Heritage Days Out at Quarry Bank

Kristy Stott, Theatre Editor

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Heritage days out at Quarry Bank

9 July-30 September 2019

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

Andrew Butler
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Throughout the year Quarry Bank is one of the most picturesque places in the region to visit and top of our list for the best heritage days out. From the excitement of the gushing river Bollin and its wildlife, the wild woodland, expansive meadows to the dramatic cliffside gardens complete with caves, glasshouse, and winding paths – there is plenty to enjoy whatever the season.

Nestled in a picturesque valley just a short drive from Manchester, visit Quarry Bank this summer and discover one of the UK’s greatest industrial heritage sites. Quarry Bank was founded by Samuel Greg and his wife, Hannah at the very beginning of the Industrial Revolution and became home to a community of mill workers and child apprentices. Quarry Bank houses one of the best-preserved textile mills of the Industrial Revolution and boasts Europe’s largest working waterwheel, powered by the fast-flowing River Bollin.

Step inside the huge eighteenth-century working cotton mill and experience the wild clatter and roar of the machinery. Explore the family homes of owner and worker; find out more about the people who lived and worked there; watch demonstrations and get hands-on with the seasonal activities on offer. Learn about traditional spinning and weaving techniques and take a tour around The Apprentice House which was home to the children who worked in the mill.

Take a trip to Quarry Bank and take a stroll through the spectacular gardens and estate, complete with beautiful planting and picture-perfect views, there is plenty to take in. With acres of gardens and woodland to explore and two play areas, there are plenty of places to play.

Where to go near Heritage Days Out at Quarry Bank

City Centre
Bar or Pub
Schofield’s Bar

Schofield’s could be Manchester’s most grown-up bar. Very precise drinks in an upmarket city centre venue. It’s not cheap, hey, but true class costs.

Manchester
Restaurant
Sampa

Sampa’s underground space is the perfect place to learn about both her new mind-expanding dishes and vintage sherries, reimagined for the late 2020s.

Northern Quarter
Restaurant
Sicilian NQ

Busy backstreet Sicilian restaurant in the Northern Quarter, serving up traditional dishes with well-executed vegan versions that more than match up.

Manchester
Restaurant
Maki & Ramen

Japanese sushi and ramen restaurant on High Street, Northern Quarter, founded by Teddy Lee. House-made noodles, eight-hour broths, plus sushi, donburi and vegan options.

Restaurant Orme
Manchester
Restaurant
Restaurant Örme

A hidden gem in the suburbs of Greater Manchester, serving high-level British small plates to a soundtrack of indie rock and roll.

The Abbey
Manchester
Restaurant
The Abbey

Historic Hulme pub with a very good live gig space, brought to you by the very capable team behind YES, Gorilla, Now Wave and Manchester Psych Fest.

Manchester
Bar or Pub
Pigeon Beer Wanderer

Pigeon Beer Wanderer brings wine-level ceremony to Manchester’s new “Beermuda Triangle”, courtesy of Joshua Lightfoot and his crack team of booze experts.

Image courtesy of Unitom.
Castlefield
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UNITOM Projects

The exhibition arm of Manchester indie bookshop UNITOM is a dedicated space for contemporary visual culture in the St John’s neighbourhood.

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