Stockport, the golden child of Greater Manchester by many accounts, named best place to live for years, birthplace of our very own Blossoms, and industrial epicentre of days gone by. It’s hard to overstate the amount you can get up to in the huge town just a 10 minute train ride from Manchester Piccadilly, and as you stroll through the hilly streets, Stockport seems to shapeshift every minute into something entirely different.
The historical centre of Stockport is the Market Place, situated on a 240 million-year-old red sandstone cliff overlooking what was once an important ford over the River Mersey – the meeting point of several Roman roads.
The Saxons established a village on the site and this was the beginning of Stockport. The name ‘Stockport’ was derived from two Saxon words: ‘stoc‘ – a stockaded place or castle, and ‘port‘ – a wood. Literally, a castle in a wood. There is sufficient evidence that a stronghold existed in the vicinity in ancient British times as well as early Roman times, meaning Stockport has always been a place of protection and potentially a line of defence for the further Greater Manchester area.
Since then, Stockport in the 16th century was a small town known for the cultivation of hemp and manufacture of rope. In the 18th century, it had one of the first mechanised silk factories in the British Isles.
Stockport’s predominant industries of the 19th century were the cotton and allied industries, and therefore was a hugely important place in the Industrial Revolution, and the Second World War, with both the Hat Works and Air Raid Shelters still existing for all to see and learn from. So, if you want to explore modern Stockport, here are the best things you can do.
Browse Stockport Market
The historical centre of Stockport, the Market Place is a real landmark, with its huge stature and distinctive ‘Glass Umbrella‘ covered design. Head inside and find everything you could ever need, whether it be food, drink, clothes or objects, and explore the fascinating emporium of vintage goods and collectables at 20th Century Stores.
What’s more, Stockport Market is home to several events throughout the calendar including the Artisan Market, Book & Record Fair, Makers Market and Vintage Village, plus it plays host the the famous Foodie Fridays at the end of every week, bringing the community together with local, independent street food and music. It doesn’t get better!
📍 Market Hall, Market Place, Stockport, SK1 1ES.
Visit independent establishments along the beautiful Underbanks
The cool and quaint strip of Stockport, The Underbanks bring a sense of charm and history to the streets of the town. Home to many independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, you could spend an entire day getting lost in the gorgeousness of The Underbanks. You’ll find the likes of the Blossoms-owned Bohemian Arts Club, the famous Robinsons Brewery, The Mekong Cat, Ōdiobā, Yellowhammer, SK1 Records, Where The Light Gets In, and so many more pubs, shops and amazing finds.
This area is particularly bustling when it becomes host to Stock Party, Stockport’s free block party, including pretty much every business in the area – which we highly recommend checking out. The architecture in the area is also particularly interesting, telling of Stockport’s industrial past, medieval history and the grandeur of the population at different points. This particular area is absolutely packed with charm and vibrant with community spirit, making it an absolute must-visit.
📍 Start at Lower Hillgate (SK1 1JQ) and meander towards Little Underbank (SK1 1JT).
Mooch around Merseyway Shopping Centre
Every town centre needs some form of shopping centre for all your necessities, and for Stockport, that’s the Merseyway Shopping Centre. Home to over 90 stores including high street favourites, local independents, leisure attractions, cafes and eateries, Merseyway is located just off the M60 and close to Stockport Interchange and railway station, making it super convenient to shop at whether you’re travelling by car, bus or train.
The shopping centre has a wide range of entertainment venues to choose from including the comfy cinema The Light and ones offering virtual reality experiences, bowling, arcades and American pool. And so no one gets bored whilst shopping, Merseyway also hosts a variety of interactive events throughout the calendar year that are perfect for all the family to get involved in.
📍 Merseyway Shopping Centre, 52 – 54 Great Underbank, Stockport, SK1 1PD.
Catch a Stockport County game at Edgeley Park
Stockport is undoubtedly a very proud football town, and Edgeley Park is the home of Stockport County FC. Whether you go for a wander just to see the ground, grab a ticket for a game or catch a rare gig at Edgeley Park, it’s really a quintessential Stockport experience – especially if you grab a bite to eat at the diverse and surprising County Courtyard, where you can enjoy street foods from Greek, Spanish, Italian, and Asian cuisines!
📍 Edgeley Park, 16 Hardcastle Rd, Edgeley, Stockport SK3 9DD.
Grab at pint at The Blossoms pub
One of Stockport’s most famous exports in the past decade is undoubtedly Blossoms – so why not visit the place where it all started? Taking their band name from The Blossoms pub in Stockport, the band owe a lot to this watering hole, and many praise it for being a proper old fashioned pub, the likes of which can’t be seen all that much anymore.
