Journeys of the Imagination: Exploring with Elephants at Quarry Bank

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 23 July to the 3 August discover more about the life of the fiesty Elizabeth Mary Greg who defied convention by never marrying, adventuring around the world in the 1890s and supporting young women to gain further opportunities. Make like you are accompanying her on intrepid travels in India. Whizz down the elephant slide in the mill meadow and spot a tiger.

Encounter the character of Elizabeth herself as she wanders the gardens and learn all about the art of Victorian photography. Don the finest Victorian garments to pose for a photo and strike a pose. See who can hold it for long enough for the turn of the century camera to capture you (a fun game plays on the long exposure time in Victorian and Edwardian photography where people had to pose for up to several minutes to get the perfect photo).

Don’t miss the chance to craft your own camera too and draw the view you would love to capture as a keepsake 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.