IWM North (with baby)
How Baby-Friendly is IWM North?
What makes it 66% Baby-Friendly: Babies are allowed, lifts fit strollers, and there are baby-change tables and a quiet feeding room, yet no play zones and loud shows can unsettle infants, so the visit is acceptable but not ideal.
Positives:
- Baby-friendly facilities: The museum offers baby-change tables, a Quiet Room, and step-free access across all floors.
- Stroller access: Wide lifts and sloping floors make it easy to move around with a pushchair.
Challenges:
- Loud audio: The Big Picture Show uses high volume surround sound that may distress very young children.
- No play zone: There is no dedicated soft play area for babies to crawl or play freely.
What is IWM North?
- A branch of the Imperial War Museum network in Manchester dedicated to exploring the impact and aftermath of modern conflict
- The museum presents permanent and temporary exhibitions that chart the political, social and personal dimensions of warfare from 1914 to the present
- Housed in an angular, deconstructivist structure by Daniel Libeskind, whose shattered-globe design embodies themes of fragmentation and remembrance
What is so special about IWM North for with baby?
- Free stroller-friendly museum with a clear WWI-to-present timeline
- Immersive Big Picture Show—bring ear protection for your baby
- Quiet Room and baby-change facilities on the ground floor
- Relaxed Early Opening includes a break-out feeding area
- Indoor picnic area and highchairs during weekends and holidays
Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours
Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with baby: Gives time to explore exhibits, watch the Big Picture Show, and take baby-care breaks.
Baby-Friendly Activities in IWM North
Main Exhibition Tour:
Follow the timeline from WWI to today through real objects and interactive panels.
Tip: Bring your stroller; slopes and wide pathways make it easy to navigate with a baby.
Big Picture Show:
Watch the 360° film with surround sound for an immersive story from trenches to peace.
Tip: Use baby ear-defenders or sit near the exit in case the volume upsets your child.
Relaxed Early Opening:
Join the quiet 8–10 am session with a break-out room for feeding and settling your baby.
Tip: Book tickets online early to secure your spot and use the private seating area.
Baby-care Stop:
Use accessible toilets with flip-down baby-change tables and sit in the Quiet Room to feed.
Tip: Locate the Quiet Room past the café for privacy and soft seating.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to IWM North
- Lockers for convenience: Store bags and extra baby items in the refundable lockers to keep hands free.
- Early morning visit: Arrive for the relaxed opening to avoid crowds and use the feeding room in peace.
Reviews of IWM North
Tim
Would really recommend IWM North to anyone. Laid out really well and lots of historical pieces. There is a couple of interactive things for the kids to do also. The shop has a great selection of items as well. Took me and my 12 year old son 1 hour 30 minutes to go round and he was very impressed with the museum. Definately worth a visit if your in the area!
denise osman
Very interesting. Be prepared to use all your senses in this visit! Lots of items on display with good information. Very good amount of interactivity. Enjoyed the enigma interaction to decode the message. Reading some of the letters on display brought a few tears. Guess the smells was very interesting. To have a chance to learn how things like chlorine gas and mustard gas smell was an unexpected p...
Toxteth O' Grady
First time I’d visited here for almost 20 years. Still free entry, which is great. The collection & use of the space has improved a little over that time. A couple of interactive exhibits such as tank driving & an Enigma machine (both screen based) to have a play on. Parking is run by NCP but the pay machine was out of order so you may want to download the app just in case.
Charani De Silva
This war memorial museum is an absolute must-visit. The creativity is remarkable, with 3D animations shown every 40 minutes that bring history to life. The experience feels surreal, with real artifacts, remnants of war, powerful survivor stories, and the sacrifices made by our heroes on display. Knowledgeable staff explain war strategies in detail and even let visitors try on different types of so...
Khalid Khaliq
Excellent museum. Spacious facility. Great exhibits. Helpful staff. Free entrance. How be careful NCP parking must be paid with in 24 hours. Highly recommended if in Manchester.
When is the best time to visit IWM North (Manchester, United Kingdom)?
On weekends and school holidays, use the free indoor picnic area near the café. Bring snacks and use highchairs for an easy family lunch.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 3 (2 Adults + 1 Baby)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Parking (1 hour) | GBP 2.5 |
| Café sandwich | GBP 6 |
| Coffee (2) | GBP 6 |
| Locker (refundable) | GBP 1 |
| Total Estimated | GBP 15.5 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of IWM North
Address: The Quays, Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1TZ, UK
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About IWM North
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+44 20 7091 306710 BEST nearby Activities
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