
Stockport Museum
Discover Stockport's rich history, from prehistoric times to its hat-making legacy, with free, interactive exhibits for all ages.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Stockport Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Stockport's rich history, from prehistoric times to its hat-making legacy, with free, interactive exhibits for all ages.
"A hidden gem packed with history, indie shops, and great food – something for everyone!"

🎯 Free Admission for All
Both Stockport Museum and Hat Works are free to enter! Donations are welcome to support their collections.
👟 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive screens, role-play areas, and character trails make it a hit with children.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hat Works Collection
Hat Works Museum
Explore over 1,300 hats and hat-making history in this recently refurbished, interactive museum.

Grimwood Museum Adventure
Stockport Museum
A fun, interactive museum trail featuring Grimwood characters and challenges for kids.

Stockport's Historical Journey
Stockport Museum
Discover local history from prehistoric times to the present, including galleries on Strawberry Studios and 1970s Stockport.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Family Fun Awaits
Hat Works: A Refurbished Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission for All
Both Stockport Museum and Hat Works are free to enter! Donations are welcome to support their collections.
👟 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive screens, role-play areas, and character trails make it a hit with children.
♿ Accessible Exploration
Lifts and accessible toilets are available, making it easy for prams and wheelchairs.
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop
A small gift shop and cafe are available, perfect for a treat or souvenir.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission for All
Both Stockport Museum and Hat Works are free to enter! Donations are welcome to support their collections.
👟 Kid-Friendly Fun
Interactive screens, role-play areas, and character trails make it a hit with children.
♿ Accessible Exploration
Lifts and accessible toilets are available, making it easy for prams and wheelchairs.
☕ Cafe & Gift Shop
A small gift shop and cafe are available, perfect for a treat or souvenir.
🚗 Easy to Reach
Excellent transport links by bus and train, with nearby parking options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Stockport Museum and Hat Works for their engaging exhibits, friendly staff, and free admission. Families particularly appreciate the interactive elements and child-friendly atmosphere, while history enthusiasts enjoy the comprehensive local history displays and the unique hat collection. Some note that the building's historic nature means navigating slopes, but lifts are available.
"Wonderful and very helpful staff. They had everything to help our 3-year-old enjoy looking around. We paid for the stair house, but the museum was free, so we did both. You can eat inside the museum if you ask as there's a dedicated table, but just one. Collections inside are interesting and wide ranging. Lots of interactive tasks for you get children. Worth a visit."
Steven Holt
"Came here as a back up plan after an event in the town centre was cancelled. Honestly glad the event fell through. The staff were lovely and the kids had lots of fun learning, finding the character around the museum and playing on the top floor. Would definitely return."
Alex Taylor
"Interesting and absorbing museum about the local area from prehistoric times to present, nicely presented and set in a fascinating building opposite the lovely Market Hall. I learned a lot!
In addition to the journey through the ages, there were also nice galleries about Strawberry Studios (10cc) and street photography from 1970s Stockport.
I visited solo but there was plenty for kids and school groups as well.
Spread over 5 floors with some slopes due to the nature of the building, there are stairs and a lift for access, and toilets on 2 floors.
Recommend a visit!"
Martin Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stockport Museum is centrally located opposite the Market Hall. It's easily accessible by public transport, with excellent bus and train links to Stockport town centre. Parking is available nearby.
Yes, the museum is pram friendly and accessible with lifts available to navigate between floors.
There are several car parks within walking distance of Stockport Museum, including the Merseyway Shopping Centre car park.
Yes, Hat Works Museum is a sister site and is also free to visit. It's located a short walk from the main museum.
Opening hours can vary, so it's best to check the official website before your visit. Generally, it's open Tuesday to Sunday.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Stockport Museum and Hat Works is completely free! Donations are gratefully accepted to help maintain the collections.
No, booking is not required for general admission to Stockport Museum or Hat Works. You can simply turn up and explore.
The museum often hosts temporary exhibitions alongside its permanent collections. Check their website for current displays.
Yes, the museum is very popular with school groups and offers educational programs and interactive activities.
Group visits are welcome. It's advisable to contact the museum in advance to discuss your group's needs and ensure the best experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Stockport Museum offers a journey through local history, from prehistoric times to the present day. It features galleries on the town's industrial past, Strawberry Studios, and street photography.
Hat Works is dedicated to Stockport's hat-making heritage. It showcases a vast collection of hats and the history of the mill industry, with interactive displays and a factory floor experience.
Absolutely! The museum has interactive tasks, a Grimwood Museum Adventure trail, and role-play sections designed to engage children.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring both Stockport Museum and Hat Works, depending on their interest level.
Yes, Stockport Museum is housed in a fascinating historic building, part of which was originally built in the 15th century.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is a small gift shop that also sells some refreshments. For more extensive dining options, the Market Hall opposite offers a variety of food stalls and cafes.
Yes, you can eat inside the museum if you ask, as there's a dedicated table available. Bringing a packed lunch is a great way to save money.
The area around the Market Hall and Underbanks in Stockport has numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants offering diverse cuisines.
While there isn't a full-service cafe within the museum itself, there is a small gift shop. The adjacent Market Hall provides ample cafe options.
Stockport offers a range of dining experiences, from traditional pubs and cafes to international cuisine, reflecting its diverse community.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside Stockport Museum and Hat Works. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
Look for interesting hat displays at Hat Works, historical artifacts, and the unique architecture of the museum building itself. The street photography gallery also offers compelling visuals.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires prior permission from the museum management. It's best to inquire directly.
Visiting during quieter periods, like weekday mornings, can offer better opportunities for unobstructed photos.
Yes, the exterior of the museum, especially its historic architecture, is great for external shots. It's located opposite the impressive Market Hall.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏛️ History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Stockport's Hat Heritage at Hat Works
Beyond the sheer volume of headwear, Hat Works provides context on the social and economic impact of the hat industry on Stockport. The displays are designed to be engaging for all ages, with interactive elements that bring the history to life. It’s a chance to see everything from everyday headwear to elaborate millinery, understanding how fashion and function intertwined. The museum's accessibility, including lifts, ensures that everyone can enjoy this unique aspect of Stockport's heritage.
Many visitors are surprised by the depth and breadth of the hat collection, finding it both educational and entertaining. The recent makeover has been praised for enhancing the visitor experience, making it a must-see attraction for anyone interested in local history or the evolution of fashion.
A Journey Through Stockport's Past at Stockport Museum
Key exhibits include a detailed exploration of Stockport's industrial heritage, with a particular focus on its role in the textile and hat-making industries. The museum also features galleries dedicated to the iconic Strawberry Studios, the recording hub for bands like 10cc, and a captivating collection of street photography from 1970s Stockport. These diverse displays ensure there's something to capture the interest of every visitor, whether they are interested in music, photography, or local life.
The museum is particularly noted for its child-friendly approach, with interactive tasks and a 'Grimwood Museum Adventure' trail designed to keep younger visitors entertained and educated. This makes it an ideal destination for families looking for a free and engaging day out.


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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit