Rochdale Pioneers Museum

The Rochdale Pioneers Museum on Toad Lane tells the story of the world's first co-operative store, open free of charge to visitors most days throughout the week.

Rochdale Pioneers Museum | Museum in Rochdale

• Opening times: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10.30am – 4pm | Every other Saturday 10.30am – 4pm

• Location: 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL12 0NU

• Website: Rochdale Pioneers Museum

• Contact: 01706 524920 | museum@co-op.ac.uk

Housed in the original 1844 shop on cobbled Toad Lane, the museum brings to life the story of 28 working people who changed the world by opening the first co-operative store. Highlights include:

• The recreated original shop floor — explore the scales, furniture, and everyday goods that defined this revolutionary store

• Co-operative artefacts — a unique collection of early advertising, packaging, commemorative china, dividend coins, and co-operative postage stamps

• Audio-visual centre — a film on the first floor exploring the origins of the co-operative movement

• A top-ten heritage site — selected by Historic England as one of the UK's most important places for Trade, Industry and Commerce

The museum is a short walk from Rochdale Town Centre tram stop on the Manchester Metrolink Pink Line, and parking is available in the multi-storey car park on Hunter's Lane directly opposite. Note: do not use the museum postcode in your satnav — use OL16 1EA (Hunter's Lane) or the What3Words reference news/shed/think instead. Check the website for the latest opening times and events.

Photo credit: https://www.co-operativeheritage.coop/plan-your-visit