We’ve got heaps of history and heritage here in Manchester, but it’s easy to overlook that when we’re going about our busy daily lives, just wanting to get to work on time or catch the next bus across town. So as there are plenty of half terms and bank holidays on the horizon, why not check out some specific heritage sites, where you could even take a day or weekend trip away? From mills and towers to stately homes and locations of historical importance, here’s our guide to the best heritage sites to visit around Greater Manchester, with or without the family.
1. Quarry Bank
One of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, set in picturesque gardens and countryside, Quarry Bank is a place of stark contrast, where the power of the Industrial Revolution sits alongside the beauty of picturesque gardens and lush countryside, and is a National Trust site.
At Quarry Bank you can discover a complete industrial community and experience the very different worlds of owner and worker, who lived and worked there side by side. Discover what it was like to work in a cotton mill, experience heritage machinery in action and feel the floors shake beneath your feet as the spinning machines turn and the looms weave.
Find out about the life and legacy of Samuel Greg, the founder of Quarry Bank, and explore the Greg family home, Quarry Bank House, including the stunning picturesque gardens that rise up the banks of the river valley. By contrast, take a guided tour of the Apprentice House to step into the lives of the pauper children who worked in the mill, and stroll to Styal village to see how many of the other workers lived. Find out more and see events at Quarry Bank here.
đź“Ť Quarry Bank, Styal Rd, Styal, Wilmslow SK9 4HP.
2. Tatton Park
A stunning historic estate located in the heart of Cheshire, the Tatton Park estate spans over 1,000 acres of parkland, featuring an elegant mansion, 50 acres of beautiful gardens, a working farm, and much more. With over 100 events and activities throughout the year, there is always something new and exciting to discover at Tatton Park – whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply looking for a fun day out with the family, the estate has something for everyone.
With parkland to discover, Easter events and experiences to enjoy, Tatton Park is one of the most perfect heritage sites to visit with the whole family, and showcases some of the best green space in the vicinity of Greater Manchester. Find events and more information here.
đź“Ť Tatton Park, Knutsford WA16 6SG.
3. Ordsall Hall
You’ll find so much to explore on a visit to the magnificent Ordsall Hall in Salford, with something for everyone to enjoy. Take a step back in time and discover the history of the hall, find out about life in Tudor times and learn more about the hall’s former inhabitants – some of whom are said to haunt the place.
There’s fun to be had in the interactive Frederick Shields Gallery, and the chance experience artwork from a variety of local and renowned artists in the permanent exhibition. Children can take the quiz and try their hand at drawing with the Explorer Trail and explore a variety of rooms throughout the hall, including the Great Hall, the Kitchen, Star Chamber and the Great Chamber, or take a stroll outside and explore the beautiful gardens.
If you want to use one of the hall’s popular events as an excuse to explore further, there’s plenty to choose from. Take part in an Easter event, watch a show at the Open Air Theatre in the summer, get spooky with great Halloween activities and enjoy festive family fun at Christmas time. Whenever your visit, round off your exploring by stopping off at the cafĂ© for a well-deserved cup of tea and a slice of delicious cake. See events and more information here.
đź“Ť Ordsall Hall, 322 Ordsall Ln, Salford M5 3AN.
4. Castlefield Viaduct
This 330-metre long Grade II-listed viaduct sits in Castlefield, the oldest part of the city of Manchester surrounded by 2000 years of history. Built in 1892 by Heenan and Froude, the engineers who worked on the iconic Blackpool Tower, the viaduct was used to carry heavy rail traffic in and out of Manchester Central Station and the Great Northern Warehouse until 1969. Since then Castlefield Viaduct stood unused, and has now reclaimed its place in the heart of this vibrant city, celebrating its part in Manchester’s past, present and future by transforming into a temporary ‘garden in the sky‘.
You can visit through free pre-booked guided visits 10.30am-12.30pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays and walk up no-booking visits 12.30pm-4.30pm those afternoons and all day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The temporary garden is open until 2024 and the feedback and ideas from visitors over the past year is being used to help shape a possible future for the viaduct. Find more information and book a tour here.
đź“Ť Castlefield Viaduct, Catalan Square, Duke St, Manchester M3 4PU.
5. Haigh Hall, Wigan
Haigh Woodland Park and its impressive grounds and woodland has a rich history. The origins of Haigh and the owner of the original manor is not known. The earliest recorded date of title is 1295 when William de Bradshaigh married Mabel le Norreys, the natural heir to the estates of Haigh and Blackrod. The present Hall was built between 1827 and 1840 using stone from Parbold, wood from Jamaica (the Earl’s own plantations) and furniture from France. The Hall was designed and planned by the 24th Earl of Crawford.
The history of the native woodland in the UK begins after the last Ice Age, about 12,000 years ago. After the ice sheets retracted, trees slowly started recolonising the land. Today, only around two per cent of the UK has woodland that has existed since at least the Middle Ages – Haigh is very proud to have some of the Haigh Woodland Park on the Ancient Woodland Register, and is definitely something to experience.
