Museum of Policing in Cheshire

About the museum

The Museum of Policing in Cheshire preserves and researches the history of policing in the county. It is a registered charity, staffed by volunteers and funded by donations. The museum is housed inside the working police station on Arpley Street in Warrington, which is also the headquarters of the Cheshire Constabulary's Warrington division.

The displays trace how policing has changed over time. They include police uniforms, headgear, badges and buttons, handcuffs and decorated truncheons from the early days of policing, a replica police box, a charge office scene and a display about the work of the Underwater Search Unit. The collection also holds more than 400 photographs showing bomb damage in Cheshire during the Second World War, and research into the lives of former officers.

Because the museum sits in an operational police station, visits are only possible by prior arrangement. Volunteers give conducted tours to families, schools and other groups. In 2026 the museum's volunteers received the King's Award for Voluntary Service, and a wall honouring brave officers was unveiled at the museum in August 2026.

Highlights

• Police uniforms, headgear, badges and equipment from different periods
• Original truncheons and handcuffs from the early days of policing
• Replica police box and charge office scene
• More than 400 photographs of Second World War bomb damage in Cheshire
• Display about the Underwater Search Unit

Permanent exhibitions

• Police uniforms and equipment – Displays of uniforms, headgear, badges and buttons show how police dress and equipment have developed, many of them on mannequins.
• Charge office and police box – A charge office scene, a replica police box, early truncheons and handcuffs, and a display on the Underwater Search Unit.
• Second World War bomb damage photographs – A rare collection of over 400 photographs of wartime bomb damage in Cheshire.

Founded

2007

Operated by

Museum of Policing in Cheshire (registered charity)

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free. The museum is run by volunteers and relies on donations.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The museum's accessibility statement lists step-free access for people with reduced mobility, automatic doors, an induction loop, a sign language service, pushchair access, wheelchair-accessible toilets and a welcome for assistance dogs. A disabled parking space is available in front of the police station. Visitors with other access needs should phone the museum.

Kids & families

Only partly suitable for kidsRecommended for ages 8+

• Stroller-friendly

Families and children visit as part of a group tour; the museum says it is not really suitable for groups of children under 8.

Getting there & parking

The museum is inside Warrington police station on Arpley Street. Because it is a working police station, visitors must book first.

Amenities & dining

The museum is inside a working police station and has no café or shop on site.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit