October half-term at Quarry Bank

Sarah Gaffney-Lang, Families Editor

Book now

October half-term at Quarry Bank

19 October-1 November 2019

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

Young girl turning a wheel at Quarry Bank
Paul Harris
Book now

Autumn is in full swing and there’s no better place to enjoy the beauty of the season than in the picturesque valley and extensive grounds of Quarry Bank. There’s a complete industrial heritage site waiting to be discovered, alongside acres of beautiful gardens and woodland to explore.

Managed by The National Trust, this half term Quarry Bank invites you to discover what life in the mill was really like, through family crafts and science experiments. The whole family will be amazed to see the historic machinery roar into action inside the mill. You’ll also have the opportunity to follow the factory inspector story trail and learn more about life as an apprentice at Quarry Bank.

Visitors at Quarry Bank

At Quarry Bank the focus is well truly on the stories behind the people who worked in the mill. Discover how mill work impacted the human body. How did the apprentices feel after a long day at the mill? What did working 12 hours a day really do to your body? You and your family can get involved in activities that will bring all of the aches, pains and injuries of 18th Century mill work to life.

Alongside the activities in the mill make sure you take time to explore the beautiful gardens and the meadows behind the mill. The site is also surrounded by woods that are great for those of us with canine members of the family to entertain. Dogs must be kept on short leads around the mill and aren’t permitted inside the mill or gardens.

The National Trust have produced a fabulous ‘50 Things to do before your 11 3/4’ pack – make sure you pick one up from the information desk and try out their exciting things to do in the great outdoors. Half-term activities run from 19 October to 1 November (not including weekends). The event is free but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Where to go near October half-term at Quarry Bank

Side view of mixed race business colleagues sitting and watching presentation with audience and clapping hands
Theatre
Burnley Youth Theatre

Burnley Youth Theatre is a vibrant youth arts organisation based at our purpose built venue in Burnley, Pennine Lancashire.

Bar pub 3
Leeds
Restaurant
Arcadia Ale House

Arcadia Ale house is a sports bar located in the Headingly area of Leeds with a range of drinks offers throughout the week.

Restaurant
Leeds
Restaurant
Pasta Romagna

Pasta Romagna is a family owned, independent restaurant in the heart of the city centre. Bringing you homestyle Italian cuisine since 1982.

wine bar 2
Leeds
Restaurant
Farrands

Farrands is an independent bar located in the heart of Leeds city centre, specialising in a range of fine wine, beer and specialist cocktails.

Restaurant
Leeds
Shop
George and Joseph Cheesemongers

George and Joseph is Leeds’ only specialist cheesemongers, serving some of the city’s best cheese from its home in Chapel Allerton since 2013

Wine bar
Leeds
Restaurant
Wayward Wines

Selling natural wines since before it was cool (well, 2017), this tiny suburban wine house is so much more than just a bar.

Beer shop
Leeds
Shop
Caspar’s Bottle Shop

Independent craft beer and spirits den Caspars Bottle Shop is a quirky Chapel Allerton favourite that doesn’t take itself too seriously.

Dry Dock
Leeds
Restaurant
Dry Dock

Dry Dock has carved out a reputation as a fixture for students and locals alike over the last thirty plus years

Manchester
Bar or Pub
The Rat & Pigeon

A slice of alternative Manchester in pub form, down a grotty, gritty backstreet and with a disgusting name. What’s not to love?

Manchester
Restaurant
Butter Bird

Butter Bird is a newly opened casual but stylish restaurant in Ancoats, based around the very delicious concept of tea-brined chicken.

What's on: Families

Culture Guides

Ceramic Sculpture
Exhibitions

Across Manchester and Salford, exhibitions are thinking hard about how things are made – and how materials carry stories.

A pair of white angel wings displayed against a dark, black background. The lower parts of the wings are stained with vivid red, resembling blood splatter.
Theatre

This month’s theatre highlights span dystopian classics, political thrillers and bold new opera.

Music

From underground festivals showcasing emerging talent to global icons unveiling new work, here are our latest live music highlights.

Food and Drink in the North

Spring is coming, at some point. As for now, it’s cold and grim so take our advice and shelter in a nice warm restaurant, pub or bar.

Emily Lloyd-Saini as Grace in Space and Harrie Hayes as Lieutenant Strong in Horrible Science
Family things to do in the North

Whether you’re after storybook theatre, museum wanderings or illusion-bending play spaces, there’s plenty to keep curiosity ticking through winter and beyond.

A Girl Walks Home Alone At Night
Cinema in the North

There's no shortage of great films out at the moment, whether you're looking for the latest blockbuster, that hot arthouse flick fresh from Cannes or a cosy classic.