Hat Works Museum at Wellington Mill, Stockport

Explore the UK's only hatting museum housed in a historic fireproof cotton mill with over 1,300 hats and immersive factory exhibits.

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The Hat Works Museum, housed in the historic Wellington Mill in Stockport, is the UK's only museum dedicated to the hatting industry. Located in a Grade II listed early fireproof cotton mill built in 1830, the museum showcases over 1,300 hats and the rich industrial heritage of Stockport’s hat-making past. Open Thursdays to Saturdays, it offers engaging exhibits, restored Victorian machinery, and immersive factory floor tours that bring the town’s hatting history to life.

A brief summary to Hat Works

Wellington Mill, Wellington Rd S, Stockport, SK3 0EU, GB
+441614742399
Visit website
Duration: 1.5 to 2.5 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

Book guided tours in advance to experience the restored Victorian hat-making machinery in action.
Visit on Thursdays to Saturdays when the museum is open and the café is available for refreshments.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy the interactive Gallery of Hats.
Combine your visit with a walk around Stockport town centre, accessible via nearby train and bus stations.

Getting There

Train

Travelers can take a train to Stockport station from Manchester and other regional hubs; the museum is a 5-minute walk from the station. Trains run frequently with ticket prices typically between £3-£8. The walk is on paved urban streets and is wheelchair accessible.
Bus

Multiple bus routes serve Stockport town centre with stops near Wellington Mill. Buses from Manchester and surrounding areas take 20-40 minutes. Tickets cost approximately £3-£5. The area is well signposted and accessible for passengers with mobility needs.
Car

Visitors driving to the museum can use public car parks in Stockport town centre, including those near Merseyway Shopping Centre, about a 5-10 minute walk from the museum. Parking fees vary but typically range from £1.50 to £3 per hour. Note that the mill itself has no dedicated parking.
Walking

For those staying nearby or arriving at Stockport station, walking to the museum takes about 5 minutes on flat, paved urban terrain, suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Hat Works location weather suitability

Any Weather
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Hat Works

A Storied Industrial Landmark

Wellington Mill, the home of the Hat Works Museum, was constructed between 1828 and 1831 by Thomas Marsland, a wealthy calico printer. It was one of the earliest fireproof cotton spinning mills in the region and stands as a Grade II listed building. The mill’s robust architecture features semicircular stair towers and wrought iron tie-bars supporting brick vaulting, a testament to early 19th-century industrial innovation. Originally built for cotton spinning, the mill transitioned to hat manufacturing in the 1890s, becoming a central hub of Stockport’s thriving hat industry.

The Heart of Hatting Heritage

The museum preserves and celebrates Stockport’s significant role in the British hatting trade, which flourished for over 400 years. The Ward Brothers, specialists in hat finishing and trimming, operated here from 1895 to the 1930s. Visitors can explore more than 1,300 hats of varying styles, materials, and eras, alongside factory floor exhibits featuring restored Victorian hat-making machinery. These machines, some operational during special tours, offer a vivid glimpse into the craftsmanship and industrial processes that defined the town’s economy.

Immersive Visitor Experience

The Hat Works Museum provides an engaging experience for all ages, with interactive displays and a Gallery of Hats where visitors can try on historic and whimsical headwear. Guided tours of the factory floor are available on select dates, offering detailed insights into the hatting process and the social history of Stockport’s workers. The museum café, run by Arc, complements the visit with refreshments and occasional creative wellbeing activities.

Location and Historical Context

Situated on Wellington Road South in Stockport, the mill occupies a site rich in local history, once the location of Stockport Castle. The area is steeped in stories of industrial progress, political upheaval, and cultural significance, with ties to figures such as Friedrich Engels and events like the Jacobite Rising. The museum’s setting connects visitors not only to the hatting industry but also to the broader narrative of Stockport’s development as an industrial town.

Preserving a Unique Cultural Legacy

The Hat Works Museum stands as a unique cultural institution in the UK, dedicated solely to the art and industry of hat-making. It preserves the legacy of a once-dominant local industry, offering educational programs and exhibitions that highlight the craftsmanship and innovation behind hat production. The museum also serves as a community hub, hosting events and markets that celebrate local creativity and heritage.

Planning Your Visit

Open Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, with last admission at 3:15pm, the museum offers free general entry, though booking in advance is recommended, especially for guided tours. Located near Stockport train and bus stations, it is easily accessible for visitors exploring Greater Manchester and beyond. The museum’s blend of historical architecture, industrial artifacts, and engaging displays makes it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and families alike.

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Unmissable attractions to see

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Bramall Hall

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Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens

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Marie Louise Gardens

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Victoria Baths

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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

Walking

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 Heart of Hatting Heritage

Immersive Visitor Experience

Location and Historical Context

Preserving a Unique Cultural Legacy

Planning Your Visit

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