National Football Museum

The National Football Museum in Manchester is home to over 140,000 football-related items, making it one of the most significant collections of football history anywhere in the world. It covers the story of the English game from its earliest days through to the modern era, including both men's and women's football, national teams, and World Cups.

The first floor takes you through football history in an immersive, maze-like layout, so it's worth taking your time there. Head up to the second floor and things get more hands-on, with interactive games including penalty shootout simulators complete with a leaderboard. There's also a kids' discovery zone, which makes it a solid choice for younger visitors. The gift shop at the end stocks a wide range of memorabilia and is well worth a browse.

The museum is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm, and your ticket gives you access for the full year, so you can come back without paying again. Most families find two hours is plenty to see everything comfortably, though football-obsessed kids (or adults) could easily linger longer. The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, toilets, and seating throughout.