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Top 13 Things to Do in Stockport 

Top 13 Things to Do in Stockport 

| Last Updated: December 2023

Now, you might be scratching your head, wondering, ‘Stockport? Never heard of it.’ But trust me, once you set foot in this town, you’ll be in for a treat. 

Picture this: chic restaurants where every dish tells a story, intriguing spots that pique your curiosity, and shopping centres that’ll make your jaw drop. 

Thinking of making a pit stop? Stockport should be at the top of your list. Dive in, explore, and let Stockport surprise you in ways you never imagined!

Stop by the ole’ Staircase House 

Address:  30/31 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1ES, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 474 4444

Website: N/A

Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday closed; Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM; Friday 12 to 5 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM

Just by looking at it, you might think that there is nothing special about the Staircase House— and boy will you be wrong. Just outside the MarketPlace (food market manchester), this whole establishment is actually a tale as old as rhyme that dates back in the 1400s (1460 to be exact). 

What’s incredible is you can also still see the old timbers and designs that you wouldn’t expect to still exist (longer than any bad relationship would stand, that’s for sure)!  

Even more, you can expect Jacobean-style newel staircases (hence the name) which were refurbished to make them look as good as new. But don’t fret if you think this is nothing but an old ancestral house because it isn’t. 

The house is fully interactive which allows you to lift covers and quilts to see how stitches back in the day were done to wove one of the most elegant-looking mattresses you can find. 

Pro Tip: Each furniture or exhibit you’ll see inside this house, there are audio guides that help you know more about the history of each piece which makes the visit more interactive and memorable as you cherish the rich history of this ancestral facade. 

Marvel at the exhibits inside the Stockport Museum 

Address: 30 Market Pl, Stockport SK1 1ES, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441614744444

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/stockport-museum

Opening Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday to Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM; Saturday 11 AM to 4 PM

One of the best places (in our opinion) that you should definitely not miss out on is the Stockport Museum near the Staircase House in the MarketPlace. It’s like a time machine, taking you through the town’s rich history from way back to now.

Ever heard of the Mellor Iron Age settlement? They’ve got some fascinating pieces from that era. And for those who dig the mediaeval period, there’s a whole section dedicated to Stockport’s mediaeval days.

What really blew my mind was learning about Stockport’s industrial heyday in the 18th and 19th centuries. Who would’ve thought Stockport was a hub for rope-making?

Pro Tip: Each furniture or exhibit you’ll see inside this house, there are audio guides that help you know more about the history of each piece which makes the visit more interactive and memorable as you cherish the rich history of this ancestral facade. 

Take your hats off at the Hat Works

Address: Wellington Mill, Wellington Rd S, Stockport SK3 0EU, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441614742399

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/hat-works

Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM to 5 PM

It may sound like a pun at first, but it’s actually a memorable Stockport destination for both locals and tourists. The Hats Works has been standing since the 1800s and it is a hallmark of the town’s rich hat-making history. 

For those who are into apparel (especially hats), then this place is a true treat for you! In fact, it primarily focused on cotton-spinning during its heyday, but as time went on, it pivoted to hats as its primary product. 

They’ve also preserved some really cool vintage-looking machines that were really hip at that time 

Here, you can expect a hat collection like no other which ranges from over 400 iconic pieces in Manchester’s rich fashion (charity shops manchester) history. 

These include the ever-so-fashionable wears like top hats and bowler hats that are still famous all over the world— the perfect apparel for ladies and gents like yourselves! 

Pro Tip: Every now and then, they host workshops where you can learn the art of hat-making. And if you’re visiting with family, the kids will have a great time in the Family Fun Zone.

Sneak inside the Stockport Air Raid Shelters

Address: 61 Chestergate, Cheshire, Stockport SK1 1NE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441614741940

Website: http://www.stockport.gov.uk/airraidshelters

Opening Hours: Monday closed; Tuesday to Friday 1 to 5 Pm; Saturday 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday 11 AM to 4 PM

At first, you might think that this is another tunnel that has no unique aspect to it, but you’ll find out pretty soon why the Stockport Air Raid Shelters have a special place in our Mancunian hearts. 

This incredible piece of history is right beneath Stockport’s streets. Back in the day, anticipating air raids, they dug out this massive network of tunnels in the red sandstone below the town. Started in ’38, these tunnels were designed to shelter a whopping 6,500 folks!

In fact, Stockport Council owns these shelters, and in ’96, they decided to open up the largest tunnel for everyone to see. Inside, it’s like stepping back in time. 

There’s a makeshift living area, a tiny kitchen, even a sick bay and a loo— sweet right? It’s wild to think people might’ve waited for air raids down there.

Pro Tip:If you’re keen to experience it, grab an audio-guide. It paints a vivid picture of wartime life in Stockport. You can wander around on your own on weekday afternoons (bar Monday) or anytime over the weekend. I

Put your cinephile robes on at the Plaza Cinema 

Address: Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +441614777779

Website: http://www.stockportplaza.co.uk/

Opening Hours: Per event basis 

If there’s one movie theatre that Stockport folks run to and glue their buttocks on, it’s surely the Plaza Cinema. 

