Complete Guide to Quarry Bank Mill Cheshire
Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire is a thought-provoking living museum owned by the National Trust. This Grade II-listed former textile mill is one of Britain’s finest industrial heritage sites, and it’s well-preserved for you to enjoy.
Located on the banks of the River Bollin, Quarry Bank Mill was once the hub of Britain’s cotton industry. Built-in 1784 as a simple four-story structure, it later expanded to become the headquarters of one of the largest textile businesses in the world. Workers, some as young as eight, lived in nearby converted farm buildings on the Styal Estate.
This fascinating museum provides a diverse collection, including a unique archive of the Greg family, who ran the Mill, their possessions, and extraordinary machines relating to the cotton industry. Many of the machines are in working order, such as the giant iron waterwheel, steam engines, spinning machinery, and weaving sheds looms, which transform the cotton into spun yarn and calico.
You can witness daily demonstrations of the working machinery, hand-spinning, and weaving, providing an opportunity to see these historical machines in action. It’s a unique experience to watch how these impressive machines transformed raw cotton into usable materials.
The Apprentice House, once home to the child workers, provides an opportunity to glimpse into the past and understand their way of life. However, the Mill is not just for history buffs. The site also boasts delightful gardens to stroll through, riverside walks, and caves to explore.
Quarry Bank Mill offers an immersive experience to visitors, exploring the history and lives of an entire industrial community while enjoying the surrounding area’s natural beauty. There’s no denying it is one of the best day trips from Manchester.
Quarry Bank Mill Opening Times
Mill: 10:30 – 17:00
Estate: 08:30 – 18:00
Car Park: 08:00 – 20:00
Quarry Bank Mill Prices
Admission prices for 2023 include entry to the Mill, apprentice house, Quarry Bank House, upper and lower gardens, and the café (unless stated otherwise). National Trust members and children under five can enjoy free entry.
For those who are not National Trust members, the admission prices are as follows:
Adult: £20.00 standard, or £22.00 with gift aid
Child: £10.00 standard, or £11.00 with gift aid
Family: £50.00 standard, or £55.00 with gift aid
1 Adult and 3 Children: £30.00 standard, or £33.00 with gift aid
How to get to Quarry Bank Mill
By Car:
Follow signs for Manchester Airport.
Take the B5166 road to Cheadle.
Continue on the B5166 past Styal village.
Look for signposts directing you to Quarry Bank Mill.
By Bus:
Take the number 200 bus towards Wilmslow from Manchester Airport.
The journey takes about 20 minutes and drops you off at the gates of Quarry Bank Mill.
Please note that the bus only runs once an hour.
By Train:
The nearest train stations are Manchester Airport or Wilmslow, about two miles from Quarry Bank Mill.
From here, you can take a bus to Quarry Bank Mill, but buses are infrequent.
It is recommended to take a taxi from the train station to Quarry Bank Mill.
You can follow the Google Maps Directions here.
Quarry Bank Mill Map
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National Trust – Quarry Bank Mill Car Park
Quarry Bank Mill has a large on-site car park, conveniently located near the entrance to the estate. Visitors can park their vehicles here throughout the day and enjoy all that the site has to offer.
The car park has a capacity of approximately 250 vehicles, providing ample space for all visitors.
The car park has designated accessible parking bays close to the entrance, providing easy access for visitors with disabilities.
The address is:
Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 4HP
7 Best Things to Do at Quarry Bank Mill
Greg’s Family House
Step inside the Georgian rooms of the mill owner’s home in Quarry Bank House and enter the world of Hannah and Samuel Greg. Learn about Hannah’s interests in education, self-improvement, and debate, as well as her wider social life and dinner parties.
Apprentice House
Today you can join a guided tour of the Apprentice House and discover where the child apprentices lived, ate, and slept after a long day at the Mill under the watchful eye of mill superintendents. You can also learn about 19th-century cures for everything from headaches to lost limbs.
Good to know: timed tickets for Apprentice House tours must be collected from the Visitor Welcome building.
Visit the Mill
Experience the Mill’s sights and sounds for yourself, from the roar of the machinery to the hiss of the steam engines. The updated galleries and interactive installations provide a truly immersive experience of the Industrial Revolution.
Feel the floors shake as you watch the machinery in action and discover the story of mill owner Samuel Greg.
In the Workforce Gallery, you can have an immersive audio-visual experience that shows you the Mill through the eyes of its workforce. Please note that the presentation includes loud noises and flashing lights.
Explore the Grounds
Experience the stunning natural beauty of Quarry Bank through its winding paths and breathtaking views. As you explore the valley, take in the caves, cliffs, and garden bridges that make this area so unique.
Follow the peaceful River Bollin and discover the Lower Garden, where you can wander through the mill meadow and appreciate the ornate gardens created by mill owner Robert Hyde Greg in the 1860s.
For a more elevated view, head to the Upper Garden and Glasshouse, where you can gaze out at the stunning valley vistas from Hannah Greg’s favourite spot.
Stroll through the Walled Garden, and discover what’s growing there. And take advantage of the historic curvilinear glasshouse, where exotic plants and fruits were once grown.
Explore the back sheds, where you can learn about the fascinating history of Quarry Bank’s 19th-century gardeners.