There are also plenty of activities going on at Haigh, whether it’s Parkrun and other charity events, or arts and crafts in the hall and fun fairs in the grounds. Haigh also houses a huge permanent playground and a mini railway that still operates around the grounds, so this is one of the perfect heritage sites for the whole family. See events and more information here.
đź“Ť Haigh Hall and Woodland Park, School Ln, Wigan WN2 1PE.
6. Lyme Park
From a hunting lodge to a country house there’s 600 years of history hidden at Lyme. Take advantage of free access to the Lyme Estate, exploring the many walking trails or visit the main house where much of the BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice was filmed. Promenade through the beautiful gardens, creating a regency romance of your very own, see the lake from the infamous wet t-shirt scene (although recreations are discouraged), or don your finery and tickle the ivories inside the house, just like Jane Austen would’ve wanted.
Inside the sandstone house you’ll find an inviting interior with spacious rooms that retain some of their original features. It can also accommodate dogs too, with a garden at the rear of the cottage for pup to stretch his legs.
Like many great houses, Lyme was built and rebuilt, embellished and enlarged throughout its ownership by the Legh family, with each generation making its mark and creating the house we see today. Explore the endless rooms and discover unusual objects and strange secrets as you walk through six centuries of family history at Lyme. You can also find out about the battle that changed the Legh family’s fortunes and why images of “severed arms” and ram’s heads feature on the walls, ceilings and furniture in the house. Find events and more information here.
đź“Ť Lyme Estate, Disley, Stockport, SK12 2NR.
7. Turton Tower, Bolton
Turton Moor was inhabited in pre-Christian times and there is believed to have been an early settlement near Torra Barn. For many years, the Turton Tower dining room was used as the council chamber and the drawing room as a committee room, and in 1952 the Tower was opened as a museum by Edward Stanley, the Rt. Hon. The Earl of Derby, M.C., J.P., Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire.
Built as a stone tower in the 1400’s, this ancient house was a family home for 500 years, and now visitors can gain an insight into how those people lived their lives. Plus, the tower is set in wonderful greenery with views over the hills, into the West Pennine Moors. For events and more information visit the website (reopens March 27).
đź“Ť Turton Tower, Chapeltown Rd, Chapeltown, Bolton BL7 0HG.
8. Clitheroe Castle
With panoramic views across the Ribble Valley, Clitheroe Castle is perched above the town of Clitheroe where it has dominated the skyline for 800 years. Beyond the castle walls, Clitheroe Castle Museum tells the story of the town, the formation of the landscape 350 million years ago and why the Ribble Valley is a haven for Lancashire’s wildlife. Moving through the galleries, the rich heritage, industry, legends and folklore of local people continue to unfold.
From local industry and heroes to myths and legends, the exhibits, touchscreen animations and oral history sound points make it an interactive experience for everyone to enjoy. Admission for children and young people is free and there are family friendly activities to entertain year-round, with guided tours available on request. Clitheroe Castle Museum will re-open for pre-booked visits from Monday 17 May – book in here.
đź“Ť Clitheroe Castle, Castle Hill, Clitheroe BB7 1AZ.
9. Pendle Hill
One of the most mysterious and haunted areas in the UK, Pendle is internationally renowned for the witch trials of 1612, where 12 local women were held in custody, one dying before trial due to the awful conditions, one being found innocent, and 10 being eventually brutally hanged. Pendle Hill rises above this ancient hunting ground, once the home of wolves and wild boar and to this day dotted with tiny hamlets and farms. It is still an untamed place, full of mystery and beauty, and you can feel the history beneath you as you walk.
A climb to the summit of Pendle Hill, which is officially designated as the Forest of Bowland Natural Landscapes, formerly Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), also inspired George Fox in 1652 to set up the worldwide Quaker Movement. It’s also a ramble you can replicate yourself, with views of the surrounding towns of Burnley, Nelson, Colne, Brierfield, Clitheroe and Padiham. Long distance walks, such as the 43-mile Pendle Way and parts of the BrontĂ« Way, combine history with stunning scenery, with plenty of country inns and farmhouses, and many nods to the past as you go. This is not one of the official heritage sites so doesn’t require tickets or booking, just ramble your way up and see what peaks your interest.
đź“Ť Pendle Hill, Barley, Nelson BB9 6LG.
10. Dunham Massey
Known for its seasonal activities and gorgeous expanse of woodland (complete with deer), Dunham Massey is one of the most popular heritage sites around Greater Manchester. Located in Dunham, Altrincham, the site boasts the stately home, deer park, farm shop, cafe, restaurant and a mill, meaning there’s truly something for everyone, no matter the weather.
Dunham Massey is one of the National Trust’s heritage sites and was named the best beauty spot in Greater Manchester last year, so why not explore the permanent collection at the house, or take a stroll in the gardens for something a bit different? Dunham Massey is generally open March – October, with special events taking place outside of this, such as the Christmas light trail and pumpkin picking – book tickets and find out more here.
đź“Ť Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 4SJ.