Quarry Bank (NT)

Quarry Bank is one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, showing how a complete industrial community lived. Here you can discover the story of mill workers, mill owners and how the Industrial Revolution changed our world forever.

On your visit, you can explore the domestic life of the mill-owning Greg family in their home, Quarry Bank House. Or wander through the stunning picturesque gardens that rise up the banks of the river valley for stunning views and spectacular changes through the seasons. In the restored glasshouse and kitchen garden, you can see the array of exotic fruits and vegetables that were grown for the wealthy Gregs' table.

For an alternative view of life in the Industrial Revolution, take a guided tour of the Apprentice House to step into the lives of the pauper children who worked 10 hours a day in the mill. Or stroll to Styal village to see how many of the other workers lived. In the village hub, a permanent exhibition explores the living conditions of the workers compared to life in the centre of Manchester. A tour of a two-up-two-down worker's cottage offers an insight into more than 150 years of history and invites you to compare your life to those of the workers.

On the estate there are acres of woodland to explore. Follow the meandering path of the river Bollin as you look out for an array of wildlife and beautiful views.

Situated in the historic site of the original Weaving Shed, the mill café now offers you a place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal after exploring all that Quarry Bank has to offer. Alternatively you can head to the garden café to enjoy the surroundings with a light lunch or a slice of cake, or treat yourself to an ice cream from Stables Ice Cream Parlour.

In the mill and garden shops, you’ll find a range of gifts, homeware and garden products. For a unique souvenir, make sure you pick up a Quarry Bank glass cloth, which has been woven on heritage looms in the mill.