With separate cosy rooms, lots of stained glass and proper beer on tap, this one’s for the pub connoisseurs – but don’t be put off if you’re not too bothered, as it’s really a great spot for anyone who fancies a drink. It’s slightly off the beaten path but if you want a real feel for Stockport, it’s a great place to aim for.
📍 The Blossoms, 2 Buxton Rd, Stockport, SK2 6NU.
Explore Whitebottom Farm just outside of Stockport
Just outside of the town centre sits the gorgeous Whitebottom Farm, which aside from being a beautiful spot for a walk, hosts plenty of events all year round. Every weekend you can get involved in Beer on the Weir, and festivals like Fields to Fork and Moovin’ Festival happen annually, getting bigger and bigger every time. Whitebottom Farm is a great asset to Stockport, and if you’ve got a bit more time on your hands, you might want to check it out.
📍 Whitebottom Farm, Etherow Country Park, Stockport, SK6 5JQ.
Learn about Stockport’s industrial history at the Hat Works Museum
Stockport was at the centre of the country’s hatting industry, which by 1884 was exporting more than six million hats a year, and that industry is still celebrated today. Stockport’s Hat Works Museum allows visitors to walk through the back kitchen of a small terraced house to see how a worker in a hat factory might have lived in the late 19th century, when hatting became an urban occupation.
The Gallery of Hats also showcases exciting additions to the collection. You can learn how hats can transform, protect and say something about who you are. They can be used to blend in or stand out in a crowd. Designs can be inspired by nature, architecture, social issues and more. Made using a vast array of materials, hats are always a great conversation starter, and a visit to the Hat Works Museum is a great day out for all the family.
📍 The Hat Works, Wellington Mill, Wellington Rd S, Stockport, SK3 0EU.
Walk in the footsteps of evacuees Stockport Air Raid Shelters
Carved into the natural sandstone cliffs of Stockport, the intriguing network of underground tunnels of the WW2 air raid shelters offers visitors an unparalleled insight into life in wartime Britain in the 1940s. Visitors have the opportunity to learn about the experiences of local people during the war from the displays in the tunnels and state-of-the-art audio guides.
Opened in 1939, the shelters were the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country, originally designed to provide shelter for up to 3,850 people. Due to demand they were extended to accommodate as many as 6,500 during the second world war. This labyrinth of tunnels, nearly a mile long, was carved out of the red sandstone hills on which Stockport stands and, during the Blitz, provided shelter and a way of life for families in and around Stockport.
📍 Stockport Air Raid Shelters, 65 Chestergate, Stockport, SK1 1NP.
Behold the Stockport Pyramid
A landmark that many will know Stockport by is the infamous Stockport Pyramid – a huge glass structure that can be seen from the railway line, motorway and pretty much anywhere around Stockport. The iconic glass structure has not been occupied since the Co-op, which paid for the construction, moved out in 2017 and relocated to NOMA in Manchester city centre, but now the huge building has been given a new lease of life as the owners of Royal Nawaab have taken on the pyramid to become a luxury restaurant and banquet hall.
The huge structure next to the M60 was designed in the late 1980s when construction work began, before it opened in 1992. The Stockport pyramid was originally built as part of a ‘Valley of Kings’ project, that would’ve seen five pyramids built along the River Mersey in a nod to ancient Egypt – what a sight to behold!
📍Royal Nawaab, The Pyramid Building, The Valley of Kings, Stockport, SK4 2JZ.
Search for vintage gems at Stockport’s Pear Mill
If you love scouring for vintage pieces, you need look no further than the Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill. From the outside, Pear Mill is just your average Manchester mill. Red brick, a huge chimney protruding from the surrounding trees, but something very special has been made of the interior. Whether you’re looking for clothes, music, furniture, books, collectables or something completely out of left field, you’re likely to find it in this palace of vintage.
The Vintage Emporium at Pear Mill describes itself as: “A treasure trove […] overflowing with a diverse selection of traders sourcing a delicious array of vintage.” We’d say it’s accurate, but honestly nothing justifies the scale and selection at the emporium – you’ll have to see for yourself.
📍 The Vintage Emporium, Pear Mill, Stockport Rd. West, Lower Bredbury, Stockport, SK6 2BP.
Take a trip out to a neighbouring village or green space
Although we’re all for Stockport as a town, it’s also an extremely well-connected place, being just on the doorstep of the Peak District, and there are plenty of neighbouring villages and hikes to be explored. Whether you fancy a ramble up Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, or a walk around Lyme Park, you’re only ever a short drive or train ride from somewhere to start.
If you’re more of a stroller and a moocher, you can also explore the gorgeousness of surrounding villages like New Mills, Marple, Hazel Grove and Disley, which are packed with charm, quaint shops and plenty of pubs and cafes to rest your weary feet. The benefits of being in Stockport never end, even when you leave!