This museum in Manchester has officially been named one of the UK’s best free family days out, landing a top-five spot in a new nationwide ranking just in time for summer.
The Oxford Road attraction placed fourth overall in research by outdoor experts at GO Outdoors, which analysed search demand, visitor numbers and review scores to uncover the most popular free activities across the country.
Manchester Museum has officially been named one of the UK’s best free family days out
With more than 648,000 visits in 2025 alone, a strong 4.7-star Google rating and over 10,000 reviews, Manchester Museum continues to draw in families looking for an affordable and educational day out in the city.
The study ranked the UK’s top 10 family-friendly free attractions, with Oxford University Museum of Natural History taking the top spot, followed by Durham Cathedral and the National Memorial Arboretum.
Manchester Museum secured fourth place with an overall score of 8.31 out of 10, outperforming major attractions including Windsor Great Park and the Imperial War Museum in London.
The museum’s popularity is also reflected in its huge search volume, with nearly 1.2 million UK searches recorded, one of the highest in the ranking.
Manchester Museum stands out as one of the UK’s top free attractions
Located at the heart of the University of Manchester, the museum has long been a go-to for families, thanks to its mix of natural history, archaeology and cultural exhibitions.
Visitors can explore everything from dinosaur skeletons and ancient Egyptian artefacts to live vivarium displays, making it a hands-on and engaging experience for children and adults alike.
Its recent redevelopment has further boosted its appeal, with improved galleries, interactive spaces and a stronger focus on accessibility and inclusivity.
The UK’s best free days out
The full top 10 list highlights a mix of museums, heritage sites and green spaces across the UK:
- Oxford University Museum of Natural History
- Durham Cathedral
- National Memorial Arboretum
- Manchester Museum
- Windsor Great Park
- V&A East Storehouse, London
- Imperial War Museum London
- Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford
- Glasgow Cathedral
- Museum of Liverpool
