Stockport Museum
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Stockport Museum

4.5
·166 reviews·, United Kingdom

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
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Stockport Museum

Stockport Museum

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to explore

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(166 reviews)

"A hidden gem packed with history, indie shops, and great food – something for everyone!"

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TIP

🎯 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Hat Works Collection

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

Grimwood Museum Adventure

Stockport Museum

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

Stockport's Historical Journey

Stockport's Historical Journey

Stockport Museum

Discover local history from prehistoric times to the present, including galleries on Strawberry Studios and 1970s Stockport.

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Planning Your Visit

Free Family Fun Awaits

Stockport Museum and its sister site, Hat Works, offer free admission, making them perfect for budget-friendly family days out. Interactive exhibits and role-play areas keep kids engaged, while historical displays appeal to all ages. Plan for a few hours to explore both locations.

Hat Works: A Refurbished Gem

The Hat Works Museum, recently refurbished, is a must-visit for its extensive collection of hats and insights into Stockport's mill history. It's praised for being child-friendly with interactive elements and accessible via lifts, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, afternoons
Why
Lively atmosphere, family-friendly
Crowd
Medium
When
School holidays
Why
Special activities and trails
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

What a lovely Saturday spent at the grand opening of the #hatworks Stockport which has been closed for 4 years for a refurbishment. The girls enjoyed every part of todays visit and we will be sure to revisit during the summer holidays 😊 🎩 🧢 👒 #hatworks #stockport #mill #greatermanchester #instafamily #daysout #museum #interest #grandopening #refurb
manchester_mum
18 likes • 5.1K views

🎯 Free Admission for All

Both Stockport Museum and Hat Works are free to enter! Donations are welcome to support their collections. InstagramReddit

👟 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive screens, role-play areas, and character trails make it a hit with children. InstagramReddit+1

Stockport Hat works Wow 😮 the last time I came here, I was in primary school so taking both of my girls felt a little surreal i was amazed at how child friendly it was. -completely free but donations welcome - pram friendly and accessible with lifts - amazing transport links by bus or train - top floor includes interactive screens, amazing activity sheets- children’s help your self station,...
redkitedaysnorthwest
258 likes • 1.7K views
Stockport has loads of free activities for kids this summer! Here's a few if our favourites... 📍Grimwood Museum Adventure, Stockport Museum 🐭 This free, fun, interactive museum trail features Grimwood characters and challenges. Complete the trail to earn a free sticker and enter a prize draw for a signed book bundle and National Art Pass. 📍SmileyWorld Art Trail, Stockport Centre 😄 Explore Stockp...
childfriendlymanchester
9 likes • 508 views

♿ Accessible Exploration

Lifts and accessible toilets are available, making it easy for prams and wheelchairs. Instagram

☕ Cafe & Gift Shop

A small gift shop and cafe are available, perfect for a treat or souvenir. Reddit

Hat works Museum 🎩👒🧢⛑️🪖 This week it was National Hat day so what better way than to celebrate than a trip to the Hat Museum. We love it here and it’s a great place to learn and play. There are lots of hats to try on, lots of amazing hats to see, the factory floor which tells the story all about how hats are made and the old hat factory and a role play hat shop. It’s such a fantastic day out in ...
jodie__anne__
26 likes • 473 views

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. InstagramReddit

👟 Kid-Friendly Fun

Interactive screens, role-play areas, and character trails make it a hit with children. InstagramReddit+1

♿ Accessible Exploration

Lifts and accessible toilets are available, making it easy for prams and wheelchairs. Instagram

☕ Cafe & Gift Shop

A small gift shop and cafe are available, perfect for a treat or souvenir. Reddit

🚗 Easy to Reach

Excellent transport links by bus and train, with nearby parking options. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(166 reviews)

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

Free admission
Interactive exhibits
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Sloping floors in historic building

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. Instagram Parking is available nearby.

Yes, the museum is pram friendly and accessible with lifts available to navigate between floors. Instagram

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

No, booking is not required for general admission to Stockport Museum or Hat Works. You can simply turn up and explore. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The museum has interactive tasks, a Grimwood Museum Adventure trail, and role-play sections designed to engage children. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours exploring both Stockport Museum and Hat Works, depending on their interest level. Reddit

Yes, Stockport Museum is housed in a fascinating historic building, part of which was originally built in the 15th century. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, the exterior of the museum, especially its historic architecture, is great for external shots. It's located opposite the impressive Market Hall. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Stockport Museum and Hat Works are fantastic free options for families. The Grimwood Museum Adventure trail at Stockport Museum is a highlight, offering interactive challenges and a chance to win prizes. Instagram+1 Hat Works is also very child-friendly, with lots of hats to try on and an engaging factory floor experience. Instagram Both locations are pram-friendly and accessible with lifts, making them easy to navigate with little ones. Instagram Consider bringing a packed lunch to enjoy at the designated eating area. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

As both Stockport Museum and Hat Works offer free admission, they are perfect for budget-conscious travelers. InstagramReddit You can easily spend several hours exploring both sites without spending a penny on entry fees. To keep costs even lower, take advantage of the option to bring your own food and drinks and enjoy them at the museum's designated table. InstagramReddit The excellent public transport links also mean you can save on travel costs if you're relying on buses or trains. Instagram

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by local history, Stockport Museum is a treasure trove. Explore exhibits covering prehistoric times to the present day, with in-depth looks at the town's industrial past, including its significant hat-making heritage. Reddit Don't miss the galleries dedicated to Strawberry Studios and the evocative 1970s street photography of Stockport. Reddit The historic building itself, with parts dating back to the 15th century, adds another layer of historical intrigue. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Stockport's Hat Heritage at Hat Works

The Hat Works Museum is a cornerstone of Stockport's identity, celebrating its rich history as a major hat-making centre. Recently undergoing a significant refurbishment, the museum now boasts an even more impressive display of over 1,300 hats and related artifacts. Visitors can delve into the fascinating process of hat manufacturing, from raw materials to finished products, on the recreated factory floor. This immersive experience offers a tangible connection to the town's industrial past and the lives of the people who worked in the mills. Instagram+3

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. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

A Journey Through Stockport's Past at Stockport Museum

Stockport Museum offers a comprehensive look at the town's history, spanning from its prehistoric origins to the present day. Housed in a historic building that dates back to the 15th century, the museum itself is a piece of history. Its collections are diverse, covering social history, industry, and culture, providing a rich tapestry of Stockport's evolution. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit+1

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