National Trust Quarry Bank Mill Cheshire Review
Quarry Bank Mill
Cheshire
Reviewed by Dane Smith
The last time I visited Quarry Bank Mill I was a very young child, so I was excited to return and write a review on this wonderful heritage site. Upon my arrival I was met with a beautiful scenic entrance which leads to the main car park which was well looked after and easily accessible. The walk down to the mill itself gives you great views of the mill, it had very good disabled and buggy access. As I arrived at the ticket office the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, I was given very clear and easy to follow directions to get inside the mill itself. The whole courtyard area on front of the office was very clean and had a good layout.
As you enter the mill the first room is an art gallery containing fascinating works of Barbara Greg and Norman Janes, two very talented artists. It’s also a story of how they met and became artists. This then leads through to the story of the cotton trade which contains many interactive exhibit’s which I think is great to get children involved in the history of the mill and the cotton trade itself. There are many live demonstrations in the mill showing you how cotton was farmed, spun and weaved, but they do it in such a way that almost takes you back to the 1800`s with their unique style of demonstrations. It amazes me how good the condition of the mill and all its machinery are kept in, it really shows you the care that goes into the whole site. I loved how all the machinery is brought to life as you progress through the mill giving you an insight into the sights, sounds and smells of what it might be like to have worked in the mill in its prime. Every single member of staff that was giving demonstrations or I had asked questions to seemed very knowledgeable and happy to share information with you about the exhibits and history of the mill. I come back to all the interactive exhibits which I would say are great to get everyone involved in the day, it’s not all about the history, there are also many exhibits about the way different parts of the mill operate and they can also watch parts of the mill work right in front of their eyes which I think is rare nowadays so would really recommend this for all the family. I was pleased to see there was a disabled route around the mill allowing access for everybody to see this unique experience, there was also mention of a trial period where they will be allowing people to take buggies round as they currently do not allow them in the mill itself.
The gardens are a wonderful tranquil walk which leads up to the Greg manor house, we were given a walking guide map to follow around the garden. Again has very good disabled access and is full of vibrant colours and smells. There are several routes around the gardens either down by the river or through the rockery gardens, which all lead up to the manor house which they are currently restoring the green house so they can once more produce tropical fruits. This is a great opportunity to take in excellent views of the mill and valley from the top of the gardens, great if you love walking and nature.
The café has some excellent homemade food on offer at very reasonable prices. They also offer kids alternatives and plenty of beverages. Their cakes and scones looked fantastic and they also offer a wide range of hot drinks. The café is very clean and has many high chairs to accommodate for many young children which was nice to see as some places only have a few available. The food was really nice and hearty which I find only exists in good quality homemade food. The baby changing facilities were one of the best I have seen with lots of space and very clean.
The shop has plenty to offer for everyone from toys and sweets to books and clothes all good value for money and a great way to keep something from a great day.
Overall I think this was a great day out with lots to offer for all the family, great value for money with excellent service and a high standard of hygiene over the entire site. I would recommend Quarry Bank Mill to everybody and will without a doubt be returning when my child is a little older.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost (for whole site with Gift Aid): £8 child, £16 adult and £40 Family.
For more information visit www.quarrybankmill.org.uk.
Quarry Bank Mill, Styal, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 4LA | 01625 527468
