Quarry Bank Mill

Embark on a historical journey to Quarry Bank Mill - One of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, home to a complete industrial community. Get your National Trust passes at the ready for this one! With over 400 acres of woodland and pasture Quarry Bank is an excellent place to visit for a day out with your dog too.

 

Quarry Bank Mill is situated in Cheshire, and just a 43 minute drive from Manchester city centre. Quarry Bank is one of the best preserved textile factories of the Industrial Revolution. Built in 1784, the cotton mill is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a designated Grade II* listed building!

 

So, let's go ahead and get into the breakdown of this iconic building!

 

Some may say its the star of this industrial heritage site, as the mill is at the heart of all the machinery action. Unearth the history of Samuel Greg and how he came to find himself at the peak of his own cotton mill empire. Delve into the world of engineering and discover the hardships of the mill workers too - including child apprentices. See the machinery in action and grip your feet to the floor as it shakes beneath you...

 

Learn about the engineering behind the great industrial revolution. In these galleries you can explore how the mill was powered and the brains behind the technology. Learn about water power, steam power, and the brain power behind all of these curious machines. Have a go at interactive engineering challenges in the Brain Power gallery, and see the historic steam engines and waterwheel in action.

Kids will love playing in the play area by the Mill Yard too, after a day of absorbing lots of interesting facts and getting stuck into lots of role-playing activities. 

 

How are old you, 6? Strap on your boots and get to work! Did you know the industrial revolution wasn't just powered by steam engines and water power, but child workers too? Try out apprentice life in this unique guided tour of the Apprentice House. You’ll get to see just what life was like for the children who lived there, delving into the nitty gritty of child labour. You can see where they ate and were given a small amount of education, and the dormitories where they slept two to a bed. You can also find out about 19th century cures, from headaches to lost limbs! 

 

After leaving the Apprentice House, the next stop is the Apprentice Garden! Walk through beautiful gardens which were originally tended to by the children in the apprentice house after a day of work. Today kids can enjoy the garden for spotting wildlife, reptiles and amphibians - as a well as running around of course!

Don't forget to check out the restored Glasshouses Mill too, originally used by Quarry Bank's gardeners and workers 200 years ago to grow fruits, the glasshouse has newly been restored to it's original beauty and structure. 

 

Hear the Greg family story brought to life through their discussions over dinner with family and friends. Explore Hannah's study, the setting for her intellectual life and education of her children. And step into the homely drawing room where the table is set for tea.

 

The Weaving Shed Restaurant, Garden Café and Stables Ice Cream Parlour are open, serving a delicious menu of hot food, snacks, sandwiches, cakes and bakes, ice cream and hot and cold drinks - bottled water too! There is lots of indoor and outdoor seating available around the site too