Hat Works Museum at Wellington Mill, Stockport

Explore the UK’s only hatting museum in a historic fireproof mill showcasing centuries of Stockport’s hat-making heritage.

4.5

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Located in the historic Wellington Mill, the Hat Works Museum is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hatting industry, showcasing over 1,300 hats and the rich industrial heritage of Stockport. Housed in a Grade II listed early fireproof cotton mill built in 1830, it offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the art and craft of hat making, with restored Victorian machinery, interactive exhibits, and guided tours. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, it blends history with hands-on experiences in a vibrant setting.

A brief summary to Hat Works

Wellington Mill, Wellington Rd S, Stockport, SK3 0EU, GB
+441614742399
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Free
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Thursday 10 am-4 pm
Friday 10 am-4 pm
Saturday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

Visit Thursday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm; the museum is closed Sunday to Wednesday.
Book guided tours in advance for a detailed and engaging experience of the hatting industry.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the factory floor, exhibits, and gallery.
Enjoy refreshments and creative activities at the museum café run by Arc, open during museum hours.

Getting There

Train

Take a train to Stockport railway station from Manchester or surrounding areas; the museum is a 5-minute walk from the station. Trains run frequently with fares typically between £3-£7 one way.
Bus

Several local bus routes serve Wellington Road South; bus stops are within a short walk of the museum. Tickets cost around £2-£4 depending on distance, with services running regularly on museum open days.
Car

Drive to Stockport town centre where multiple car parks are available near the museum, including those by Merseyway Shopping Centre. Parking fees vary but expect around £3-£6 for a few hours. Note the museum is closed Monday to Wednesday.

Hat Works location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Hat Works

A Storied Industrial Landmark

Wellington Mill, built between 1828 and 1831 by Thomas Marsland, stands as a testament to early industrial innovation. Originally constructed as a pioneering fireproof cotton spinning mill, its robust architecture features brick vaulting and wrought iron tie-bars designed to mitigate structural pressure. This Grade II listed building, located on Wellington Road South in Stockport, is notable not only for its engineering but also for its role in the town’s industrial expansion during the 19th century.

The Hatting Heritage of Stockport

By the late 19th century, Wellington Mill transitioned from cotton spinning to hat manufacturing, becoming the home of Ward Brothers in 1895. The Ward family specialized in hat finishing and trimming, producing a wide variety of hats including stiff and soft felts, tweed caps, and children’s cloth hats. Stockport itself was a global centre for hat making, with a tradition spanning over 400 years. The museum preserves this legacy, displaying an extensive collection of hats that reflect the town’s cultural and economic history.

An Immersive Museum Experience

The Hat Works Museum opened in 2000 within Wellington Mill, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the hatting trade through restored Victorian machinery and interactive exhibits. The factory floor recreates the atmosphere of a working hat factory, with demonstrations of hat-making techniques. The Gallery of Hats showcases over 1,300 hats in a vibrant array of colours, shapes, and textures, inviting visitors to engage with the craft both visually and tactilely.

Historical and Cultural Significance

The site itself is steeped in history, once the location of Stockport Castle and a crossroads of significant historical events. The museum captures not only the industrial story but also the broader social and cultural narratives of Stockport, including its role in the British Empire’s industrial might. The building and exhibits reflect the town’s resilience and innovation amid the challenges of industrialisation and economic change.

Visitor Amenities and Activities

Visitors can enjoy the museum café, which complements the museum’s opening hours, offering refreshments and a space for creative wellbeing activities. Guided tours are available on selected dates, providing in-depth insights into the hatting industry and the mill’s history. The museum is family-friendly, with hands-on activities and opportunities to try on hats, making it engaging for all ages.

Preserving a Unique Craft

The Hat Works Museum stands as a singular institution in the UK, dedicated to preserving and celebrating the art of hat making. It not only honors Stockport’s industrial past but also inspires appreciation for traditional craftsmanship in a modern context. The museum’s ongoing efforts ensure that this distinctive heritage remains accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

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St Clement's Parish Church

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Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal

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Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal

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Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal

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Unmissable attractions to see

St Peter's Square

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Staircase House

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moviESCAPE Stockport

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Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet

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Bramall Hall

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Marie Louise Gardens

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Nightclubs & after hour spots

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Mint Lounge

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History Nightclub

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Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Hat Works Museum at Wellington Mill, Stockport

A brief summary to Hat Works

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train

Bus

Car

Hat Works location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Hat Works

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Hat Works

A Storied Industrial Landmark

The Hatting Heritage of Stockport

An Immersive Museum Experience

Historical and Cultural Significance

Visitor Amenities and Activities

Preserving a Unique Craft

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

The Queen's Arch

The Old Quadrangle

Manchester Histories

John Dalton Statue

St Clement's Parish Church

LS Lowry birthplace

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) west portal

Great Ancoats Street Tunnel (tram) east portal

Victory Over Blindness

Hotspur House

Friedrich Engels Statue

Historic England

Canada House, Manchester

Arch of Chinatown

Connaught Building

Unmissable attractions to see

St Peter's Square

Staircase House

moviESCAPE Stockport

Broadstone Mill Shopping Outlet

Bramall Hall

Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

Marie Louise Gardens

Ashburne Tree Man

Platt Fields Park

Alexandria Library

Sunny Alley

Victoria Baths

The Monastery Manchester

Reflective Passage

Whitworth Park

Essential places to dine

Golden Hind

No 4 Dine & Wine

The Refuge

Habesha Restaurant

Store Street Exchange Restaurant

WOOD Manchester by Simon Wood

Don Giovanni - Italian Restaurant Manchester

Tariff & Dale

Fumo by San Carlo - Manchester

Higher Ground

Street Urchin

Namii Kitchen & Cocktails

Adam Reid at The French

Mount Street Dining Room & Bar

Dom's Italia

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

The Vintage Emporium Stockport

A Curious Collection

The University of Manchester Gift Shop

Utility Gift Store

Cute Things By Aggie

SHMYLS - Thoughtfully Made

Urban Exchange

INFINITE RUNNING

ItsFetch

Deansgate Square General Store

Curvilicious Clothing