It’s got this rich history, starting its life in 1932 as this Cine-Variety spot, blending films with live shows. But then, for years, it turned into a bingo hall. Thankfully, in the early 2000s, they brought it back to its former glory.

The place is a stunner, dripping in Art Deco charm, and can pack in over 1,300 folks. 

It’s buzzing all year with all sorts of events. From musicals and top-notch British comedians to plays and even tribute bands. And if you’re into history, you might catch talks from big names like Dan Snow.

But what’s super cool? They’ve got live screenings from bigwigs like the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. 

Pro Tip:And if movies are your jam, fret not! They’ve got everything else in the ‘Hollywood life drama biz’. From the latest hits to timeless classics by legends like Hitchcock— there’s something for just about anyone who loves watching movies (duh, who doesn’t)?

Go back to the 1600s in the halls of Underbank Hall

Address: 10 Great Underbank, Cheshire, Stockport SK1 1LL, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +443457888444

Website: https://locator.natwest.com/Branch/10838-Stockport

Opening Hours: Sunday closed; Monday to Tuesday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Wednesday 10 AM to 4:30 PM; Thursday and Friday 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM; Saturday 9:30 to 1 PM

If you’re into the old vibes when visiting a place like Stockport, do yourself a favour and pause to admire this absolute gem of a 16th-century timber-framed townhouse called the Underbank Hall. It’s like it stepped straight out of a history book, and it’s in tip-top shape.

Now, here’s the quirky bit: Underbank Hall isn’t just a relic from the past; it’s also where you’d pop in to do some banking. 

Yep, it’s been housing a branch of NatWest Bank since 1823. Fun fact: it became a bank when William Arden, a buddy of the Prince Regent, decided to sell it off. Talk about a prime real estate move!

Pro Tip:As you’re passing by, don’t just rush in to check your balance. Take a moment to appreciate the details. The ground floor windows stretch on in this elegant, unbroken line. And if you tilt your head up, those gables? They’re like artwork with their intricate patterns and cute-as-a-button finials.

Mingle with Stockportians at the memorable Town Hall 

Directions 

Address: Edward St, Stockport SK1 3NG, UK

Contact Details: +44 161 474 3451

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/visitor-information-stockport-town-hall

Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday closed; Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5 PM

Ever been to Stockport and thought, ‘I wish there was a grand Edwardian Baroque Revival building around here’? Well, you’re in luck! 

The Stockport Town Hall, built in 1908, is exactly that and more. It’s like the architectural equivalent of a peacock flaunting its feathers, with those bold pediments and Ionic columns, all topped off with a clock tower that’s just showing off.

And talk about an entrance (no pun intended— literally), it’s decked out in Italian marble, like it’s casually walking a fashion runway. 

And it leads to this ballroom that’s got a Wurlitzer organ. Fun tidbit: this organ used to be the star at the Paramount Theatre in Manchester. And now, it’s here, being all vintage and cool.

Pro Tip: If you’re around on a weekday and give them a heads-up, they’ll let you in for a guided tour. And trust us, the inside is as impressive as the outside. 

Eye on amazing deals (both food and everything else) at the Stockport Market 

Address: Stockport Market Place, Churchgate, Stockport SK1 1YJ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: N/A

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/stockport-market-place

Opening Hours: Sunday and Saturday closed; Tuesday 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Wednesday closed; Thursday 9 AM to 4:30 PM; Friday 9 AM to 4:30 PM

Who loves shopping, a raise of hands please? You know we do, and the Stockport Market is the best place for shopaholics who love encountering good deals! 

Locals lovingly dub it the ‘Glass Umbrella’, and let us tell you, it’s been sheltering shoppers since the 1860s. And get this: there’s been some form of market hustle and bustle in that spot since, oh, around 1260. Yep, that’s not a typo!

Now, if you’re thinking of popping by, aim for a Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. That’s when the place truly comes alive with over 50 independent traders. 

Fancy some farm-fresh veggies? Well, we’ve got great news for you! Just head to the Produce Hall. Or maybe you’re in the mood for some vintage trinkets, fresh flowers, or even a new toy for the kiddo. They’ve got it all.

Pro Tip:Keep your weekends free for their special events. The Makers’ Market, for instance, is where you can snag some unique finds, like locally distilled Cheshire gin. Because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a bit of gin after a day of shopping?

Walk down the pathways of the Stockport Viaduct

Address: Heaton Ln, Stockport SK4 1AR, UK

Contact Details: N/A

Website: N/A

Opening Hours: 24/7

Alright, brace yourself for a fun fact about Stockport: smack dab in the middle of it is the UK’s largest brick-built structure. Yep, you heard that right. The Stockport Viaduct, built in 1840, isn’t just any old bridge. 

