quarry bank mill

A fascinating museum that really helps you imagine life in the industrial revolution. Go to the ticket office first to book your trip round the apprentice house where an actor dressed as the doctor explains what daily life for children who worked in the mill was like. The mill is also a well planned trip through cotton spinning and weaving pre industrial revolution through the years as it became more and more mechanised. You will have different stages of the process described and demonstrated by knowledgeable staff and there is a hands on area where the mechanics of water wheels and steam power are explained. It's a full day visit even if you don't walk round the beautiful setting.

Brilliantly presented, working machinery and very knowledgable staff. Something for all ages.Try to visit the local village where the workers were housed as it demonstrates that even in those days some owners looked after their workers (Saltair, Cadburys, Port Sunlight included)Wet day so didn't get time to see the grounds, the apprentice house was well worth a small walk up the hill.

The last time we visited Quarry Bank, the National Trust had just acquired the upper garden and mill owner's house, which had been sold separately when they first acquired the mill, but work to restore and refurbish them hadn't begun. Having heard that a fair amount had now been done to restore the upper garden and integrate it with the rest of the gardens, we went to take a look. There's still a lot to be done - not least the hugely expensive restoration of the unique greenhouse, of which only the very rusty - but fortunately sturdily solid - frame remains. But a lot has been done, and the grounds were full of early spring colour. Well worth a look, we thought. And - bearing in mind the pricey admission if you aren't an NT member - the Quarry Bank restaurant was advertising what looked like really tasty main course lunches at prices you'd expect to pay in your local pub. We didn't try them, as we were there just before the restaurant closed at the end of the afternoon. But - as restaurant meals in NT properties are normally quality but rarely inexpensive! - we'll probably go back and give them a go!

A great venue for visitors of all ages. It's a National Trust property, so admission fees are pretty high. However, but for the NT, you wouldn't be able to tour the Mill, the Apprentice's House, gardens, Woods etc. A typically excellent National Trust café is on hand with a tasty range of drinks and snacks.

We like looking at industrial heritage museums, so this seemed an attractive place to visit en route to Manchester (it's quite close to the airport). The idea of the machines actually being run was a big draw. The day we went it rained, so we didn't venture out into the parkland; also, we were short of time so we omitted the Apprentice House and just went round the main Mill. There was plenty to see just in that part: demonstrations of hand spinning and weaving, flying shuttle looms, and then a succession of ever larger machines driven by the enormous water wheel (eventually steam was also installed). There were instructive displays and maps about where cotton is grown, how the industry developed, the exploitation of those involved in growing and making it (which, sadly, continues today), and the economic history of this particular mill and the dynasty that owned it. Thought-provoking and fascinating on many levels. Highly recommended, even if you've not seen the TV programme.

We visited Quarry Bank as our original choice was closed for the day. It was well worth the effort as there is so much to see and do. All the staff are very knowledgeable about the machinery and their history. It is suitable for all ages and anyone with an interest in the industrial revolution. It is not very well signed, but we may have driven in from the wrong side.

One of the best National Trust properties I've visited.With a family history of working in the woollen mills, the similarities evoked lots of memories of tales from my parents and grandparents.Every member of staff was so well informed and so willing to explain and discuss all aspects of this working mill. They are so proud of the part played in the 18th C industrial revolution.I strongly recommend this to anyone with an interest in history and community development

I went to Quarry Bank Mill, which is an late 18th century cotton mill in Cheshire, after watching the British drama on channel 4, based on the people of working in Quarry Bank Mill. I have an interest in history, and historic building, and it didn't disappoint. We was shown around the mill by a tour guide dressed in period costume, and explained the lives of the people whom worked & lived at Quarry Bank Mill, during the late 18th century. The guide involved the children in the tour, with questions & examples of life at the mill, schooling & living. Afterwards had a walk around the gardens, which was nice. There is also a cafe, and a few shops. Had a really great day, recommended to anyone interested in British history.

Visited during February half term, so much to see and do, very interesting. One of the best national trust properties we have been to. Travelled up from London for a few days away. We saw the TV programme "The Mill" and we were intrigued to see the actual place where it was filmed and we weren't disappointed.

It was obvious due to the shortage of spaces in the car park on arrival that this NT property has indeed benefited from being featured in the Channel 4 series "The Mill"......oh and the small matter of it being half term. Lunch and afternoon tea offrings in the restaurant were varied and very good value - the tomato soup was particularly tasty.The mill attraction goes into the history of the mill and the Gregg family in some depth. There are some fascinating demonstrations of some of the machinery that was employed in the cotton industry.....noisy but I suspect nothing to the continual din that would have accompanied the workers' 12-13 hour shifts. The Apprentice House guided tour is worth the 10 minute walk up the hill and gives a keen insight to the lives of the 90 children accomodated there during their 9 year indenture. This site has much more to offer in better weather so we will likely return in the summer with a picnic.

Even though the weather was bitter cold we still had a brilliant day , my teenage children thought it felt more authentic . loads to be touchy feely with nothing realy off limits , loads of onsite demonstrations for all levels and beautiful village and gardens to top it all . Too clod to have our picnic outside but there was plenty of benches to sit on if we had so wished . We all came home realising how lucky we were to be born now not in 18 th or 19 th century !

Went on a damp January afternoon as part of a large group. Large spacious attraction. Buggy service was available if required, but managed the slope down to the attraction with a few stops (I am disabled other half asthmatic. Found the disabled loo which was very clean so then went around the wheel house. Very interesting and staff very friendly. Unfortunately it was explained that the disabled entrance to the mill itself was closed as a lift for disabled was to be installed the following day. From others in the group the mill was very interesting. Could not make it to the apprentice house that day as it was extremely wet. What we saw was very good and would not say no to a return visit.

Unfortunately, we only managed to have time to visit the Mill during our weekend, but this does however mean that another trip will have to be planned to see the rest! In any event, the mill itself took up two to three hours of our afternoon. Having never visited a cotton mill, there was so much to take in and learn about the history of the industry and the building and the lives of the owners/workers. There were demos of the machinery in action and informative guides in all areas. Even my 15 year old daughter who gets dragged around museums and galleries at regular intervals seemed to particularly enjoy this one! Well worth the money and can't wait to go back to see more.

Had a great day out with my family of 4. Both my children (aged 2 and 5) found the mill very engaging and enjoyed all of the interactive activities on offer. After the mill we enjoyed time by the park with drinks purchased from the café. We visited the wonderful waterfall and walked around the gardens. We missed out on the family tour of the apprentice house because we were not there early enough. That will be on the agenda when we visit again. Lots to do and engage the kids!

We had a great day out at Quarry Bank Mill at half term and were particularly impressed with the Peter who showed us round the Apprentice House and engaged really well with all the children. My 7 year old daughter was enthralled by him and his stories of being a mill child. The mill itself was interesting as were the demonstrations of spinning and weaving. Lots to see and do - we were not there long enough and will return!