Stockport blends with Greater Manchester to form a borough known for its hatting industry and home to hundreds of Heritage-listed buildings and ancient monuments. Nestled on the River Mersey, Stockport also has museums, cycling trails, country parks and modern shopping venues.

Things to do

Delve into the heart of Stockport’s industrial past at Hat Works, the only museum in Britain devoted to the story of the hatting industry. Two floors display interactive exhibits chronicling the rise from cottage industry to more than 100 hatting factories. The museum displays a recreated factory with at least 20 working Victorian-style machines and more than 400 hats in themed display galleries.

Interested in the city’s architecture? Hit the streets of Stockport to discover medieval and Tudor halls, such as Peel Hall and Bramall Hall. Visit the Stockport Viaduct for a glimpse of the historical 1840 landmark.

Nature prevails in Stockport with its 14 nature reserves, including the historic Etherow Country Park, where you can walk through serene natural areas and SSSI sites. Head over to Reddish Vale Country Park, once a calico printing factory, which now houses a bird and wildlife habitat. Hike the Heritage Wander trail or the five-kilometre Cycle Trail, then stop to fish in one of the two mill ponds.

In the town centre, you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities, including Merseyway Shopping Centre and The Peel Hall centre. For indie shops and unique items, roam through Stockport Market Place and the Cheadle Makers Market, where you can catch local artisans, chefs and craftspeople mastering their craft.

Getting around

Stockport is serviced by the Greater Manchester metro system, which includes city buses. You can also rent a car in the city or at Manchester Airport, about a 20-minute drive from Stockport.