Cheshire2


Places to Visit in Cheshire

 

Stapely Water Gardens

There’s something for the whole family at Stapeley Water Gardens! With everything you need for the home and garden; water gardening, water features, pond products, indoor & outdoor plants, furniture, pets, clothing and gifts, as well as a Camping & Outdoor Centre; and for keen Anglers in the family, an enormous Angling Centre. At the Palms Tropical Oasis there’s over 100 species of rare and exotic wildlife and dazzling tropical plantlife to explore

Arley Hall & Gardens

Arley is a place of enormous character, charm and interest. Visitors are frequently struck by the warm and intimate atmosphere and the feeling that Arley is a much-cherished family home.

The Gardens, which are amongst the finest in Britain, are outstanding for their vitality, variety and historical interest and are particularly celebrated for the magnificent double herbaceous border. The Hall is an impressive example of a Victorian country house built in the Elizabethan style.

Visitors are also invited to enjoy a lively events programme appealing to all the family, including Arley Horse Trials & Country Fair, Arley Garden Festival, and Christmas Floral Extravaganza.

Blue Planet aquarium

‘Reef Magic’ will educate, amaze and enthuse you. Discover one of nature’s most complex and colourful tropical ecosystems, and raise your awareness of the threats to coral reefs &endash; often called the nurseries of the seas. 

The living exhibit features over 15 different species of fish and 20 different types of coral as well as demonstrating the captive breeding process which aims to help alleviate pressure on endangered species in our world’s oceans.

The main attractions are a central, 2,000 litre free-standing tank which allows visitors to view every angle of this living exhibit, and a 4,000 litre tank will feature corals and fish exclusively from the Red Sea.

Four smaller 500 litre tanks complete the installation. These demonstrate differences in the behaviour of corals and fish during night and day and fluorescence. You will be able to see up close how different species of marine life behave at both times of day, alongside one another – one tank includes nocturnal fish and the other diurnal fish (asleep at night).

Bramhall Hall

Bramall Hall is one of Cheshire’s grandest black and white timber-framed Tudor manor houses with Victorian additions. The Hall is set amongst 70 acres of parkland, which have been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown.

Highlights . . .

Chester Zoo

Every visit to Chester Zoo is a unique and exciting experience! The UK’s number one Zoo, close to the historic city of Chester, is set in 110 acres of award-winning gardens. In this spectacular setting are over 7000 animals &endash; more than 400 species of rare, exotic and endangered wildlife. There’s so much to do and see, with lots of great activities for all the family. With more than one million visitors every year, the Zoo is an all-year round favourite attraction for kids of all ages!

Chester Zoo’s gardens are deservedly famous with different garden areas representing different regions and type of plants, many of which are rare or extinct. They provide a glorious backdrop to the animals and reflect the natural habitats of some of our most exotic species.

When it’s play time for the children, then the Fun Ark is the place to be. Lively children can enjoy running, jumping and climbing – whilst mums and dads have a well deserved rest.

For refreshments and meals, you are spoilt for choice at Chester Zoo. From the elegant surroundings of Oakfield Manor to family meals in the Tsavo Café and Ark Restaurant and take-away kiosks, we have something to suit every taste and budget. Plus for gifts and souvenirs, our shops stock an excellent range of goods.

The Zoo is completely wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and all of our toilet facilities have disabled access, as well as plenty of Parent and Baby changing rooms

Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre

Set in 50 acres in the heart of the beautiful Cheshire countryside, Cotebrook Shire Horse Centre & Countryside Park offers everything for the perfect day out.

Home of the internationally renowned Cotebrook Shire Horse Stud we have been breeding prize winning Shires here for over 35 years and they form the centrepiece of the Centre. The Shire Horse is the largest breed of horse in the world and we welcome you to meet our Stallions, Mares & Foals and learn about this fabulous Old English Breed from our friendly and informative staff who will be pleased to share their knowledge. We have up to 30 horses at any time for you to meet.

As well as our Shire horses we have a fantastic selection of British animals & birdlife both wild & domesticated including many rare breeds. See our miniature Shetland Pony, Large Black Pigs, Aberdeen Angus Cattle, Birds of prey, Red Deer, Red Foxes and Red Squirrels, Polecats and Otters.

The Crocky Trail

The Crocky Trail is an outdoor adventure trail one mile in length with loads of activities along the way, such as mazes, swings, slides, bridges, tunnels etc, though there is always a way around the more challenging obstacles.

At the Crocky Trail we have a selection of chocolates, sweets, cold and hot drinks which are available at the tuck shop near the entrance to the trail.

People are welcome to bring along snacks and picnics to eat in the picnic area, play area or along the trail in the open countryside.

The trail is fully insured for Public Liability.

Delamere Forest

Delamere Forest Park comprises over 950 hectares of mixed deciduous and evergreen forest, open grassland and wetlands. It is the largest wooded area in Cheshire and lies within the Mersey Forest. Blakemere Moss has become an excellent habitat for a wide variety of wildlife and is particularly popular with ornithologists. Delamere offers the complete day out for all the family, with a wide range of facilities including bike hire, cafe, shop, Visitor Centre Go Ape! high ropes course and many car parks, picnic sites and viewpoints.

Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens

Dunge Valley Hidden Gardens and Hardy Plant Nursery feature an outstanding collection of Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Acers, and Magnolias as well as a wide variety of unusual Perennials, Trees and Shrubs.

Nestling in the rolling Pennine hills, the eight acres of woodland gardens, streams and waterfalls, flora and fauna create a stunning, ever-changing kaleidoscope of colourful vistas throughout the Spring and Summer.

Dunham Massey

Mansion with important collections and fascinating ‘below stairs’ area, set in a large country estate and deer park, with a rich and varied garden

Go Ape

It’s not in the dictionary, but if it was, Go Ape would be described as a ‘high-wire forest adventure’.

That means we build giant obstacle courses up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire, and top it all off with the country’s best zip lines (including the longest at 426 metres &endash; check out our Aberfoyle course).

We then kit people out with harnesses, pulleys and caribinas and let them loose into the forest canopy.

The result is spectacular. The Go Ape experience gets the adrenalin pumping, gets people out of their comfort zones and above all (no pun intended), it’s just great fun.

The Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre

The Jodrell Bank Visitor Centre welcomes you to the world famous Lovell Radio Telescope and Jodrell Bank Observatory, part of the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics at The University of Manchester. Also an extensive Arboretum.

Lyme Park

Glorious mansion house, surrounded by stunning gardens, moorland and ancient deer park

A Tudor house transformed into a huge Italianate palace in the 18th century

Tranquil Victorian garden, with roses, reflection lake and sunken parterre

Vast medieval deer park, moorland and woodland estate to explore

Famous scene in Pride & Prejudice (1995)

Adventure playground and lots of children’s events throughout the year

Ness Botanical Gardens

An impressive visitor centre welcomes visitors to Ness Gardens.

The new centre is a wonderful, airy, state of the art building which has been tailored to be sustainable and sympathetic to the environment. 

The building, which was made possible by a substantial donation from the late Mrs Betty Horsfall, has been named the Horsfall Rushby Visitor Centre in her honour.

The striking wooden structure is low-level so as not to impinge on its surroundings, and has a growing sedum roof.

The spacious, bright interior, designed to be a low-energy environment, houses:

Quarry Bank Mill and Styal Estate

One of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, showing how a complete industrial community lived

Boats of Chester

Have a cruise along the Dee

For an alternative to the traditional group function, ChesterBoat offers a refreshing change with a nautical flavour. Whether you are organising a large corporate hospitality event, a small family celebration or even a romantic Wedding reception afloat, we cater to your specific requirements.

Tabley House

Tabley House was designed by John Carr of York for Sir Peter Byrne Leicester, Bt., and completed in 1769. His son, Sir John Fleming Leicester, Bt., later 1st Lord de Tabley, was the first great patron and collector of British paintings. He assembled a splendid collection at Tabley and in his London house during the first decade of the 19th Century, ultimately with the intention of establishing a National Gallery of British Art.

JMW Turner, Henry Thompson and James Ward were among the many painters who stayed at Tabley. Today, important works by them can be seen in the rooms for which they were created, together with fine paintings by Dobson, Lely, Reynolds, Cotes, Northcote, Callcott, Fuseli, Lawrence, Opie, Martin and others.

Tatton Park

Tatton Park is one of the UK’s most complete historic estates. The Mansion, Gardens, Farm, Old Hall, 1,000 acre deer park and speciality shops offer something for everyone along with over 100 events annually.