Experience an Event
During school holidays, Quarry Bank Mill hosts fun events such as children’s literary festivals and history-packed interactive trails. Last time, we visited around Easter time, and there were many Easter activities for the children. They also have lots of fun events coming up.
Visit the Gift Shop
Visit the gift shop for items made with cloth from the Mill’s heritage looms.
Quarry Bank Mill Walks
Embark on a refreshing walk through the 400-acre estate of Quarry Bank and explore the great outdoors beyond the Mill. Follow the winding path of the River Bollin as it flows through the woodland, and keep your eyes peeled for fascinating historic bridges, heritage trees, and the incredible wildlife that inhabit the area.
Explore lush fields and vast woodland on the Kingfisher Walk. As you wander through this idyllic landscape, keep your eyes peeled for rare varieties of rhododendron and towering redwood conifers.
You may even be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the vibrant blue flash of a kingfisher darting over the water in search of small fish. Admire the folly bridges that former owner Robert Hyde Greg once used to connect his home to the Mill.
This one-hour, 1.5-mile (2.4 km) walk offers a serene escape from the bustle of everyday life and is perfect for those seeking a peaceful nature retreat.
You can also go to the Southern Woods on a leisurely walk that takes you through stunning scenery and hidden wonders. As you walk, you’ll catch glimpses of the river twisting and turning towards the Mill and may even spot some wildlife along the way. Don’t forget to stop and admire the mill pond and weir – a hidden gem that’s not to be missed.
This walk is perfect for families and dog owners, with easy access and a gentle pace. The trail takes around 45 minutes to complete, covering a distance of 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
Quarry Bank Mill Christmas
Over Christmas, you can experience the festive spirit at Quarry Bank with a range of activities for the whole family. Here are some highlights of what to expect:
- Follow the reindeer trail in the garden to seek out winter reindeer and win a festive prize.
- Step back in time and explore the mill owners’ Georgian home decorated with Christmas ornaments.
- Learn about the modest festivities of child workers at Quarry Bank in the Apprentice House.
- Warm up with hot chocolate topped off with marshmallows, or refuel with mince pies.
- Relax on Father Christmas’s sleigh parked on the mill meadow outside of the Mill.
- Remember to check out the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the mill yard.
Facts about Quarry Bank Mill
There are many Quarry Bank Mill facts.
- Quarry Bank Mill was founded in 1784 by Samuel Greg and is one of the best-preserved textile mills from the Industrial Revolution era.
- The Mill was originally a four-story structure designed to be efficient and straightforward.
- Over time, it was expanded and updated, eventually becoming the headquarters of one of the world’s largest cotton manufacturing businesses by the 1860s.
- The Mill is located on the banks of the River Bollin in the Styal Estate, close to Manchester, which was the hub of Britain’s cotton mill industry.
- Before the Mill was built, Styal village consisted of only a few barns and cottages.
- Many of the original farm buildings in Styal village were converted into accommodations for the mill workers as the Mill expanded.
- The Apprentice House, built in 1792, provided living quarters for young boys and girls from the local parish who were being trained to work in the Mill.
- The Mill and Styal estate remained in the ownership of the Greg family for five generations until 1939, when they were given to the National Trust.
Quarry Bank Mill Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quarry Bank Mill?
Quarry Bank Mill is a historic textile mill in Styal, Cheshire, England. It was founded by Samuel Greg in 1784 and is one of the best-preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution.
What are the opening hours of Quarry Bank Mill?
The grounds of Quarry Bank Mill are open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The National Trust buildings, such as the Mill and Apprentice House, are open from 10 am until 5 pm.
How long should I expect to spend at Quarry Bank Mill?
It is recommended to plan for a full-day visit to Quarry Bank Mill to explore all the attractions and facilities fully.
What is the best time to arrive at Quarry Bank Mill?
Arriving early is advisable to avoid crowds and make the most of your visit.
Are dogs allowed at Quarry Bank Mill?
Yes, dogs on leads are welcome to visit Quarry Bank Mill. Dogs must always be kept on leads while visiting Quarry Bank Mill.
Are there any additional charges for visiting Quarry Bank Mill?
Admission prices include access to the Mill, Apprentice House, Quarry Bank House, upper and lower gardens, including the café, unless otherwise stated. National Trust members and children under five can enter for free.
The 2023 admission prices for adults start from £20 and for children from £10.
What facilities are available at Quarry Bank Mill?
Quarry Bank Mill offers a range of visitor facilities, including baby-change facilities, a children’s play area, and family trails.
What accessibility features are available at Quarry Bank Mill?
Quarry Bank Mill provides designated disabled parking for visitors with disabilities. In addition, a buggy transfer service and Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter are available for visitors with limited mobility or in wheelchairs.
Overall Thoughts
Visiting Quarry Bank Mill is an experience like no other. The Mill offers visitors a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the Industrial Revolution in action.
From the bustling mill floor to the peaceful gardens and grounds, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in history or industry or want to spend a day out with the family, Quarry Bank Mill is a must-visit destination.
With free entry for National Trust members and a range of facilities available, you will indeed have a memorable day out. The Mill’s commitment to accessibility, with designated disabled parking, a buggy transfer service, and all-terrain mobility scooters, means that everyone can enjoy the site’s rich history and stunning surroundings.
So, plan your visit today and discover the fascinating story of Quarry Bank Mill for yourself!
Photo Credits: averagelives.com