Fireground
A fire museum in the former Rochdale fire station with around 25 large appliances, plus uniforms, models and other firefighting objects.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Fireground opened in 1983 as the Brigade Museum of the Greater Manchester County Fire Service. Since 2010 it has been run as an independent charitable trust.
It is housed in the former Victorian fire station in Rochdale, next to the railway station, and the café occupies the station's former 1933 duty room.
The collection concentrates on the fire services of Greater Manchester and the surrounding area. It includes about 25 larger fire appliances as well as equipment, uniforms, models, medals and other small objects, with an archive and library that can be consulted by appointment. The museum also runs school sessions and family events.
Highlights
- About 25 historic fire appliances
- Control room and driving simulators
- Uniforms, models, medals and small objects
- Café in the former 1933 duty room
- Children's play area
Permanent exhibition
- Fire appliance collection – Around 25 larger fire appliances from the region, shown with equipment, uniforms, models and medals.
- Founded
- 1983
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £8 |
|---|---|
| Reduced | £6Seniors and students |
| Children & teens | £6free up to age 3 · Children aged 4 to 15 |
| Seniors | £6 |
| Students & apprentices | £6 |
| Families | £242 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children |
Tickets are paid for on arrival; no booking is needed. Group discounts are available on request.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Both entrances have level access and automatic doors. The main exhibition is open plan on one level with non-slip floors, and there is a hearing loop at reception. The control room and driving simulators are wheelchair accessible. The education suite on the first floor is reached by stairs or lift. There are no Braille or audio guides at present. The walk from the town centre involves a steep hill.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 3 |
|---|---|
| Family ticket | £24 · 2 adults and 2 children, or 1 adult and 3 children |
- Family tours & workshops
- Hands-on stations
- Stroller-friendly
- Baby changing facilities
- Playground / play area
The museum has a children's play area, driving simulators and baby-change facilities, and holds family fun days such as a summer event in July.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Rochdale Railway Station (Metrolink and National Rail) · 150 m
The Rochdale Railway Station Metrolink stop is opposite the museum and the mainline station is very close; buses to Manchester, Bury and Oldham stop nearby.
By car
Free parking
Free on-site car park for about 40 cars, entered from Richard Street (OL11 1DU), including two Blue Badge bays. On some special event days only Blue Badge holders can park on site; other visitors can use Central Retail Park nearby.
- Accessible parking
The Maclure Road entrance is for pedestrians; the Richard Street entrance serves cars, taxis and coaches. Coaches can park when space allows and should book ahead.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
The café serves sandwiches, toasties, soup, ice cream and barista-style coffee, and anyone can use it without buying a museum ticket. Toilets, including accessible ones, are near the second entrance and in the café.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | School sessions for early years to further education typically combine a session in the education suite with a museum tour; charges apply. The library and archive can be used by appointment. |
