Will children enjoy the John Rylands Library, Manchester?
The John Rylands Library in Manchester has gorgeous architectural detail and Harry Potter vibes.
Why visit the John Rylands Library?
The John Rylands Library in Manchester is one of the most underratedly gorgeous buildings in the UK. A Gothic revival treasure, this University of Manchester library opened in 1900.
The library was founded by Enriqueta Rylands, widow of textiles millionaire John Rylands. She named the library in his honour after becoming one of the richest women in the country upon his death. The statue outside is of Enriquetta, not Queen Victoria as many passers-by think.
While part of the university, the John Rylands Library is open to members of the general public, and it’s a sumptuously evocative building with plenty of detail to get absorbed by.
Expect cloister-like paths and stone carvings lining the staircases.
Visiting the John Rylands Library with children
The John Rylands Research Institute and Library is certainly somewhere that will appeal more to adults than children. Some kids will be bored, others will have their sense of wonder sparked – and there’s something of a Harry Potter vibe, which helps.
There are 1.4 million items within the library, but children probably aren’t going to care all that much about the exhibits displayed. A letter from Patrick Bronte to William Gaskell isn’t going to set the pulses racing.
The way to get children to appreciate the John Rylands Library, however, is to get the paying attention to the little details – such as the light fittings shaped like cotton flowers.
John Rylands Library review: The best bit
In the historic reading rooms of the John Rylands Library, guests can take a mirror to admire the richly-decorated ceilings without cricking their necks.
Infants, juniors or secondary?
There’s not much button-pressing interactivity within the John Rylands Library to keep younger children entertained. It’s a better bet for older children.
John Rylands Library entry prices
Entry to the John Rylands Library is free.
Prices were last checked and updated on 21 October 2024.
Full day, half day or a couple of hours?
You’ll be hard pushed to get more than an hour out of the John Rylands Library. It’s somewhere you visit between tackling other Manchester attractions, rather than a destination in its own right.
Attractions near the John Rylands Library
If you want to fit something else into the day, other attractions near the John Rylands Library include:
Nearby cities
The John Rylands Library is in central Manchester.
Other cities within a 90 minute drive include Stoke-on-Trent, Preston, Lancaster, Liverpool, Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Sheffield and Chester.
Is it open on Mondays?
The John Rylands Library is open to visitors from Wednesday to Sunday. If you want something to do on a Monday, you’ll have to look elsewhere.
More information
For more information, visit the John Rylands Library section of the University of Manchester website.
