A visit to the Imperial War Museum North with Kids
Last weekend we headed north to Manchester, with a plan to see as much of the city as possible.
We stayed at Holiday Inn in Media City, which is a great base as there are lots to do surrounding it, plus it is just a short tram ride into the city centre.
One of the things we spotted almost immediately was the Poppy Wave at the Imperial War Museum North, something we had been impressed by earlier in the year when we saw it at Fort Nelson.
I have to admit it was more impressive in Portsmouth, but that was probably because it’s stage was a commanding view over Portsmouth Harbour and clear blue skies, rather than a damp and dreary Manchester day.
Inside the Imperial War Museum itself are exhibitions of modern war and conflict covering real stories of war from WW1 to the present day.
The museum itself is set in a stylish and modern purpose-built building and is a very educational and thought-provoking experience. Isaac is learning all about the wars and its evacuees at the moment, so was particularly interested in all the information the museum offered.
As well as interactive exhibits for the kids to get involved with, the Lest We Forget exhibitions explore how the First World War has shaped the society we live in today.
Objects to see range from a soldier’s last letter home, tanks and army vehicles, to objects like the twisted steel of the World Trade Centre.
The Imperial Museum North is free to visit and has a good range of facilities, including a cafe, toilets, baby change area and a gift shop.
Have you been to any of the Imperial War Museums?
Treasure Every Moment
Oh wow what a thought-provoking and educational place to visit with children. History is such an important part of life to teach children about I think 🙂
Donna Vallance
This looks amazing! I love anything to do with the war. I helped take the poppies out of the tower it’s brillaint to see them somewhere else. X
Alex Gladwin
This looks like a really interesting place to spend the day. The poppy wave is so impressive!
Sarah
It sounds like a really informative and interesting place to visit. A great way to teach your children too x
bex allum
This looks like somewhere I would love to take my daughters, a good life lesson.
Mellissa Williams
I took my son when he was younger to the London branch. It’s so important we remember the wars and pay tribute to those that have died.
suzy mccullough
We were lucky to see the poppy wave at Lincoln castle. This museum sounds really good. It’s something all kids and adults need to learn more about.
fashionandstylepolice
Manchester weather is always damp and dreadful. I would love to visit this museum one day.
Newcastle Family Life
We have never been to a imperial war museum before, I had no idea there was a one in Manchester x
Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels
What an incredible place. Those poppies are absolutely amazing, I would love to see them. Kaz
Chloe Ciliberto
What an amazing place. We have one of those poppies at home to represent my Mums uncle who died in the war. They’re a lot heavier in real life than they look. She would love this museum.
lynne callaghan
It is so so important for our children to learn the history of our World War Battles. We had the poppies here in Northern Ireland last year and they were stunning!
Katherine Hackworthy
This looks like a very poignant place to be. A lot to see and a lot to learn I imagine. I could see this being a good place to spend the best part of the day.
Angela
ooh this looks awesome and I’d love to take my daughter here! I love history and teaching her about war and the past.
Amanda
I haven’t been to Manchester in ages! I do love visiting museums so will be sure to make time for this one if I ever head up there.
Anosa
Not been to a war imperial museum before but sounds like such a lovely way to spend a day with the family in Manchester.
Cath - BattleMum
I haven’t visited the Manchester one but paid a visit to the London one many years ago. I’d love to visit one again as they’re always so informative and interesting. But I might have to leave my son behind as he’s a bit young and would probably get bored waiting for me to finish reading!
Stephanie
Oh the poppies are lovely aren’t they, but yes could do with a nice view behind them! This is a important place to visit as it’s good for the children to learn about the war and history behind it all
Abundant Vegan Mum
I find museums like this so interesting. I am not too far away either so will have to check it out at some point!
What Mum Loves
I am a big fan of visitng war museums, even with the kids. It is a great reminder to be grateful for living in a peace