Museum Celebrates 12 Years at the Top

PORTLAND Basin Museum is a top choice for travellers – and that’s official.

The Ashton-under-Lyne visitor attraction, which occupies a 200-year-old warehouse at the junction of three canals, has just been awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (formerly the certificate of excellence) for the twelfth consecutive year.

To qualify, a tourist site must score an average of 4.5 out of five stars in reviews left on the global travel website. Portland Basin has done that regularly since 2012, putting it in the top 10 per cent of attractions not just regionally or in Britain, but across the world.

It houses a wealth of exhibits chronicling the history of the towns and villages that make up Tameside, including a pre-war street complete with schoolroom, doctor’s surgery, chapel, shops and a pub.

The lower gallery focuses on industries such as mining, hatting, cotton and engineering, and there is lots to keep children of all ages occupied. The foyer hosts an ever-changing cycle of exhibitions. Special events, which feature trails, demonstrations and a chance to meet figures from the past, are held on a regular basis.

Portland Basin’s peaceful and picturesque canalside location is also a hub for walking and cycling routes that stretch across the borough and beyond.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for heritage, culture and digital inclusivity, said: “All of us at Tameside Council are very proud of Portland Basin. It is a top-class museum with lots for the entire family so I am not at all surprised people rate it so highly on Tripadvisor.

“It provides a window into our borough’s rich and eventful past and fully deserves its latest Travellers’ Choice Award. I congratulate the staff on doing such an excellent job over many years.

“If you’ve never paid a visit, I would strongly encourage you to do so.”

John Boris, chief growth officer at Tripadvisor, added: “The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has heightened competition so earning a Travellers’ Choice Award demonstrates that a venue has provided great experiences to those who matter most: the guests.

“With changing expectations, continued labour shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat. I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt.”

Portland Basin Museum, Portland Place, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL7 0QA, is open Tuesday to Sunday (10am to 4pm) and admission is free. It is part of the Quality Assured Visitor Attraction Scheme.

www.tameside.gov.uk/portlandbasin

To see Tripadvisor reviews visit: www.tripadvisor.co.uk