National Football Museum presents ‘Origins’

Origins is a unique Heritage Open Days event offering exclusive public access to the National Football Museum’s Research Centre in Preston. This behind-the-scenes experience invites visitors to uncover the hidden stories behind football’s earliest days and the museum’s original home in Preston.

The National Football Museum began life in Preston in 2001, housed in the historic Deepdale Stadium – the oldest continuously used professional football ground in the world. Though now based in Manchester, our Preston Research Centre remains a vital part of the museum, home to an unparalleled archive of football history. For the first time, we’re opening our doors to the public for guided tours and themed talks that celebrate both the museum’s origins and the birth of the modern game.

Visitors will get to explore:

-Rarely seen artefacts and documents from the early years of association football
-A special exhibit on the original FA Cup competitions, including historic items from the first tournaments
-The story of how Preston became the founding home of the museum, and the city’s role in shaping football culture in the UK

This event also aims to reconnect the local community with a national institution that has its roots firmly planted in Preston. Whether you’re a football fan, a history lover, or simply curious, Origins offers a fascinating insight into how a regional initiative became a national treasure.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 14 September:

Tour 1: 1100 - 12:30, Tour 2: 13:30 - 15:00

Monday 15 September:

Tour 1: 1100 - 12:30, Tour 2: 13:30 - 15:00

Tuesday 16 September:

Tour 1: 1100 - 12:30, Tour 2: 13:30 - 15:00

Location & directions

Sir Tom Finney Way, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 6RU

Directions:

National Football Museums Entrance is in the same Car Park as the Preston North End Shop, the sites entrance is near the coaches parking. A banner will be outside for clearer visibility.

Contact on day:

Stacey-Leigh Dolan

Telephone number:

+447518456699

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tickets must be booked 72 hours in advance.

Booking contact name:

Stacey-Leigh Dolan

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://nationalfootballmuseum.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/68853?catID=65516&

Booking opens:

15 Aug 2025 11:00 AM

Booking closes:

09 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

12

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 20 minute(s)

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