Journeys of the Imagination: adventuring in the Americas at Quarry Bank

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor
Emma Baldwin

Journeys of the Imagination: adventuring in the Americas at Quarry Bank, Cheshire 6 — 17 August 2018 Tickets from £Quarry Bank admission prices apply (free for National Trust members)

The new Journeys of the Imagination adventure provides many reasons for families to adventure around different parts of Quarry Bank this summer. This new interactive trail, in association with award-winning children’s novelist Berlie Doherty, has been inspired by incredible personal stories from this historic place – one of the UK’s most significant (and much-loved) industrial heritage sites.

On weekdays from 6  to the 17 August discover more about the life of the eccentric Edward Hyde Greg and his adventures in the Americas. Before he took over management of Quarry Bank in 1870 he travelled widely and experienced a narrow escape from an alligator in the Gulf of Mexico. Sit in a canoe in the lower gardens and play “spot the alligator”. Turn the charming large-scale zoetrope to see Edward’s encounter being brought to life.

Meet the character Edward himself to be regaled with stories about his travels and be challenged to the mosquito mania game. Learn how to make an origami alligator head to take home.

Each day this summer holiday families can also catch the Journeys of the Imagination It’s Your Choice Show in the garden where you get to decide which direction the adventure will take. Follow the tale of escapee mill apprentice William Tittensor to become a runaway and go on a scavenger hunt in the Apprentice House garden to find everything you need to escape the clutches of the mill manager.

Pick up a passport and find the five other fascinating personal stories across the site. The Journeys of the Imagination trail promises adventuring of the highest order together, and many reasons to return to explore this gloriously restored and reinterpreted destination over the months ahead.

Quarry Bank is one of the most picturesque places in the region to visit at all times of year, from the excitement of the gushing river Bollin, the wild woodland, expansive meadows and beautifully restored dramatic cliffside gardens complete with caves, glasshouse, winding paths, beautiful planting and picture-perfect views to explore. It’s good news for families all round that some of the incredible stories can be explored outside in this way.

Quarry Bank admission charges apply.

Journeys of the Imagination: adventuring in the Americas at Quarry Bank, Cheshire 6 — 17 August 2018

Book Now

What's on: Families

OUTDOOR ART CLUB AT THE WHITWORTH
Until
ChildrensManchester
Outdoor Art Club at The Whitworth

Enjoy fun and creative activities designed to encourage your little ones to play freely in the fresh air, while exploring nature and the outdoors with family and friends.

free entry
To The Lakes! at Wordsworth Grasmere
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
To The Lakes! at Wordsworth Grasmere

Find out how the first tourists to the Lake District (a time before mobile phones, specialist clothing and TripAdvisor reviews) experienced the area, in this fascinating new exhibition.

from £6.00
Culture in South Lakes
Until
ExhibitionsCumbria
Culture in South Lakes

Not only one of Britain’s most picturesque national parks, the Lake District is also brimming with culture. Here’s what’s on over the next few months.

free entry

Culture Guides

Exhibitions

There's no rest for the art lover - this month brings outdoor sculpture, musings on water, political drawings and Liverpool Biennial 2023!

Music

We look towards a summer filled with quality festivals, from cultural behemoths to grassroots gems.

Winnie the Pooh at Manchester Opera House
Families

The sun has finally got his hat on! Enjoy our top picks of family-friendly events and activities, both indoors and outdoors.

Classical Music

Summer's classical music calendar is filling up nicely! Read our top picks of concerts happening in Manchester and the North.

Gerry Potter (credit Lee Baxter)
Literature

Books are big this summer, with festival readings, poetry slams, creative writing activities and famous faces all putting in an appearance.

Food and Drink

All signs point toward June being a scorcher of a month, so let’s take a look at all things summery food and drink.

Tours and Activities

From literary activities to brilliant independent shops, keep your minds and homes filled with the good stuff this month.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre

Check out our updated guide for lively theatre festivals, rip-roaring rooftop circus and dreamy outdoor shows.