Group visits to Quarry Bank

In the historic cotton mill you can feel the clatter and bustle of the working machinery. Discover the story of mill owner Samuel Greg, and experience what life was like for the men women and children who worked long hours in the heat of the mill to power the industrial revolution.

Step inside the homes of mill owner and worker to discover more about the very different lives they led. In the early 19th century, young children came to work at Quarry Bank as apprentices in the mill, where they also received food, board and clothing. Take a tour of the Apprentice House to see where they lived, ate and slept after a long day in the mill. Then head over to Quarry Bank House to discover the Georgian home of the mill owners and the very different lives they led. You can also uncover stories of family life in a day two-up-two-down workers cottage in the village hub exhibition.

From the picturesque riverside gardens which twist and turn down to the valley bottom, to the walled garden with its historic glasshouses and orchards fluttering with apple blossom - Quarry Bank is bursting into spring. Take a stroll through the valley to see the gardens awash with daffodils and painted with colourful tulips, giant rhubarb leaves and bluebells. See what's in season in the kitchen garden from fragrant herbs to rows of onions and cabbages, and under the warmth of twinkling panes of the glasshouse you'll spot bunches of grapes ripening too.

We’re very happy to accommodate specialist interest groups and arrange bespoke elements for your visit – please speak to a member of our team for further information. For an additional cost, we offer guided tours of the mill and the gardens, as well as power tours, and tours of the hydroelectric turbine. If you have a special interest that you would like to explore further at Quarry Bank – please don’t hesitate to get in touch and discuss this with us.

We strive to make sure that as many people as possible are able to experience Quarry Bank and it’s stories. Inside the mill, all four floors can be accessed via a passenger lift. Buggy transfers around the site are provided most days, wheelchairs are available from Visitor Reception and a Tramper mobility scooter is available to use in the garden – please book in advance. An accessible path through the woodland is suitable for walkers of all abilities and wheelchairs. You can view our full access statement from the homepage of our website.

From the Weaving Shed Restaurant, to the Stables Ice Cream Parlour and the new Garden Café there are plenty of places to eat and refuel at Quarry Bank! Lunch packages for groups are available for an additional cost – please do get in touch with our group bookings team to discuss menu options, packages and prices.