IWM North

We will be limiting the number of visitors to each of our museums so that physical distancing can be observed. We recommend that visitors book a time slot in advance for entry and it is possible that queuing will be required to enter the busier parts of our museums.

We will be very grateful for your patience and understanding where this is required.

Visitors are required to wear masks in line with government guidelines unless there is a legitimate reason not to do so.

Help us to keep you safe by adhering to the government recommendations on physical distancing. Where possible, please keep 2m apart from other visitors who are not in your household or support bubble.

Hand washing/hand sanitising points will be set up throughout the museum to ensure visitors can wash and sanitise their hands regularly.

We will be increasing the amount of cleaning that we do, especially in busy visitor areas, with special attention to stair handrails, doors, lifts, toilets areas, and any interactive gallery points.

IWM North is easily accessible via the tram. Metrolink offers fast, frequent and fully accessible transport to and from Manchester city centre. Take either the Eccles line to MediaCityUK and walk across the footbridge to reach the museum. Or for a faster route from the city centre, take the intu Trafford Centre line to Imperial War Museum.

Our new tram stop is now open! Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has completed construction on a new tram line through Trafford Park, which includes a new stop outside IWM North. 

This new tram link offers faster access from the city centre, it is the red line on the TfGM Metrolink Map. The stop is called Imperial War Museum.

Please check the TfGM website to plan your journey.

Leave the M60 at Junction 9 and join Parkway (A5081) towards Trafford Park. At the first island take the third exit onto Village Way; at the next island take the second exit onto Warren Bruce Road. Turn right at the T-junction onto Trafford Wharf Road.

Alternatively, leave the M602 at Junction 3 and follow the signs.

291 Piccadilly Gardens to Trafford Centre. This service stops outside IWM North on Trafford Wharf Road.

250 Piccadilly Gardens to Trafford Centre. This service stops on Wharfside Way, Trafford Park. Alight at Village Circle and walk back to Elevator Road; continue on foot to IWM North on Trafford Wharf Road.

50 from East Didsbury via the City Centre and Salford Crescent to MediaCityUK. This service stops on the Salford side of The Quays by The Lowry. We are a short walk across the canal by footbridge.

For timetable enquiries, call 0161 228 7811. For more information on getting to IWM North by bus visit the Transport for Greater Manchester website.

Plan your journey to central Manchester train stations and continue by tram.

Our car park will be open, and you can pay by cash or card, but please note that no change will be available on site, so please ensure you have the exact change.

Secure parking is available for 160 cars, including designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders available on a first-come, first-served basis (charges apply). IWM is a charity and the income from car parking provides vital funds for the museum, to allow us to continue to develop exhibitions and learning programmes. The car park gates close at 7pm, after this time please use intercom for access.

The car parking charge is:

0-4 hours £5.00

4-6 hours £7.00

6-8 hours £8.00

8-12 hours £10.00

12-24 hours £15.00

Coach parking is charged at £15.00 for 24 hours.

Please ensure you bring sufficient change. Alternatively, you can pay via the Connect Cashless app on your smartphone.

We don’t currently have charging points for electric vehicles.

The car park is managed by Excel Parking Services. Overnight parking can be booked by contacting Excel Parking Services. Vehicles can be parked overnight but they cannot be slept in.

For all queries regarding parking, please contact Excel directly on 0114 261 7111.