Greater Manchester Police Museum

As of 2026, the museum remains one of Manchester’s most unique free attractions. It is located at 57a Newton Street,Manchester, M1 1ET. Due to its nature as a volunteer-run site, opening hours are limited; the museum is open to the public every Tuesday from 10:30 to 15:30, with the last admission at 15:00. During Manchester school holidays, it often opens on Thursdays as well. Entry is free, though donations are encouraged to help with the preservation of the archives.On-site facilities include a small gift shop stocked with police-themed memorabilia and accessible toilets. While the building is historic, there is a lift to the first floor to assist those with mobility needs. Please note there is no cafe inside,but the surrounding Northern Quarter is famous for its abundance of independent coffee shops and eateries.

Because the museum is only open on select days, it can become quite busy, so it is best to arrive early to avoid potential queues. If you wish to visit the Victorian courtroom, you may need to collect a free timed-entry ticket from the front desk upon arrival, as these sessions fill up quickly. The museum is very family-friendly, with many volunteers being retired police officers who share incredible first-hand stories. Children can even try on vintage uniforms and helmets in the Transport Gallery. Photography is permitted throughout most of the museum and is highly encouraged in the courtroom and the cells for a memorable holiday snap. Be aware that the historic cells can be quite cold, even in summer, so a light jacket is recommended. Due to the age of the building, there is limited space for prams, which may need to be left at the entrance.

The museum is centrally located and easy to reach on foot from major transport hubs. It is approximately a ten-minute walk from both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria train stations. For those using the Metrolink tram, the closest stops are Piccadilly Gardens or Market Street, both roughly five minutes away. If you are taking the bus, several routes stop at nearby Stevenson Square or Piccadilly Gardens. The free city-centre bus Route 2 is particularly convenient, dropping passengers off at Stevenson Square, which is just a two-minute walk from the museum doors. Driving is not recommended as there is no on-site parking and street spaces are limited; however, the nearest public car park is located on Port Street. For cyclists, there are secure bike racks available in Stevenson Square, right in the heart of the Northern Quarter.