Top 7 Things To Do In Ashton-under-Lyne, England

1. Explore different exhibits at Portland Basin Museum

Explore different exhibits regarding Tameside’s past such as significant industrial heritage, historical events, and important individuals in this family-friendly, award-winning museum. It is situated at the former Ashton Canal Warehouse in a scenic waterside area of Portland Basin. The institution employs a modern audio-visual depiction of the site in 1928 complete with a chapel, a school, houses, and shops. Kids have the opportunity to play in the interactive Nuts and Bolts area highlighting educational play, role play for under-fives, and more. Portland Basin Museum also showcases exhibits from different disciplines including natural sciences, toys and hobbies, sports, religion, and more.

Portland Basin Museum

Address: Portland Pl, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0QA, United Kingdom

Website: Portland Basin Museumn

Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 10am - 3pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: Free

2. Watch blockbuster movies at Cineworld Cinema

Enjoy a family night out or a romantic date with your partner in this modern cinema situated close to the city’s train station. Cineworld highlights reclining comfy seats and 14 IMAX superscreens with quality sound systems to offer you a superb viewing experience. However, if you’re an avid gamer, you can book a big screen and play your favorite games alone or with friends with immersive technology for 250 USD per screen. There’s a free parking lot nearby and many restaurants to buy snacks and beverages.

Cineworld Cinema Ashton-under-Lyne

Address: Fold Way, Ashton Leisure Park, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0PG, United Kingdom

Website: Cineworld Cinema Ashton-under-Lyne

Opening hours: 8am - 10pm (daily)

3. See military relics at Museum of the Manchester Regiment

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Museum of the Manchester Regiment was established to commemorate the 200-year long service and bravery in both world wars of Manchester Regiment soldiers from 1758 to 1958. The institution features thousands of items from the Infantry of the British Army such as medals, souvenirs, weaponry, and uniforms. You can also buy souvenirs from the small store on site. The establishment also organizes events during school holidays like family workshops every Wednesday from 11am to 3pm. The venue is in the beautiful Victorian Town Hall close to the city’s center.

Museum of the Manchester Regiment

Address: Wellington Rd, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6DL, United Kingdom

Website: Museum of the Manchester Regiment

Price: Free

4. Shop until you drop at Ashton Market

Commune with the locals as you browse through a plethora of products offered at Ashton Market, featuring outdoor and indoor settings. With the marketplace’s accessibility, being a walkable distance from public transport, and a wide range of products at competitive prices, it attracts shoppers from all over the region. The outdoor section comprises shaded stalls highlighting a flea market every Tuesday and a farmers market offering fresh farm produce every Sunday, excluding the last Sunday of the month. The indoor area provides several stores selling clothing, gifts, food, and more. There’s a common area with free WiFi.

Ashton Market

Address: Bow St, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 6BZ, United Kingdom

Website: Ashton Market

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 4pm (closed on Sun)

5. Go fishing at Portland Basin

Portland Basin is a scenic waterside where three canals such as Huddersfield Narrow, Ashton, and Peak Forest meet. You can take the day off in this spot or engage in fun activities with your family. Feed the ducks that swim on the water, fish, enjoy cycling, or kick back on one of the benches and people-watch. You can hire a boat from the junction’s Portland Basin Marina to explore the canals.

Portland Basin

Address: Portland Pl, Ashton-under-Lyne OL7 0QA, UK

6. Indulge in tasty meals at Lilly's Patisserie & Bistro

From large portions of tasty meals and beer to wine and alcohol from its full bar, Lilly’s Patisserie & Bistro will satisfy all your every dining needs. It’s ideal for simple dining or a date with your partner given the restaurant’s many small booths. Some of the top dishes on the dinner menu, including tapas, garlic mushrooms, chicken skewers, and squid, are the best you’ll ever taste. For breakfast, they offer cakes, sandwiches, coffee, and tea. Other features of this relaxed eatery include reservations, free WiFi, and spotless restrooms.

Lilly's Patisserie & Bistro

Address: Stamford Street Central, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7PY, United Kingdom

Website: Lilly’s Patisserie & Bistro

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am – 3pm, 5pm – 10pm; Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)

7. Enjoy good shopping deals at Arcades Shopping Centre

Shop for Europe’s top brands in this shopping complex, situated in the heart of Ashton-under-Lyne. The two-floor mall covers 140000 sq ft (13006 sq m) and has been serving the community for more than 25 years. It features more than 40 popular retail shops including Foot Locker, WHSmith, Woolworths, Superdrug, Next, and more for all your fashion, home improvements, and beauty needs. You’ll also find two eateries to dine at, and if you’re coming with the kids, they can have fun in the play area. Other highlights of this venue include a great parking spot and nursing room as well as baby-changing stations.

Arcades Shopping Centre

Address: Warrington St, Ladysmith Centre, Ashton-under-Lyne OL6 7JE, United Kingdom

Website: Arcades Shopping Centre

Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)

Enjoy a memorable getaway

This beautiful town has a multitude of engaging activities to make your stay superb. Whether you enjoy outdoor activities or exploring an array of artifacts, these top things to do in Ashton-under-Lyne, the UK, is all you need for a memorable getaway.

Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of Portland Basin Museum may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the website.