Guided of Hat Works Factory floor with one of our expert guides.
Journey through Stockport’s hatting history on our guided tour of the Factory Floor. Discover Wellington Mill’s roots in the cotton trade, the grizzly history of the fur trade, why Stockport was the place to make hats and see our Victorian hatting machines in motion for the first time since 2016.
Over the last 4 years we have created new interpretation and displays using more images, archive footage and objects than ever before.
Tour duration approximately 1hour.
Adults £7.50, Concessions £6.00, Under 16's Free when accompanied by an adult.
The tour is most suited to children 10 years+
We will be introducing a family friendly tour in the not too distant future.
It’s been a long journey and we can’t wait to welcome you!
The restoration of the machines has been funded by a grant from the Association for Industrial Archaeology which promotes the study, preservation and presentation of Britain's industrial heritage.
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10% off in shop
Expires: 1 Jan 2026
Visitor information
Address
Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport, Greater Manchester, SK3 0EU
0161 474 2399
Opening times
Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 10am - 4pm
Last admission 3.15pm
Exclusions and safety measures
There’s lots to see, do and try on for people of all ages in our new Gallery of Hats.
Explore the global connections of Stockport’s hat collection and be inspired by the array of colours, shapes, patterns and textures of the hats on display.
Take a tour of the Factory Floor where the ‘hard hatting’ facts about Stockport’s hat trade are highlighted and you can see our restored hat -making machines in motion.
Enjoy spending time in the museum café run by Arc where you can enjoy great coffee, take in a creative wellbeing activity or exhibition.
Start your journey of discovery into headwear and wellbeing here, at the UK’s only hat museum.
