.

Lewis Textile Museum, Blackburn

Exchange Street Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 7AJ. Tel: 01254-667130. Fax: 01254-695370.
Created in 1938, this museum is a virtual memorial to the town's textile industry. It is named after local manufacturer T B Lewis who created it. It contains many fascinating replicas of historic textile machinery, including John Kay's Flying Shuttle, Hargreave's Spinning Jenny, Arkwrights Water Frame and Samuel Crompton's Mule, as well as many working weaving frames and looms of the 19th century. Many interactive displays on spinning and weaving designed to keep children occupied, entertained and educated. Collections of old photographs of factory life in Blackburn mills. Admission free. Open by appointment only from Monday to Saturday. To book, please telephone 01254-667130.

Clitheroe Castle Museum

Castle Hill, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 1BA. Tel: 01200-42463 and 443071.
The Castle's 12th century castle keep still dominates the town of Clitheroe and below its ramparts is a fine Georgian House which is the Castle Museum. It houses 2 floors of exhibits. There is a gift shop, and a small admission charge is payable on entry. Rather complicated opening times, but, broadly, open 7 days a week from Easter to October, 11.00am - 4.30pm and 5 days a week for the remainder of the year. You are advised to phone to check times for your proposed visit.

Kings Own Regimental Museum, Lancaster

Market Square, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 1HT. Tel: 01524-64637. Fax: 01524-841692.
The Kings Own Regiment and the 4th Foot were established in Lancaster in 1680, and this museum keeps a complete record of the regiment's history and has exhibitions and displays including its involvement in battles of The Boyne, Culloden, Waterloo, The Crimea and both World Wars.
Open all year except Christmas and New Year Holidays from Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm (last entry at 4.30pm).

Rossendale Museum

Whitaker Park, Haslingden Road, Rawtenstall, Rossendale, Lancashire BB4 6RE.
Tel: 01706-217777 and 226509. Fax: 01706-250037.
This museum is in a former woollen mill owner's house which was built in 1840, and still retains all of its original character and charm. Apart from a collection of fine art there are also Victorian drawing room settings, furniture, costumes and a natural history gallery which includes many stuffed animals. A local history gallery deals with local Rossendale history from prehistoric to modern times. Guided tours and school parties by prior arrangement. Disabled access. Refreshment kiosk in car park. Open from 1.00pm - 4.30pm on Saturdays, Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in summertim and from 1.00pm - 4.00 pm in winter. There are now toilets, and a lift giving access to the upper floor. Closed Christmas and New Years Holidays. Phone ahead to check before setting off.