National Football Museum

National Football Museum showing modern architecture and a square or plaza
National Football Museum showing a pond and modern architecture
National Football Museum which includes a city, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
National Football Museum featuring a city and a park
National Football Museum showing street scenes and a city


This free museum is dedicated to one of the world’s most popular sports. It delights fans with a vast collection of football memorabilia and interactive games.

Make the time to visit the National Football Museum which captures the drama, skill, history and passion of one of the world’s most popular sports. There are more than 140,000 football-related items in the museum’s collection. View trophies, memorabilia, shirts worn by famous players and balls from some of the most important games in England’s footballing history.

Start your time here on level one and discover how the sport became a worldwide phenomenon. See a shirt from the world’s first international football match in 1872 and the ball from the famous 1966 World Cup Final at Wembley. This level also features works of art inspired by the game. Admire L.S. Lowry's 1953 painting Going to the Match and a Renaissance-style portrait of former Manchester United player Eric Cantona. This picture also features David Beckham and other famous names from the sport sitting at Cantona’s feet.

Interactivity is part of the museum’s charm so make your way to level two and take part in some of the games and activities on offer. Go for goal in the full-size interactive penalty shoot-out zone. Test your reactions in the Shot Stopper goalkeeping game. Perfect your ball passing skills on the Pass Master. Pretend to be a football match commentator by reading the words on the autocue screen as you watch an excerpt from a football match. These hi-tech games are part of the Football Plus+ experience and attract charges. For details of prices visit the museum’s official website.

The National Museum of Football is open every day except December 24, 25, 26, New Year’s Day and Easter Sunday.

Situated in the Urbis Building in central Manchester, the museum is a 2-minute walk from Manchester Victoria train station. A bus stop outside the museum is served by several bus routes. Alternatively, drivers can use the car parks located within a 10-minute walk of the museum.

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Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly

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Things to do near National Football Museum

At the National Football Museum in Manchester, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including engaging theatre performances, art exhibitions, and vibrant shopping venues nearby. A highlight of the visit is the stadium tours, which offer an in-depth look at the iconic grounds, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the rich history of football. This combination of culture and sport makes for a memorable experience.

Shopping

The closest shopping experience is Affleck's Palace, a vibrant public market just 186m away, offering unique gifts. Deansgate Locks, 497m away, is perfect for family outings. If you're up for a drive, head to the Trafford Centre, 3.1km away, for a larger shopping experience.

Recreation

Old Trafford, a historic stadium, offers an exhilarating atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 1.9km from the museum. Manchester Academy, 1.2km away, hosts vibrant music concerts, perfect for entertainment lovers. For outdoor recreation, Blackley Golf Club, 2.5km distant, provides a scenic backdrop for a round of golf.

Adventure

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience, located 497m from the National Football Museum, offers a thrilling interactive adventure. For adrenaline seekers, the UK Bungee Club's 160ft bungee jump is 1.2km away. Additionally, Chill FactorE, 3.1km away, provides exciting indoor skiing fun for all the family.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the National Football Museum by visiting the O2 Apollo Manchester for a captivating show. Just a short stroll away, enjoy a romantic film at Printworks or delight in a performance at the Manchester Opera House, both offering a unique blend of entertainment and culture.

Find the best attractions near National Football Museum

While visiting the National Football Museum in Manchester, immerse yourself in local culture by exploring nearby attractions such as the Manchester Arena, just a short distance away. Enjoy the vibrant urban parks and historic churches within the vicinity, perfect for families and cultural enthusiasts alike. Don't miss the chance to discover city attractions that showcase the rich heritage of this lively city.

  • AO Arena: Located a mere 124m from the National Football Museum, AO Arena is a premier venue for sports and entertainment, buzzing with energy and excitement. With a capacity of over 21,000, it hosts an array of events from concerts to sporting matches, making it a must-visit for fans looking to experience the vibrant atmosphere.
  • Salford Quays: Situated 1.2km away, Salford Quays offers a dynamic waterfront area filled with modern architecture, dining options, and cultural attractions. Explore the MediaCityUK, home to major broadcasting companies, and enjoy picturesque views along the quayside.
  • Canal Street: Just 435m from the museum, Canal Street is famous for its lively atmosphere and vibrant LGBTQ+ scene. This street is lined with bars, restaurants, and clubs, making it a perfect spot for nightlife and socialising.

Best time to go to National Football Museum

The best time to visit National Football Museum is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January39.0°F (3.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February39.9°F (4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
March42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June57.7°F (14.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
August60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
September56.5°F (13.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for National Football Museum

To save on your trip to the National Football Museum in Manchester, consider visiting in the cheaper months of January to February or August, with Mondays being the least expensive days for accommodation. Use Expedia to filter your search by budget and location, and sort by price to find the best deals. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities can also lead to significant savings. Keep an eye out for special offers and compare room rates to ensure you secure the best rates for your stay.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around National Football Museum are January to February and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and October to November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around National Football Museum is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around National Football Museum is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you favour. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel stay near the National Football Museum with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.