The award winning estate receives over 750,000 visits each year and many people return again and again to enjoy this stunning area of Cheshire. We look forward to showing you why Tatton is so special.

Winsford Civic Hall

Winsford Civic Hall is a multi purpose venue which is used for a variety of council, corporate and private functions and events. Situated in the centre of Winsford next to the shopping precinct, the Civic Hall is easy to find and is surrounded by ample free parking.

The use of space within the hall is extremely flexible making it ideal for a wide range of activities. Exhibitions, conferences, festivals, dinner dances, receptions, shows and discos can be easily accomodated.

Bridgemere Garden World

Welcome to Bridgemere Nursery and Garden World, the largest Garden Centre in Britain, where we have more plants in more varieties than anyone else in Britain, most of which are home grown at our Nursery. As well as this we have a large range of clothing, giftware, books, furniture and much more – in fact something for all the family which includes the Bridgemere Restaurant serving delicious home cooked food all day. And whilst you are here why not take a stroll round our award winning Show gardens – there are 20 different gardens to choose from and entry is free.

Churche’s Mansion Nantwich

Churche’s Mansion was built in 1577 for a wealthy merchant and remains in wonderful condition with many original features. It is Grade I Listed, with a wealth of history to enjoy both inside and out. It is very rare for a merchant’s house to have survived in such original condition for over 430 years.

Lovingly restored to the highest of standards by present and previous owners, the Mansion is in wonderful condition.

Brief History of Churche’s Mansion and The Churche Family

The Churche family come from Leicestershire, and bought property in Hospital Street about the middle of the fifteenth century.   The family prospered as merchants and bought other estates in Cheshire and Shropshire.

Richarde Churche (born 1540) married Margerye Wright, the daughter of another important family in the town.   A wealthy merchant, Richarde had the Mansion built for him and his wife in 1577.   The building was done by Thomas Cleese, a master carpenter who also worked at Little Moreton Hall (a National Trust property).

Following the War of The Roses in the second half of the fifteenth century, and the strong centralised monarchy under the Tudors, the feudal power of the nobles declined dramatically.   This ushered in a period of great social upheaval, and the rise of the merchant classes.

However, merchant’s houses from these times are rare.   They were usually situated in towns, and consequently were often pulled down, or altered beyond recognition, during redevelopment.

Churches Mansion, an original merchant’s house, is a wonderful and important landmark to this pivotal time in British history, marking the growing wealth and power of businessmen.

The Great Fire of Nantwich, in 1583, burned for twenty days.   Much of the town was gutted and hundreds of buildings lost. Fortunately the fire did not reach the Mansion.   At this time Nantwich was a very important town, both for salt making and as an important military and communications link, being one day’s march from Chester.   Queen Elizabeth I encouraged the rebuilding of Nantwich, and contributed £1,000 of timber.

Richarde died in 1592, leaving two sons.   William, the eldest inherited the Shropshire estates at Betton, whilst his second son, Randle inherited the Mansion.   Randle stayed at the Mansion and was father to another Randle, who was Sergeant-at-Arms to King Charles I.

When Randle’s grandson, another Randle Churche, died in 1674 without an heir the Mansion passed to the descendants of William.   They leased the Mansion to Sabboth Churche (grandson of Richarde’s brother, Edward Churche).   He died in 1679, but his son, also Sabboth Churche, stayed on for almost another twenty years.

In 1696 another William Churche (born 1679, died 1743) leased the Mansion to the first outside tenant – William Jackson, a physician.   William’s mother, Hester, was also a signatory to the lease as he was still a minor.

Portraits of William and Hester Churche have survived and still hang in the Mansion.

The names of the tenants during much of the eighteenth century have been lost.   The next known tenants were Mr John Latham in 1792, then Mr Berks (a tanner), succeeded by Mr James Latham.   From 1848 to 1858 it was the residence of Mr T W Jones, attorney at law, and in 1869 it became a ladies boarding school.   The final tenant was a retired Wesleyan minsiter.

In 1930, the Mansion had been in the Churche family for over 350 years and the decision was made to sell.

The next owner was Dr Edgar Myott, who made the purchase amidst concern that someone was planning to buy the Mansion, dismantle it piece by peice and reassemble it in America.

