Rochdale Pioneers Museum, Rochdale, Greater Manchester

Details

Accessibility

https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/accessibility-information

"The Museum is fully accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. There is level access to the front door of the Museum and a lift which enables full access to each floor. The floor surface on the ground floor is traditional slate and as such can be uneven in places. On the first floor, there is an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. Buggies can be parked near reception if you wish.

Please be aware that the front door is not automatic and Toad Lane is a traditional cobbled street with stone kerbs and flagged pavements. Parking for Blue Badge holders is available in Rochdale Town Centre, the closest being in the Hunter’s Lane Service Area. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed in the Museum with the exception of hearing dogs and guide dogs.

Facilities in the building:

The building does not have a café, but is able to provide hot drinks for booked groups as well as facilities for external caterers. The closest venues serving food are the Baum Public House, next door to the museum and Brown's Cakes on St Mary's Gate at the top of Toad Lane.

Access for deaf and hard of hearing visitors:

Hearing dogs are welcome and water bowls are available from reception. There is an induction loop fitted in the building.

Access for blind and partially sighted visitors:

Guide dogs are welcome and water bowls are available from reception.

The staff are happy to answer any enquiries and offer assistance to visitors. The museum's most recent Access and Collaboration policy can be downloaded here : CHT_Access_and_Collaboration_Policy_2019.pdf

Please download our Access Statement here: Access_Statement_For_Rochdale_Pioneers_Museum_2019-converted.pdf

https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/Handlers/Download.ashx?IDMF=717d5b6b-7cc8-416e-85d0-08395f96bf84

Brief description

"Rochdale Pioneers Museum is the site where the Rochdale Pioneers, 28 working people, opened the world’s first successful consumer cooperative store on the 21st December 1844. It tells the story of the Pioneers and the co-operative movement. You should allow around one hour for your visit."

Address

31 Toad Lane

Rochdale

OL12 0NU

Email

museum@co-op.ac.uk 

archive@co-op.ac.uk

Phone

01706 524920

Website

https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/

Directions

"Leave the M62  at junction 20 for Rochdale. Take the A627 M link to A664 (Edinburgh Way) and turn right on Manchester Road.

Pass Rochdale Town Hall on the right and turn right at the traffic lights filter opposite the co-op van. Turn onto on Hunter's Lane and park in Rochdale Exchange Car Park on your right.

Toad Lane is opposite. There is limited on-street parking.

Don't forget to use 31 Toad Lane in your Sat Nav instead of our postcode."

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/plan-your-visit

"Temporary Closure Update -  January 2021

Due to the current lockdown and restrictions in the UK, Rochdale Pioneers Museum will not be open to the public or to booked groups unless the booking is a digital engagement.

The closure will remain in place until it is safe and practicable to re-open in line with government advice."

Booking digital sessions:

We are still able to provide educational bookings and group visits or lectures by arrangement through digital platforms. To book, please email museum@heritagetrust.coop with your request. 

During this time our team will be working at reduced capacity to make our unique collections available in alternative ways but emails will be regularly checked for requests.
Research enquiries should continue to be directed to archive@heritagetrust.coop

We will continue to review the situation and any changes will be posted on our website."

Transport

"By Train  - From Leeds or Manchester, alight at Rochdale station and follow Drake Street into town to the river. Cross the concourse and walk up Yorkshire Street until you reach the Baum passage on the left (sign- posted for the museum). Cross the road and we are opposite St Mary’s in the Baum Church.

By Metrolink  - The East Didsbury to Rochdale line stops in Trafford, Manchester and Oldham before terminating in Rochdale at Smith Street. Cross the concourse on the right to Yorkshire Street to find the museum as above.

On foot! – Legend has it that the Pioneers walked to Manchester to buy their goods. You can do the same by following the towpath of the Rochdale Canal. It is 13.5 miles and takes around 4.5 hours to walk, half that to cycle! "

Amenities

Toilets

Baby Changing Facilities

"Facilities in the building:

The building does not have a café, but is able to provide hot drinks for booked groups as well as facilities for external caterers. The closest venues serving food are the Baum Public House, next door to the museum and Brown's Cakes on St Mary's Gate at the top of Toad Lane."