1 / 2The Whitaker
📍 Rossendale, North West
Free-entry museum and art gallery in Rossendale combining contemporary exhibitions, a cupboard of curiosities, and an on-site cafe. Surrounding park has tennis courts and a football pitch. Free parking.
🏆 Funzaroo Verdict
Best for families with children old enough to engage with exhibits — roughly age 5 and up — who want a free, unhurried cultural visit. The surrounding park extends the outing significantly with active facilities for children. Families with very young children will get most value from the park and cafe.
ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go
💬 What Families Are Saying
View all reviews →681 Google reviews
G Reviews from Google
Rebecca Charlson
11 months ago
“Visited here on a late Sunday afternoon ( bh aswell) . Pleased by free parking. Disabled access If needed. Was slightly disappointed as the cafe was shut that day but the museum.was open. Free entry to museum but donations welcomed to help support. This is a hidden little gem. Lots of interesting things to look at Inside .. a few pics to tease to the spoils but certainly doesn't show all the things to haze upon. The exhibition we saw was voiced by Jane horrors and is only there until June 1st. Will definitely be going to pack to see future installations.”
Katarina Haines-Barbosa
a year ago
“I attended recently with my classmates. I didn't want to spoil too much in terms of the displays in the museum, but it was a wonderful experience. The staff were very kind. The layout and display inside are stunning; I've included some pictures of what I've taken. I would love to show all the photos, but I don't want it to discourage people from going to the Whitaker. There are fantastic displays, and the café serves terrific coffee.”
Carole Reed
a year ago
“I can't believe we've not visited the museum before today as we pass it weekly. Free parking and entrance with the loveliest of welcomes both at reception and in the cafe. Not the biggest museum but interesting exhibits, especially in the cupboard of curiosities. Great quality coffee, the food menu looks good too, sadly we won't be going for a pint with its £8.00 price tag.”
💬 What parents mention
Overview
The Whitaker houses rotating contemporary art exhibitions, cultural displays, and a well-known cupboard of curiosities in a beautifully maintained building. Free entry with donations welcomed. The on-site cafe serves quality food and coffee. The adjacent park features tennis courts, a football pitch, and open green space. Regular events include theatre screenings and artist talks. Vintage taxidermy is present in some displays.
