Visiting the Football Museum in England? All you need to know before going.
There are millions of football fans worldwide, and although I am not one of them, my family certainly is. Even during my childhood visit to London, I attended a football match and found myself caught up in the energy of the stadium—it’s an experience that can be thrilling even if you don’t care too much about the game itself.
For our upcoming trip to England, we’re blending a visit to London with a journey to Liverpool, conveniently connected by a train ride of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours. Our adventure kicks off in Liverpool, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the electrifying atmosphere of a football match, before heading to London to explore its myriad attractions.
When traveling with a larger group or family, there are always different opinions on what to see and do. One of the top requests for this trip in April is to visit the National Football Museum. While it’s not at the top of my personal list, I can appreciate its significance. Football is one of the biggest sports in the world, with a rich history spanning several decades. In fact, the modern game of football as we know it today originated in England in the 19th century, with the Football Association forming in 1863 to set standardized rules.So, I began researching the National Football Museum.
Getting There
The National Football Museum is located in Manchester, not London or Liverpool. If you are visiting from either of these cities, getting there is quite straightforward:
- From London: Take a direct train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly, which takes around 2 hours and 10 minutes. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to the museum.
- From Liverpool: Take a direct train from Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Victoria, which takes around 40-50 minutes. The museum is just a 5-minute walk from the station.
- By Car: If you are driving, set your navigation to Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG.
Parking
There is no on-site parking at the National Football Museum, but you can park at the nearby Manchester Arena (NCP) Car Park or Printworks Car Park, both of which are within a 5-minute walk.
Tickets and Entry – Pre-Booking
- Entry Prices:
- Adults: £13.00
- Children (5-15 years): £7.00
- Under 5s: Free
- Family Ticket (2 adults + 2 children): £32.00
- Students & Seniors: £11.00
- You can book tickets online in advance to guarantee entry, especially during peak times. Booking in advance also sometimes provides a small discount.
- Tickets can be purchased on their official website: www.nationalfootballmuseum.com
Best Times to Visit
- Weekdays (especially in the morning) are less crowded than weekends.
- Avoid match days in Manchester, as the city can get quite busy with football fans heading to Old Trafford or Etihad Stadium.
- If you want a more immersive experience, check if the museum is offering any temporary exhibits or special events on the day of your visit.
Time Estimate
- Most visitors spend between 1.5 to 2.5 hours exploring the museum.
- If you’re a big football fan, you might want to allow 3+ hours to fully enjoy the interactive exhibits.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Interactive Activities: The museum offers plenty of hands-on activities, such as penalty shootouts and VR experiences.
- Guided Tours: These are available for an extra fee if you want a deeper dive into football history.
- Gift Shop: If you’re a football enthusiast, you’ll find exclusive merchandise and memorabilia.
- Food & Drinks: The museum itself doesn’t have a café, but The Corn Exchange Manchester, a food and drink hub, is just a few steps away.
Final Thoughts
Even if you’re not the biggest football fan, the National Football Museum offers a fascinating look into the history, culture, and impact of the sport. It’s a great stop for families, sports enthusiasts, and even casual visitors looking to experience a slice of England’s football heritage. Plus, Manchester is a vibrant city worth exploring, making this a worthwhile addition to any UK itinerary.
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