Museum Celebrates a "Lucky" 13

THIRTEEN is supposed to be an unlucky number – but not for Portland Basin Museum.

The Ashton-under-Lyne visitor attraction has just been awarded a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award (formerly the certificate of excellence) for the 13th consecutive year.

To qualify, a tourist site has to 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.

Housed in a 200-year-old canal warehouse, Portland Basin boats a wealth of exhibits chronicling the history of the towns and villages that make up Tameside.

On the upper floor, there is a 100-year-old street complete with schoolroom, doctor’s surgery, chapel, shops and a pub. The lower gallery focuses on traditional Tameside industries such as mining, hatting, cotton and engineering.

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 a hub for walking and cycling routes that stretch across the borough and beyond. It’s a great place for a picnic too.

Cllr Sangita Patel, Tameside Council’s assistant executive member for heritage, culture, participation and sport, said: “Thirteen is supposed to be an unlucky number but retaining our Travellers’ Choice award was nothing to do with luck, it was down to Portland Basin being such a great place to visit and the hard work of our museums staff.

“All of us at the council are extremely proud of the museum which offers so much for the entire family. I congratulate the staff on doing such a superb job and maintaining their high standards over so many years.”

John Boris, chief growth officer at Tripadvisor, added: “Travellers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.

“It means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review.

“We hope this recognition continues to attract people to Portland Basin in 2024 and beyond.”

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