This bad boy was whipped up in under two years for the Manchester and Birmingham Railway. Today, it’s a runway for the West Coast Main Line, strutting its stuff over the River Mersey with a whopping 27 arches and standing tall at nearly 34 metres.

Now, let’s talk numbers because they’re wild. Imagine 11 million bricks. That’s how many it took to bring this beast to life. What’s even crazier is the fact that its workforce is embodied by a tireless crew of 600, working day and night in shifts— talk about dedication!

Pro Tip:If you’re a sucker for epic engineering (or just want a cool backdrop for your next Instagram post), head over to Wellington Road near the Hat Works Museum. The view is just— chef’s kiss! 

Take primetime seats for the best musicals at the Strawberry Studious 

Address: 5 Waterloo Rd, Stockport SK1 3AZ, United Kingdom

Contact Details: N/A

Website: http://www.strawberrynorth.co.uk/

Opening Hours: Per event basis

If you’re remotely as interested in musicals like we do, then we highly recommend the Strawberry Studios at Stockport. From the outside, Strawberry Studios might look like just another building, but oh boy, the stories it could tell!

Now, it’s all swanky private offices, but there’s this blue plaque out front that’s a shoutout to its rock ‘n’ roll past. Founded in ’68 by some guys who’d later form the band 10cc, they named it after the Beatles’ tune Strawberry Fields Forever— pretty cool, right?

And the list of legends who’ve recorded there? Prepare to be starstruck: Paul McCartney, Neil Sedaka, Joy Division, the Smiths, and the Stone Roses, to name just a few.

Pro Tip:Feeling a bit FOMO? Good news! Every once in a while, they swing the doors open for heritage days. So, you can channel your inner rockstar and strut around where music history was made.

Indulge in the scenic views of nature at the Etherow Country Park

Address: George St, Compstall, Romiley, Stockport SK6 5JD, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 427 6937

Website: https://www.stockport.gov.uk/etherow-country-park

Opening Hours: 24/7

Stockport has a lot of great nature reserve areas that are great for camping or picnicking if you’re with friends and family. 

What once was an old mine, cotton mill, and mill pond has now become one of the country’s best country parks! This slice of green heaven, surrounded by vintage 19th-century industrial charm, sits cosily by the River Etherow, right at the doorstep of the Peak District.

Now, here’s the cool part: that river? It’s the lifeblood for the man-made reservoirs that once powered those old mills. 

And if you swing by on a sunny day, you’ll catch the local sailing club’s dinghies doing their elegant dance on the water. Perfect backdrop for a coffee break at the waterside cafe, if you ask me.

Pro Tip:Lace up those hiking boots! Etherow Country Park is your starting line for the Goyt Way, a scenic trail stretching ten miles all the way to Whaley Bridge in Derbyshire. 

Stop by at the Reddish Vale Country Park

Address: Reddish Vale Visitors Centre, Reddish Vale Rd, Stockport SK5 7HE, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 477 5637

Website: http://www.reddishvalecountrypark.com/

Opening Hours: Daily 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Another one of Stockport’s natural reserves is the Reddish Vale Country Park, and boy is it an incredible place to be when you want to feed the ducks and look out for exotic species in the UK. 

Now, here’s where it gets cinematic. Spanning the Tame is this epic 16-arch railway viaduct, built in 1875 for the Hope Valley Line. It’s like something straight out of a period drama. 

What’s fascinating to us is that the park is like a maze of paths, with cycle trails and bridleways all over the land area. Birdwatchers, brace yourselves! The place is a hotspot for kingfishers, sand martins, and a whole entourage of water-loving birds.

And if you’re looking for some local flavour, there’s a cosy visitor centre (currently rocking the cabin vibe), a kiddo-friendly animal attraction at Reddish Vale Farm. 

For the golf enthusiasts, the Reddish Vale Golf Club. It’s been around since 1912, so you know they’ve got their swing down. 

Pro Tip:For those with a bit of wanderlust in their step, this park is your gateway to adventures on the Trans Pennine Trail or Midshires Way.

Make way for the forest at the Marple Lock Flight

Directions

Got a cool spot to share with you: just a hop, skip, and a jump east of Stockport, in the cosy nook of Marple, you’ll find this set of 16 locks on the Peak Forest Canal. Honestly, it feels like Mother Nature had a little extra sparkle left and decided to drop it right there.

To give you a brief and nifty little history about Marple Lock Flight, they wrapped up the canal in 1796, but this diva of a hillside section threw them for a loop. 

Cash ran dry, and they had to improvise with a tramway until they could sort the locks out in 1804. 

But then, railways strutted in, stealing the limelight, and our lovely locks went into a bit of a beauty sleep. That is, until some visionaries in the 60s and 70s decided to give them a much-needed spa day.

Pro Tip:In about 20 minutes, you can saunter through this award-winning park right to the top. And there’s this adorable visitor centre, all snug in an old toll house, waiting to greet you.
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