National Football Museum Entry Tickets Manchester

4.4 (1,332 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration1.5 hours
Open onSee the booking calendar; closes 5 pm
Meeting pointNational Football Museum, Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd Street, Manchester M4 3BG

National Football Museum Entry Tickets Manchester

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Overview

The National Football Museum in Manchester tells the story of the world's most popular sport through shirts, trophies, boots, film and interactive games. This guided admission ticket gives you a live English-speaking guide, entry to all floors and access to every interactive game except the Penalty Shootout, which you can buy on the day. The visit lasts about 90 minutes and suits football fans of every age, families, groups of friends and anyone visiting Manchester who wants to understand why the city loves the game.

Highlights

Guided admission with a live English-speaking guide, about 90 minutes
Entry to all floors of the museum
Interactive games included, except the Penalty Shootout sold on the day
Explore 150 years of English football and its influence on the world
Shirts, boots, trophies and memorabilia from the game's great moments
Wheelchair-accessible museum in the heart of Manchester
Beside Manchester Cathedral, a short walk from Victoria station and the Northern Quarter

Full Description

The National Football Museum in Manchester

The National Football Museum sits in Cathedral Gardens in the centre of Manchester, in a striking glass building that opened as a museum of the game in the city in 2012. It is the national centre for football history, and with Manchester so closely tied to football, the location suits it perfectly.

A National Football Museum tour is a good option if you are asking whether the museum is worth visiting without being a huge fan. The story of the game is told through people, rivalries and cultural moments as well as results, so you do not need to support a particular club to enjoy it.

150 years of football and its great moments

The galleries follow the game from its rules and early clubs in the nineteenth century through the growth of professional football, cup finals, World Cups and the rise of the modern game. Objects on display include shirts, boots, balls, trophies and photographs from historic matches.

A guided visit helps you pick out the key stories, from the founding of the first leagues to the impact of English clubs and players on the world. Your guide adds anecdotes that you would not find on the labels and is happy to answer questions.

Interactive games and family fun

Beyond the displays, the museum is full of interactive games where you can test your skills as a player or a commentator. All the interactive games are included with your ticket except the Penalty Shootout, which is bought separately on the day of your visit.

This hands-on side makes the museum popular with families and groups of friends, since children and adults can compete against each other. It also helps to break up the visit, so even visitors who are less keen on reading enjoy their time.

Manchester as a football city: tips and getting there

Manchester has two of the world's most famous clubs, and many visitors combine a National Football Museum visit with a stadium tour or match at Old Trafford or the Etihad. Check the booking panel for tour times on your date, and arrive ten minutes early.

To reach the museum, walk from Manchester Victoria station, which is right beside it, or from Market Street tram stop. After your visit, the Northern Quarter's cafes, street art and independent shops are just a few minutes on foot. If you plan to see a match, remember that stadium visits are booked separately from this museum ticket.

Itinerary

Meet your guideMeet at the museum at your booked time and hear a short introduction.
Origins of the gameTrace the rules and early clubs of English football; about 20 minutes.
Great moments and objectsSee shirts, trophies and memorabilia from famous matches; about 30 minutes.
Interactive gamesTry the skills and commentary games with your group; about 25 minutes.
Free exploringExplore any floor you like after the guided part; the Penalty Shootout is available to buy on the day.

What's included

Guided tour with a live English-speaking guide
Admission to all floors
All interactive games except the Penalty Shootout
Wheelchair-accessible

Not included

Penalty Shootout (can be purchased on the day of visit)

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 5–15
History and culture lovers
A short visit — about 1.5 hours

Not suitable for

Visitors who want a tour in a language other than English
Guests hoping to see a match or a stadium, as this ticket is for the museum only
Anyone who has no time for around 90 minutes on their feet

Meeting point

There is no hotel pickup. Meet your English-speaking guide at the National Football Museum in Cathedral Gardens, Manchester, at the time you booked, with your e-ticket on your phone. The museum is right next to Manchester Victoria station and a few minutes' walk from Market Street.

Important information

Bring your e-ticket on your phone; it is valid for the date and time you booked.
The tour is in English and lasts about 90 minutes.
All floors and interactive games are included, except the Penalty Shootout, which is bought on the day.
Arrive about ten minutes early so your group can start on time.
The museum is wheelchair accessible; contact us before booking if you need help.
Wear comfortable shoes; the visit involves standing and walking between floors.
Food and drinks are not included.

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the National Football Museum ticket cost?

The price depends on the visitor category and date. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child, before you pay.

What does the ticket include?

Your guided admission ticket includes a guided tour, admission to all floors and all interactive games except the Penalty Shootout, which is sold on the day.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. It is an admission ticket, so you make your own way to the museum, which is next to Manchester Victoria station.

How long is the visit?

The guided visit lasts about 90 minutes, and you can stay longer to explore on your own.

Is the museum suitable for children?

Yes, the interactive games make it fun for children. The booking panel has a child category.

What should I wear or bring?

Comfortable shoes and casual clothing. Bring your e-ticket and a small bag.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Yes, if the date and time show as available in the booking panel. Weekends and school holidays are busiest, so book early where you can.

What is the difference between the options?

This page offers one option, the guided admission ticket, so you choose your date, time and the number of travellers.