Bolton's Grade I-listed Hall i' th' Wood Museum has opened for the spring and summer season and hopes to attract even more visitors than last year's record numbers.
A range of exhibitions and projects has been announced at the wooden-framed Tudor house - the former home of Samuel Crompton, who invented the Spinning Mule in 1779.
The hall, a rare example of timber-framed Tudor architecture with a Stuart stone extension, was bought in 1899 by Bolton's Lord Leverhulme and restored.
He presented it to the people of Bolton in 1901 as a museum to commemorate Crompton, and it has been open to the public ever since.
In recent years the museum has gone from strength to strength, and visitor figures for 2004 were double those of the previous year.
Until Sunday 3 April visitors can have a go at the Flower Power Quiz, which takes them around the house looking for floral and plant designs, with a special Easter-related prize for everyone at the end.
Throughout April, visitors will have the opportunity to dress up in Tudor costume, discover what it was like to live in Tudor and Stuart times, find out about the fascinating life of Samuel Crompton, and see some of the more unusual items collected by Lord Leverhulme. Especially for children, there will be a chance to follow the Hooter The History Hound trail.
Through the summer months, planned events range from Georgian fun days, fire-eating displays and falconry to nature days and fun quizzes, with dates due to be confirmed. Until the end of October the museum will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 11am to 5pm, with last admissions at 4.15pm.
Admission prices are adults £2 and children/concessions £1, with family tickets (two adults, two children) at £5. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Councillor Martyn Cox, Bolton Council's executive member for culture, said: Hall i' th' Wood is a great place for all the family to visit. It is clear that it is more popular than ever and justly so.
l Hall i' th' Wood Museum is situated on the northern side of Bolton, close to Crompton Way and Astley Bridge. For information about events and activities, as well as information about Bolton Museum, Art Gallery and Aquarium, visit www.boltonmuseums.org.uk
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