Things you should know

Let the Hands on Gang lead the way to a great day out in our Museums!

All of our museums welcome families and we want you to have the best time when you visit. Each museum offers something different – you could have a fun-packed day visiting us all, or come back to see us one at a time.

Getting there

All of the museums are within Preston with 2 in the city centre and 2 a couple of miles out. Have a look at the map before you plan your visit and see the directions on each individual museum page.

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Getting around the museum

All of our museums are accessible with lifts to upper floors. Buggies are welcome and can be stored if you prefer.

Treat yourself

Each of our museums has a shop with pocket money items for sale. At the Harris, the Museum of Lancashire, and the Ribble Steam Railway you will also find cafes serving drinks and snacks.

Take care of yourself and the museum

We want you to enjoy your visit – if you have any questions, please ask a member of staff for help.

You can help us look after these fantastic museums and the objects inside them by keeping an eye on little fingers that might be tempted to touch. If hunger strikes, please head to the cafe as crumbs and spills can cause damage too. Children love to play and explore in the galleries, but sticking together helps everyone to stay safe. Please take special care of children around the balconies at the Harris, and near the trains at the Ribble Steam Railway.

All of our museums have public toilets and baby changing facilities.

Opening times

Harris Museum & Art Gallery – Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm, except Tuesday 11am to 5pm. We’re closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Queen’s Lancashire Regimental Museum – Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 10am to 4pm.

Ribble Steam Railway - 10.30am to 5pm on Saturdays (May to September), Sundays and Bank Holidays (April to September) and Wednesdays in August and half term.

Museum of Lancashire – the Museum is closed until Autumn 2011. Look out for details of opening times nearer the time.

Admission

The Harris Museum & Art Gallery and the Queen’s Lancashire Regimental Museum are both FREE to all! The Ribble Steam Railway and the Museum of Lancashire both charge for admission – please see their individual pages for details.