Fireground Museum

Fireground is an independent museum telling the story of firefighting and fire engineering in the Greater Manchester region, set in the historic former Rochdale Fire Station and home to an impressive collection of fire engines, equipment, uniforms and archives. 

Fireground | Museums in Rochdale

• Opening Hours:

  • Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 10am–4pm

• Location: Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN

• Suitable for: All ages

• Prices: 0–3 years free; Children 4–15 £6 | Adults £8 | Seniors and students £6 | Family £24 

• Website: https://www.fireground.org.uk

• Contact: 01706 341219

Fireground is housed in the former Rochdale Fire Station on Maclure Road, and tells the rich story of firefighting, fire engineering and the fire and rescue services across the Greater Manchester region. The museum collection spans 25 larger exhibits including a fleet of historic fire appliances, alongside uniforms, medals, models, paintings, archives and memorabilia — including several items connected to the famous Tozer family of fire chiefs. Originally opened in 1983 as the Brigade Museum of Greater Manchester County Fire Service, Fireground has operated as an independent charitable trust since 2010.

The museum is a particular highlight for those interested in local history. Manchester formed England's first municipal fire service in 1826 — a milestone being marked with a 200th anniversary in May 2026 — and the region was also home to some of the earliest motorised fire engines in the country. The area played a pioneering role in fire brigade development nationally, with innovative chief officers and manufacturers including William Rose, John Morris and Mather & Platt all based in the region.

Fireground offers a full education service for schools, with programmes covering topics such as The Great Fire of London, People Who Help Us, Victorians, Uniforms and The Blitz, for pupils from reception through to A-level. An on-site café is also available during opening hours. The museum holds accreditation from VisitEngland and the Quality Badge from the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, and is a recipient of the King's Award for Voluntary Service.

Parking

Free on-site car parking available via Richard Street entrance, OL11 1DU — Rochdale Metrolink and mainline railway station are immediately outside.

Photo credit: https://www.fireground.org.uk