Temporary Closure Update - Winter 2020

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

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

FAQ’s

Can I volunteer at the museum?

At the moment we are only taking remote volunteers to help us with our archive work. When this changes we will post updates on our website in the 'Support Us' section.

Can I donate to the Co-operative Heritage Trust?

Yes please! We have lost the majority of our income since March and every donation we receive helps us stay open and rebuild for the future. You can donate in person at the museum or digitally through our website. Just go to https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/Appeal/Donate

Contact us by email at [email protected]

How to find us 

By car or coach - 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. 

Public transport options 

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!

When we are closed

Bank holidays, 25-26 December and 1 January 2021.

We occasionally have to close for staff training or essential maintenance to take place.

When this happens, we will update our website and social media channels so please check before you travel.