A plaque in the front garden reads:

“The Mansion of Richard Churche, Gent: and Margerye his wyfe, built in 1577 by Thom. Cleese, carpenter. It stands just within the old town and was moated. In 1930 Edgar Myott saved it from demolition and began restoration”

Over the next several decades the Mansion was used as a restaurant and tea room whilst it was painstakingly and lovingly restored by the Myott family.

 In 1953, the Coronation year of Queen Elizabeth II, two sash windows at the front were removed and replaced with reproductions to match the existing Tudor ones.

 Bronze plaques on the frames below the windows read: “Lord Leverhulme unveiled this window restored to commemorate Her Majesty’s Coronation on the 26 May 1953”.

Edgar Myott’s son Richard continued the restoration, and the restaurant, until 1986.   The Mansion remained as a restaurant, under several different ownerships, until the end of the Twentieth Century.

Since 2001 it has been the home of Adams Antiques, providing a wonderful showcase for their period oak and country furniture.

Construction and Historical Detail

Churche’s Mansion is one of the most complete half timbered buildings in Cheshire, with many of its original featurs intact.   It is built in a style typical of the period – a frame of mighty Cheshire oak, infilled with wattle and daub, and lined with oak panelling.   The overhanging first floor to the front elevation is also typical.

There are many fine original features, both inside and out.   Many of the corbels are decorated with gilt carved heads and figures.   The heads of Richarde and Margerye Churche are on either side of the oak front door inside the porch.   Interior panelling shows fine examples of Elizabethan carving.

Nantwich Museum

THE fascinating history of one of Cheshire’s most attractive and historic towns is brought to life by Nantwich Museum.

Located in Pillory Street, at the heart of the town, the museum has main galleries telling the story of Nantwich through the ages – Roman salt making, Tudor Nantwich’s Great Fire, the Civil War Battle of Nantwich (1644) and the more recent shoe and clothing industries.

Beyond the galleries lie extensions. The first with its cheese-making exhibition and useful Joseph Heler meeting room, is dedicated to demonstrating how the county’s famous cheese has traditionally been made and sold around the floral market town of Nantwich.

Next is the Community Gallery where small exhibitions are staged followed by the magnificent, prize-winning, Millennium Gallery which provides the perfect home for a diverse programme of temporary exhibitions.

With facilities available to local community groups, Nantwich Museum is a vibrant hub of local interest. Enter through the door of Nantwich’s former Victorian Jubilee library and discover our exciting museum for yourself.

The museum is financially supported by :

The museum does not make a charge for admission, although donations are always welcome. The opening hours are: Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 4.30pm.

Crewe Hall Cheshire

In 1612, Sir Ranulph Crewe was so taken with the area a few miles South-East of Crewe Railway Station, he chose to spend a fortune over 24 years, building a manor fit for an emperor.

The Crewe family were awarded their title by William the Conqueror for services rendered in the Battle of Hastings

Crewe Hall is a classy hotel and popular venue for conferences, but in the 17th Century, it was home to one of the country’s most powerful families.

The house was originally built between 1616 and 1636 by Ranulph Crewe, and was the first brick built town house in Cheshire.

Hanging on an interior wall is a wooden tablet with details of the family’s lineage, and illustrations of their coats of arms hang from the ceilings of the great hall.

Over the centuries they did well and Ranulph Crewe who built Crewe Hall held the powerful position of Lord Chief Justice and Chancellor of the Exchequer.

His support of those who worked for him was unwavering and James I sent him to the Tower of London when he objected to an increase in taxation for the poorer people..

The interior of Crewe Hall screams wealth and power, with vast marble fireplaces in every room, and an ornate Jacobean staircase in its centre.

From the front door, you walk into the Hall of Pillars, originally an open courtyard, the area has been enclosed with a large barrel roof to protect it from the weather.

During its heyday, the Crewe family had a team of 50 chefs, and dozens of gardeners and household staff to care for them.

There’s also a story that the family had their own train line, that linked crewe station with Crewe Hall, although evidence of the line has long been covered over as the Hall has been renovated over the years.

Apart from the Chapel, the most opulant room in the house is the Library, where sculptures and wood carvings of famous and influential people like Francis Bacon, William Shakespeare and Queen Victoria  adorn the bookshelves.

In December 1866 a raging inferno gutted the entire building .

