Photo of The Whitaker in North West1 / 2
Museums & Landmarks

The Whitaker

๐Ÿ“ Rossendale, North West

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โ˜…4.4(712 Google reviews)๐Ÿ’ฐFree๐Ÿ‘ถAll ages

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.

โœ“ Free entryโœ“ Hidden gemโœ“ Quality cafeโœ“ Interesting exhibitsโœ“ Free parkingโœ“ Park adjacent

๐Ÿ† 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.

โ„น๏ธ What to Know Before You Go

๐Ÿ’กFree entry and parking - donations support the venue
โฐCheck cafe opening hours before visiting as it closes on some days
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธThe adjacent park has tennis courts and a football pitch for active kids
๐Ÿš—Vintage taxidermy features in some displays - worth knowing in advance

๐Ÿ’ฌ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews โ†’
4.4
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712 Google reviews

5โ˜…
475
4โ˜…
144
3โ˜…
49
2โ˜…
24
1โ˜…
20

G Reviews from Google

R

Rebecca Charlson

a year ago

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โ€œVisited 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.โ€

K

Katarina Haines-Barbosa

2 years ago

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โ€œI 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 cafรฉ serves terrific coffee.โ€

C

Carole Reed

2 years ago

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โ€œI 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 ยฃ8.00 price tag.โ€

๐Ÿ“Š Commonly mentioned in Google reviews

Based on Google review tags

Friendly staff

64 reviews

Family friendly

32 reviews

Free entry

15 reviews

Cabinet of curiosities

14 reviews

Taxidermy

9 reviews

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.

๐Ÿ• Opening Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00-16:00
Thursday10:00-20:00
Friday10:00-16:00
Saturday10:00-16:00
Sunday10:00-16:00

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