Manchester and its surrounding areas are pretty old – we’re talking Roman settlement, plenty of wars and attacks, heart of the Industrial Revolution-type old. Thanks to this fact, we often find some peculiar, fairly magical old buildings telling the tale of those times gone by, and one of these is thriving in Stockport.
Nestled in the heart of Stockport’s historic Market Place stands the town’s oldest surviving townhouse. Staircase House is a beautifully restored 15th century property that offers visitors a unique, barrier-free window into the past, detailing how our ancestors lived from 1460 right up to the end of World War II.
Whether you’re looking for a fascinating family day out or simply want to immerse yourself in local heritage, this attraction weaves an incredible story of survival, restoration, and daily life across the centuries.
A rare architectural gem
IG post via @softgirlswhohike
The building’s namesake and undisputed crown jewel is its breathtaking Jacobean cage-newel staircase. As one of only three surviving examples of its kind in the entire country, it is a rare masterpiece of historic architecture. The house itself is a labyrinth of history, featuring an intriguing array of historically furnished rooms connected by narrow, atmospheric passages.
The story of Staircase House is also one of remarkable resilience; visitors can learn how this magnificent structure was meticulously brought back to life following a devastating fire that threatened to erase its legacy forever.
A hands-on historical journey
Forget the traditional “do not touch” museum rules. Staircase House prides itself on providing a multi-sensory, interactive experience. Guided by a state-of-the-art audio system, visitors are actively encouraged to smell, touch, and listen to the past as the house’s history unfolds.
During your visit, you can:
- Experience 17th-century writing by trying your hand with a traditional quill pen.
- Peel rush lights, experiencing how households illuminated their homes in the past.
- Pull back the bedclothes on an authentic four-poster bed.
Staircase House also hosts various special events throughout the year. If you’re planning a trip with a larger party, group bookings are welcome and can even be arranged outside of normal opening hours by special request.
Opening hours
- Monday & Tuesday – Closed
- Wednesday & Thursday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday – 12:00 PM (Midday) – 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Bank Holidays – Closed
Visitor Note: Make sure to arrive early to ensure you have enough time to explore. Last admission is granted exactly 1 hour and 15 minutes before closing time.
Get tickets to explore Staircase House
- Adult – £6
- Concessions (ages 60+ and students) – £4.50
- Children under 16 with a paying adult – Free
- Leisure Key – Free
On arrival, present a valid Leisure Key pass to gain free admission to Stockport Museums sites.
There is no charge for:
- Companions of visitors with a registered disability
- Art Pass members who bring a valid Art Pass
You can also check out the Stockport Explorer ticket for a discounted ticket to 3 of Stockport museums.
📍Staircase House, 30A and 31, Market Place, Stockport, SK2 1ES.