The site of the main hall dates back to the Normans,  this grade I listed building was largely rebuilt in 1866 after a fire to a design by architect Edward Barry, also known for Covent Garden Theatre and Charing Cross station. With its exquisite marble fireplaces, ornate plasterwork, carved wood and stained glass windows, the elaborate décor and architecture make quite an impression and a glorious backdrop to many a wedding and celebration.

To visit Crewe Hall follow the link below

http://www.qhotels.co.uk/our-locations/crewe-hall/

 

Nantwich Railway Station

A TOP award has been won by Nantwich Railway Station.

It was given the Best Station Garden accolade in the Best Kept Station awards organised by Visit Chester & Cheshire.

Nantwich Town Council chairman Keith Cafferty said: “This is tribute to the hard work put in by Nantwich in Bloom, the town and borough councils, volunteers and Natraj Restaurant. It just shows what can be done to semi-derelict areas when people work together.”

Cllr Cafferty added: “For a long time, the station has been an eyesore on what is a major gateway to the town. But now we hope Arriva will provide more stops at Nantwich.”

For trains from this station go to http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/nan/details.html

 

Stockport Air Raid Shelters

…is a labyrinth of tunnels under part of the town centre which provided shelter and a way of life for Stockport and Manchester families through the dark days of the Blitz.

Take time to wonder how everyone managed with those bunks & benches; lights & sounds; toilet arrangements & Red Cross facilities. Explore authentic reconstructions in a core area of sandstone tunnels. Sense the immense network of structure; the thousands of people; their concern and determination.

Audio – experience the sounds of 1940 – the historical context, the songs and the reminiscences. Reflect on the complexities of conflict in the ‘Web of War’ exhibition. Admire the contributions of Wardens, WVS and other volunteers, experience the atmosphere and respect the memories as you stroll through the tunnels.

Stockport Air Raid Shelters are one of the few ARP tunnel-systems built specifically for civilians in Britain and often accommodated over 7,000 people nightly. Anderson Shelters were also popular locally: a reconstruction of one of these is on display, complete with bunks and table.

The Air Raid Shelters have been imaginatively restored to give visitors the feel of the era and struggle that Britain was facing.

This network of tunnels, nearly a mile long, was hewn out of the red sandstone hills on which Stockport stands, to provide air raid shelters for 6,500 during the Second World War.

Come and explore this underground network and experience the way of life beneath Stockport’s streets – fitted with electric light, wooden benches, bunk beds, wardens’ post, a first aid post and, unforgettably, the 16-seater toilets!

 

Bramhall Hall

Bramall Hall is a superb example of a ‘Cheshire Black and White’ timber framed manor house, with origins dating back to Medieval England. The property is lovingly cared for and presents the visitor with a marvellous historic record spanning six centuries.

Journeying through the house will give you a glimpse into the Hall’s fascinating history – beautiful Tudor rooms with spectacular plaster ceilings, a wonderful 16th century embroidered table carpet and wall paintings, plus many fine examples of architecture, furniture and paintings from different periods.

The house is set in 70 acres of beautiful parkland which has been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown. The park features two lakes, woodland walks, gardens and a toddlers play area.

All in all, Bramall a wonderful place to host a special occasion, attend an event, or enjoy a leisurely outing exploring the historic Hall and its beautiful parkland.

Bramall Hall is a superb example of a Tudor Manor House with origins dating back to medieval times.

The House, one of the most beautiful treasurers of England, is of great national importance. The magnificent 16th Century wall paintings, Elizabethan fine plaster ceiling, the Victorian Kitchens and Servants Quarters give this Hall its unique charm.

The Hall stands in 70 acres of parkland designed in the style of Capability Brown to give grand vistas over the terraces, lawns and lakes to the trees beyond.

Bramall Hall is one of Cheshire’s grandest black and white timber-framed Tudor manor houses with Victorian additions. The Hall is set amongst 70 acres of parkland, which have been landscaped in the style of Capability Brown.

Highlights . . .

 

Staircase House

This award-winning attraction invites you to time travel through the history of Staircase House from 1460 to WWII. With the help of a state of the art audio guide the fascinating history of the house will unfold on a magical, accessible and informative journey through 500 years of history.

The entire 18 room town house is fully interactive. You are invited to smell, touch and listen and to relive its rich history by pulling back the bedclothes on the four poster bed, peeling rush lights in the Tallow Room, and trying your hand at 17th century quill pen writing in the Counting House.

