Trouble at t’Mill at Quarry Bank

Gemma Gibb, Associate Editor

Book now

Trouble at t'Mill

Quarry Bank, Cheshire
18-22 February 2019

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

National Trust Images, John Millar
Book now

There are many reasons to hotfoot it to Quarry Bank this year, not least to take part in the new Trouble at t’Mill adventure.

This new interactive story trail, in association with Roald Dahl Funny prize winning children’s author Philip Ardagh and illustrator Jamie Littler transports you into the hard-working world of the children at Quarry Bank in the nineteenth century.

Banish all modern day woes by taking on the role of factory inspector complete with inspection booklet to stamp along the way.

Try your hand at different jobs and find out what dangers the children working in the mill faced each day.

Don’t miss the interactive shows and the chance to meet Philip Ardagh himself as he puts the trail to the test on Monday 18 February. Head to the Apprentice House too for special family tours to see where the children lived, ate and slept when not working.

We love that (often harsh) historical truths are revealed through creative challenges galore and that the history of one of the UK’s most significant (and much-loved) industrial heritage sites is brought to life through tales inspired by the children that lived there.

Courtesy Quarry Bank / National Trust

It promises adventuring of the highest order together, and many reasons to return to explore this gloriously restored and reinterpreted destination.

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 with plenty of winter wildlife, expansive meadows and beautifully restored dramatic cliffside gardens complete with caves, glasshouse, winding paths, beautiful planting and picture-perfect views to explore.

Quarry Bank admission charges apply.

Where to go near Trouble at t’Mill 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.

Cheshire
Shop
Simply Books

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

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.