Quarry Bank — Attraction in Great Britain

Visited on a week day so its wasn't too busy. This is a very interesting place with lots of history attached too it. The volunteers in the mill were very knowledgeable and gave great talks on the working of the mill machinery, I found the water wheel and machinery very interesting, it is amazing how this was all worked out and put together and the volunteers in that section knew their stuff which made it all the more fascinating. The mill is a marvelous building in excellent condition as is the house, though, there's not much to see there. The gardens are nice, with the chance to buy plants and the cafeteria does a lovely cream tea. The one thing I did not enjoy was the talk from the volunteer on the Apprentice house. Though the house itself was nice, I found the talk was very derogatory toward the mill owners. It may have been aimed at humour but there was far too much sarcasm in the narrative which constantly found fault with everything done by the mill owner making it appears as though it was a concentration camp. I felt that 18th century life was being judged by 21st century standards and was all wrong. In those days, a family would have been overjoyed at a child getting any apprenticeship and receiving plenty of food, health care and some education was something these youngsters would never have received at home and would probably have died if they hadn't gone to the mill. As for having a chamber pot under the bed, that wasn't a tragedy, we had one when I was small and the conditions I lived in weren't a lot different to the apprentices. If the National Trust or the volunteer are going to narrate the conditions of life in those days they need to tell both sides of the story and remove their dislike of the British Industrial era as their bias is annoying. There could also be a bit more signage around. Overall, it is a pleasant day out for those...

Lovely site full of nature, we spent a filled half a day there and were entertained for the entirety.

Entry to the site itself is free, but you’ll need to pay to get a tag to enter the main attractions (mill, apprentice house, gardens).

Entry is free for a member but costs £22 for an adult.

Mill: We visited the Quarry Bank Mill. There were 4 floors and a basement, filled with detailed information. There was a cotton exhibition on the top floor. The mill had lots of live examples of how the mill would have worked, including working machines and the waterwheel. Dogs are not allowed in the mill.

Garden: Very large garden which was evidently well maintained, beautiful river and lots of things growing. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the plants. It’s advised to keep your dogs on a lead throughout the garden.

Apprentice house: Entry to the apprentice house was by guided tour only, and we decided we didn’t have the time.

Restaurant: We bought a picnic so thankfully didn’t need to pay the extortionate prices at the restaurant. I would recommend if you plan to say for lunch, you do the same. Dogs were not allowed in the seating areas inside.

Shops: Prices here were also very high but there was a good selection of souvenirs and books about the local area and site itself.

Overall a pleasant day and would recommend to spend at least half a day there to explore the entire site. It is family friendly and the...

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Park offer a stunning jogging track that blends history with nature, making it a perfect escape for runners and walkers alike. Nestled in the heart of Cheshire, this trail winds through lush greenery, alongside the River Bollin, and past historic bridges, including the picturesque Kingfisher Bridge.

The jogging track provides a mix of terrain, from well-maintained gravel paths to scenic woodland trails, ensuring a dynamic experience for all fitness levels. The presence of lakes and bridges adds to the charm, creating moments where joggers can pause to take in the serene reflections on the water or spot local wildlife. Kingfishers, herons, and other birds frequent the area, making it a delight for nature enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of this route is its connection to Quarry Bank Mill, a historic cotton mill that offers a glimpse into the Industrial Revolution. The juxtaposition of heritage and natural beauty makes this jogging track unique, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in both history and tranquility.

Whether you're looking for a peaceful morning run, an afternoon stroll, or simply a place to unwind, Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Park provide an idyllic setting. The well-maintained paths, scenic views, and rich biodiversity make it a must-visit for anyone who appreciates nature and...