Staircase House is perfect for a family day out or simply to enjoy a unique hands-on historical experience. The house has an intriguing array of period rooms linked by narrow passages and the beautifully restored cage newell staircase&emdash;one of only three surviving examples in Britain. Each room has been carefully restored to show you what it would have looked like when the house was inhabited in the 1600’s, 1700’s, 1800’s and WWII! More history than you can shake a stick at!

Look out for special event days when costumed characters fill the house with drama and activities! Visit on the last Saturday of every month and meet costumed characters as part of our ‘Days Gone By’ programme.

The house is set in the heart of Stockport’s historic market place and boasts an intriguing array of rooms linked by corridors and narrow passages. All the rooms have been restored using period colours, furniture and artefacts which reflect the attraction’s long and eventful history. The bedroom boasts a seventeenth century four poster bed, there’s a two hundred year old table in the eighteenth century dining room, an authentic busy kitchen, and some historic lighting in the tallow room. There are also rumours of ghostly goings-on and the house is allegedly haunted by the ghost of Robert Owten, former butler to the Shallcross family.

Staircase House has been designed to make people feel at home – there are few rope barriers or signs forbidding people to touch objects so visitors can take a truly unique journey back in time.

The buidling is a grade 2* listed medieval town house dating back to around 1460. Very little is known of the house’s early history, though it is thought that it was originally the home of the Mayor of Stockport, William Dodge, in 1483.

The first definite residents were the Shallcross family who owned the house from 1605 – 1730. Part of the landed gentry, it was they who installed the cage newel staircase in 1618, which gives the house its name. The Jacobean staircase is one of only three surviving examples in Britain and has been carefully restored following an almost devastating fire in 1995.   

 

Chadkirk Chapel Stockport

Come and visit Chadkirk Chapel, Country Estate and Local Nature Reserve set in the heart of the beautiful Goyt Valley. Relax and cherish the peace and tranquility of Chadkirk, the Chapel and grounds.

Its quiet beauty was enhanced by extensive restoration work completed in 1995, (part funded by the European Regional Development Fund) which included the installation of a specially commissioned life-size statue of St Chad near the altar, and colourful carved wooden panels depicting scenes from the life of the saint.

Chadkirk Country Estate is around 60 acres and is comprised of low lying farm land and Ancient woodland. These Ancient woodlands are designated as Sib’s (Sites of Biological Importance) due to the rich flora & fauna associated with these old woodlands.

The Farm is signed up to the Countryside Stewardship Scheme which is a scheme to support and encourage farmers and land holders to manage the land in an environmentally friendly way.

As a result of the sympathetic and environmentally friendly way in which the farm and woodlands are managed, the entire Estate has been designated as a LINER, (Local Nature Reserve).

As well as the farm and woodlands, the estate has an enchanting walled garden, with beds, lawns and a large herb garden.

The ‘Chapel’ gardens also have mixed flower beds, a scented garden and a semi wild raised bed, with both wild and cultivated plants.

While these areas are formal and well kept they still play a valuable roll in adding to the conservation of wildlife by providing a rich and varied source of nectar and pollen for, Butterflies, Moths and Hover flies etc.

The estate offers the visitor the chance to relax in a variety of habitats, with seats and picnic tables placed around the estate and gardens. These stopping points allow you to stop and take in the colours and scents which are encountered around the gardens, fields and woodlands.

 

Stockport HAT Museum

The UK’s first and only museum dedicated to the exciting world of hats and hat making

Situated within Wellington Mill on the A6, the site has been transformed into a major new attraction and educational resource in the heart of the town.

The museum was developed as a lottery funded regeneration project in Stockport, one of Manchester’s leading hatting towns.

It is an award winning interactive Visitor Attraction housed in a restored Grade ll listed Victorian Mill. Wellington Mill was appropriately once a thriving hat factory.

Hat Works opened to the public for the first time in April 2000.

Hat Works focuses on the development of the hatting industry from its humble beginnings in the cottage industry to the mass production of the early 19th century.

Live demonstrations of working machinery combined with an extensive collection of hats and stimulating audio-visual shows create an experience, which is thought provoking, educational and fun.

Hat Works offer an exciting programme of special exhibitions, children’s events, craft workshops and special family activities.

During the school holidays we run daily workshops for children and our special family fun days are not to be missed.