Astley Cheetham Art Gallery

A small public art gallery in the centre of Stalybridge, housed in a building given to the town in 1901. The gallery shows a collection of British landscape paintings, portraits, sculpture and decorative arts, alongside early European paintings, and changes its displays through the year. Temporary exhibitions by regional artists and local groups, including the annual Open Art show of work by Tameside residents, bring in fresh work. The council describes the gallery as family friendly and welcoming to children, with a craft activity usually on offer and children's books about artists to read. Entry is free, which makes it an easy stop for a short visit with younger children or a rainy afternoon in town. Access is by stairs only, so families with pushchairs or wheelchair users should check the current position before travelling.