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

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Book now

Journeys of the Imagination: adventuring in the Americas

Quarry Bank, Cheshire
6-17 August 2018

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

Emma Baldwin
Book now

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.

Where to go near Journeys of the Imagination: adventuring in the Americas at Quarry Bank

Manchester
Library
Wythenshawe Forum

Wythenshawe Forum comprises co-located services and a hub for community and business. The venue has leisure facilities as well as a performance space and complete library services.

Alderley Edge
Restaurant
Les Deux Pizza Bar

Charming independent pizza and cocktail bar in Alderley Edge, that prides itself on only using the freshest ingredients.

Yu Alderley Edge

High-end Chinese restaurant that combines traditional Cantonese cooking and modern ideas. Based in Alderley Edge.

Bar or Pub
The Church Inn, Mobberley

This is one of our favourite cosy pubs: not far from Manchester, The Church Inn is Grade II-listed and dates back to the 18th-century.

Stockport
Restaurant
Inventery

Inventery is a neighbourhood bar and restaurant, based in Cheadle with some serious talent in the kitchen.

Bhaji Pala
Stockport
Restaurant
Bhaji Pala

Bhaji Pala is an all-vegan Indian small-plates restaurant at the heart of the booming South Manchester food scene.

Manchester
Gallery
Cheshire Art Gallery

Cheshire Art Gallery sells and displays talent from all across the UK, with pioneering and exciting works making this space a must-visit.

BOOKSHOP
Cheshire
Shop
Simply Books

Simply Books is an award-winning independent bookshop based in the heart of Bramhall.

What's on: Families

Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts
FamiliesManchester
Haphazard 2025 at Z-arts

A free day of bizarre behaviour and exciting live performance at Z-arts. Expect the unexpected. Playful, unpredictable, and not easily forgotten.

Free entry
Africana and Caribbean Food Fest
FestivalsLeeds
African & Caribbean Food Fest 2025

Calling people of Leeds and beyond! The city’s favourite African and Caribbean Food Fest is back, and this year it’s turning up the heat with Harmony of Colours, a celebration…

Free entry

Culture Guides

Star Nhà Ease
Cinema in the North

July's cinema highlights include spotlights on international cinema, a new cult classic, plus a visit from one of our favourite directors.

Exhibitions in the North

Captivating, urgent and intimate - we bring you our top exhibition picks, with even more art festivals, artist-led shows and new venues.

Theatre in Manchester
Theatre in the North

Summer signals theatre festivals, world premieres and open-air spectacle - from MIF25 to comedy, outdoor circus and beyond, here’s what we’re looking forward to.

European Poetry Festival European Camarade
Literature Events in the North

From tongue-twisters to twisty page-turners, we have all kinds of spoken word surprises in the latest literature round-up.