This unusual museum used to be one of the best kept secrets among Cheshire's many attractions. Over the past few years it has undergone some major changes and is now recognised as one of the Country’s leading specialist museums.

Situated in Higher Poynton, the museum is on the site of the old Anson Colliery. Engine enthusiasts from all over the world come to visit this fascinating museum.  However, it is increasingly becoming a "must visit" attraction for non-enthusiasts too and won the "Visitors Choice" award (voted for by the public) when they were asked "where would you take a visitor to the Macclesfield area"?

A recent publication put this description:-

Although accurately describing a facility where artefacts are displayed for public viewing, the word “museum” conjures in the mind thoughts of sterile, dark and dusty places with the off-putting enforced “hush” of a library.

The “Anson” is nothing like that!   In fact it is exactly the opposite.   The buildings are modern, clean (but with a respectable aroma of oil and combustion) are brightly lit and the exhibits well labeled.   The machinery is arranged in such a manner as to afford safe inspection at close quarters and as for the silence, there isn’t any!   There are almost always engines under power, for first and foremost the “Anson” is very much a working museum.

It is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter Sunday until end October (other times and days by arrangement for group visits).  It has already had a record number of clubs visiting this summer, some from as far afield as France and Australia.  

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As well as the largest collection of engines in Europe, the museum also has changing displays of local history items such as photographs, maps, mementoes and keepsakes from the Vernon Estate and Anson Colliery. The Craft area has monthly demonstrations of forging and wook turning.

The museum is a registered charity and receives no grants or awards towards its running costs.  It only has one paid employee, everyone else involved is a volunteer.  As one visitor captured it "run on a shoestring, fuelled by enthusiasm."

Over the past few years it has won several awards for its displays, engines, website and the quality of it's volunteer workforce.  Amongst it's facilities it has a  tearoom and shop available, free car parking for visitors, wheelchair and motorised scooter, cinema/meeting room available for hire.

Throughout the season there are events and exhibition happening- please check website for details.   www.enginemuseum.org

Do come along soon to visit this amazing attraction here on your own doorstep.