UK

A visit to the Imperial War Museum North with Kids

Posted on
September 25, 2018

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.
Poppy Wave
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.
https://nearlythere.honesttech.co.uk/poppies-wave-at-fort-nelson-and-the-royal-armouries/
Inside the Imperial War Museum itself are exhibitions of modern war and conflict covering real stories of war from WW1 to the present day.
IWM Cemetery
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.
Evacuees
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.
War Horse
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.
Imperial War Museum
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.
IWM NOrth
Have you been to any of the Imperial War Museums?
 

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20 Comments
  1. Reply

    Treasure Every Moment

    September 25, 2018

    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 🙂

  2. Reply

    Donna Vallance

    September 25, 2018

    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

  3. Reply

    Alex Gladwin

    September 25, 2018

    This looks like a really interesting place to spend the day. The poppy wave is so impressive!

  4. Reply

    Sarah

    September 25, 2018

    It sounds like a really informative and interesting place to visit. A great way to teach your children too x

  5. Reply

    bex allum

    September 25, 2018

    This looks like somewhere I would love to take my daughters, a good life lesson.

  6. Reply

    Mellissa Williams

    September 25, 2018

    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.

  7. Reply

    suzy mccullough

    September 25, 2018

    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.

  8. Reply

    fashionandstylepolice

    September 26, 2018

    Manchester weather is always damp and dreadful. I would love to visit this museum one day.

  9. Reply

    Newcastle Family Life

    September 26, 2018

    We have never been to a imperial war museum before, I had no idea there was a one in Manchester x

  10. Reply

    Kaz | Ickle Pickles Life and Travels

    September 26, 2018

    What an incredible place. Those poppies are absolutely amazing, I would love to see them. Kaz

  11. Reply

    Chloe Ciliberto

    September 26, 2018

    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.

  12. Reply

    lynne callaghan

    September 26, 2018

    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!

  13. Reply

    Katherine Hackworthy

    September 26, 2018

    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.

  14. Reply

    Angela

    September 26, 2018

    ooh this looks awesome and I’d love to take my daughter here! I love history and teaching her about war and the past.

  15. Reply

    Amanda

    September 26, 2018

    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.

  16. Reply

    Anosa

    September 26, 2018

    Not been to a war imperial museum before but sounds like such a lovely way to spend a day with the family in Manchester.

  17. Reply

    Cath - BattleMum

    September 27, 2018

    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!

  18. Reply

    Stephanie

    September 27, 2018

    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

  19. Reply

    Abundant Vegan Mum

    September 28, 2018

    I find museums like this so interesting. I am not too far away either so will have to check it out at some point!

  20. Reply

    What Mum Loves

    September 28, 2018

    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

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KARA GUPPY
Bournemouth

Are we nearly there yet? is a new online blog run by me, Kara Guppy, and is named as such thanks to my daughter Eliza who always asks that very question when we are less than 5 minutes up the road heading off on our adventures. You may know me from my other family blog chelseamamma.co.uk