Quarry Bank Mill
A cotton mill and workers' village built in 1784, still with a working waterwheel and textile machines. It is a vivid example of Industrial Revolution heritage.
Quarry Bank is in the village of Styal, next to Manchester Airport. It was founded in 1784 by Samuel Greg and is one of the most completely preserved cotton mills from the Industrial Revolution in Britain. Visitors can see a huge waterwheel and steam engine still in operation and watch demonstrations of weaving looms. The apprentice house tells the story of child labour, and the owner's house, gardens and the Bollin Valley trail are beautiful. It is managed by the National Trust, with entry costing about GBP 20. From the city centre, take a train to Styal station and walk for about 15 minutes. It is about 17 km from Manchester and can be combined with a trip to the airport.
Opening hours
About 10:00–17:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Curry Mile (Wilmslow Road, Rusholme)
- The Whitworth
- Elizabeth Gaskell's House
- Manchester Museum
- Old Trafford
- Castlefield
- Science and Industry Museum
- Aviva Studios (Factory International)