In this, the first of an occasional series on Days out in Manchester, I’m shining the spotlight on Stockport. Read on to discover 15 splendid reasons for visiting the town.
Getting there:
Stockport is located eight miles south east of Manchester and is easily reached by train taking only ten minutes from the city centre with services departing every few minutes from Piccadilly station. On exiting Stockport station clearly marked signposts guide pedestrians and cyclists through the attractively landscaped urban park to the town’s attractions and shopping centre.
15 reasons to visit Stockport:
1. Stockport Town Hall
Stockport Town Hall was designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas who also designed Belfast City Hall. The building was opened in 1908 and is locally referred to as ‘The Wedding Cake’. The town hall is a popular wedding venue and is also home to the Stockport Symphony Orchestra.
2. The Hat Works
Visit the UK’s only factory dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear where you can discover Stockport’s connection with hatting.
Take a one hour factory floor tour where you can learn all about Stockport’s hat trade. Tours are led by enthusiastic guides whose families worked in the hatting industry. Explore the reconstructed factory floor, viewing the Victorian machinery and watch videos demonstrating the techniques used in those times.
Afterwards, explore the worldwide connections of Stockport’s hat collection in the wonderful Gallery of Hats and be inspired by the array of colours, shapes, patterns and textures of the many hats on display.
Before leaving call into the museum cafe for a coffee and take a look in the attractive gift shop.
3. Go underground on a Stockport Air Raid Shelter Tour
The Stockport Air Raid Shelters are a system of almost one mile of underground tunnels dug under Stockport during the Second World War to protect local residents during air raids. Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs, taking a self guided tour offers visitors an insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940’s.
Tours begin with a short immersive experience before walking through the network of tunnels. Information boards and memorabilia along the way provide experiences of local people during the war.
The tunnels were nicknamed the “Chestergate Hotel” because the shelters were located on Chestergate, and considered very comfortable and well-equipped for an air raid shelter. They even boasted electric lighting, flushing toilets and bunk beds.
4. Dive into books at the Stockport Central Library
Stockport is home to a noted Carnegie library which was constructed in 1915 in Edwardian Baroque style. The ground floor library has a glazed dome supported by Doric columns and stained glass windows etched with the names of writers.
5. Follow in the footsteps of L.S. Lowry on Crowther Street
L.S. Lowry was a famous artist noted for his industrial landscapes of the north west of England featuring human figures referred to as ‘Matchstick Men’. One of his paintings from 1930 entitled ‘A street in Stockport’ was of Crowther Street which has remained mostly unchanged since then.
6. Explore the Underbanks Conservation Area
The Underbanks is accessed via a flight of stone steps from the market square and is steeped in Stockport’s cultural heritage. Nowadays, this part of town is noted for its vintage shops, independent bars and cafes. Don’t miss the three highlights listed below.
7. View the historic working Winter’s Clock
Winter’s Clock on the Underbanks is an iconic timepiece and a beloved local landmark. Winter’s was a renowned clockmaker and jewellers shop and although it no longer exists, the exquisite double faced white glass clock still chimes every fifteen minutes.
8. Stroll beneath St. Petersgate Bridge
Cast your eyes up to view this cast-iron bridge which is supported by five brick arches. This feat of urban engineering allowed access from the St Petersgate to the marketplace.
9. Take a look at Stockport’s street art
Throughout the Underbanks, pieces of street art reflect the area and its history. Located in the empty window arches underneath St Petersgate Bridge, this artwork pays tribute to the Underbanks’ history of independent businesses. Emily Flanagan is a local artist, known for her distinct big eared characters, bold shapes and colours.
10. Visit Robinson’s Brewery Museum
Located in the centre of town stands the Robinson’s brewery with a history in Stockport dating back over 185 years. Pop into the Visitor Centre which includes a small museum to learn about the history of one of the UK’s largest independent family brewers. Admission is free but please note that opening hours are only Monday-Friday 10.00-16.00.
11. Pop into the Market Hall for coffee and cakes at Sticky Fingers
Stockport has been market trading since the Middle Ages with the beautiful market hall dating back to the 1860’s. Browse over thirty stalls offering fresh produce, household goods, textiles and cafes. The market is open each Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Don’t leave before being tempted into buying some bread, savoury or sweet treats from the Polish artisan bakery Sticky Fingers. Everything is very tempting with the Warsaw cake and the poppy seed vanilla pastries being standout favourites.
12. Gaze in awe at the town’s rich Tudor architecture
Head to the town’s NatWest Bank which was formerly Underbank Hall, a 16th-century town house. This was the home of the Arden family who were related to William Shakespeare on his mother’s side. Take a sneak peek inside the banking hall to admire its many original features.
13. Get up close to the Stockport Viaduct
The Stockport Viaduct was the world’s largest at the time of its completion in 1840 and remains a significant example of Victorian engineering. The viaduct crosses the M60 motorway and the River Mersey carrying a large number of trains every day between the West Coast Main Line and Manchester Piccadilly station.
14. Join a distillery tour and tasting at Stockport Gin
Stockport Gin is a craft distillery based in the centre of town. Join one of their distillery tours or unleash your creative talents at the gin school by blending botanicals to take home your very own bottle of gin.
15. Before heading home enjoy dinner and drinks in the Produce Hall
Located in the historic marketplace across the cobbles from the Market Hall, the Produce Hall is now a local foodie hotspot featuring independent businesses. Select from South Indian street food, Cambodian cuisine, tapas, burgers or pizza alongside an attractive cocktail bar.
And there you have it, so many reasons to spend a lovely day in sunny Stockport! Even if you aren’t local to Manchester I’m sure you’ll agree that the town has much to offer and is worthy of a visit.
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During my visit to Stockport I was a guest of both Stockport Council and Visit Manchester and as always all views and opinions are entirely my own.
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