What's Here:

The Imperial War Museum recently opened a new display centre, known as IWM North, in Manchester. The new location is an offshoot of the main museum in London, rather than the aviation collection at Duxford, and portrays war in the 20th from a variety of angles. There are only five major objects in the museum - the main aviation exhibit is an AV-8A Harrier jump-jet. Elsewhere can be found a Russian T-34 tank, a Tabant car, a fire pump and a field gun. Six display areas host a range of smaller objects grouped by themes. The aluminium clad building also houses a viewing platform at 29m with spectacular views across the Manchester Ship Canal to Manchester city centre. In 2006 a new 'Against the Odds' exhibition opened, portraying the role of RAF Bomber Command in World War 2.

Location:

On the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, on Trafford Wharf Road, Trafford Park, Manchester. Signposted from the end of the M602. See this location on Microsoft Live Search Maps

Opening Hours:

Open seven days a week, 10.00 am until 6.00 pm, March to October; daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm, November to February. Closed at Christmas and New Year.

Admission:

Free.

Amenities:

Restaurant, cafe and shop are open during Museum hours. The Museum has full disabled access.

Contacts:

Imperial War Museum North, The Quays, Trafford Wharf, Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1TZ. Telephone 0161 836 4000, Fax 0161 836 4012. Phone Info Line: 0161 836 4062. e-mail: info@iwmnorth.org.uk, website: www.iwm.org.uk/north.

The AV-8A is very poorly positioned for photography. (photo, Phillip Evans)

List of Aircraft Exhibits: