Ten Things You Need to Know About the National Football Museum, Manchester

The football fanatics at our Didsbury hotel give you the low-down on what to expect from a trip to the museum of our national sport.

With six floors of football-related fun to explore, a trip to the National Football Museum is a must-do for anyone staying at our hotel in Didsbury. Suited to both dedicated football fans and those who want to get to know the game a little better, the museum is well-equipped for people of all ages.

Here’s 10 things you might not have known about the museum before today…

The museum opened in Manchester in July 2012 after relocating from Preston.

Entry is free. Not just for children but adults, too, making it a great place to head to during the school holidays without breaking the bank.

The National Football Museum is a registered charity and is funded by visitor donations. You can also pay for Football Plus+ experiences, which are double the fun and help to fund the museum.

The museum’s president is Sir Bobby Charlton and Vice Presidents include Sir Alex Ferguson, Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst.

There is a café at the museum serving light bites, coffee and tea but Rabbit in The Moon, a restaurant by Michelin Star chef, Michael O’Hare, is on its way to the top floor.

The museum is only 7 miles from our hotel in Didsbury and it takes a mere 28 minutes to get there by car from Waterside.

Volunteers run guided tours of the museum, which can be booked in advance.

There are lots of opportunities for large groups and school parties to explore the site – from guided tours to the Ultimate Football Day Out.

The shop onsite sells a variety of keyrings, pens and Fanny Gogh pieces – perfect for gifting or cherishing as keepsakes from your time in Manchester.

Football isn’t the only thing on the menu. The museum plays host to plenty of temporary exhibitions, which aren’t solely football-related. Each exhibition links to topics such as fashion, history, art and World War 1 – so, even if you are with someone who isn’t football-mad, they’ll still be able to enjoy the experience and learn something new.

Although we could go on for hours telling you about how great the National Museum of Football in Manchester is, we think it might be best for you to find out the rest for yourself.

If you need somewhere to rest your head after a long day exploring Manchester’s tribute to our nation’s favourite sport, head to our Didsbury hotel for a comfortable and convenient stay with direct access to this ever-popular attraction.

View availability and book your stay at Waterside today.