February half-term at Quarry Bank

Family searching for wildlife on the meadow at Quarry Bank

This half-term, bring the family and go on a nature adventure to explore the great outdoors at Quarry Bank. Join us for a welly walk like never before. Explore the gardens and woods at Quarry Bank, playing games and discovering nature in a new way. Head to the upper garden for a peaceful look at the natural world around us. Then, make your way to the mill for a rainy day craft activity.

Situated just south of Manchester, discover a hidden valley filled with wildlife, beauty and nature. Quarry Bank is one of Britain's greatest industrial heritage sites, once home to a community of cotton mill owners, mill workers and child apprentices. Explore the family homes of owner and worker, take stroll through the riverside valley gardens, go on a nature adventure in the woodland estate and step inside the mill to hear the clatter and roar of the machinery as the floors shake beneath your feet.

Girl looking for wildlife with a magnifying glass

Half-term activities

Pull on your wellies and join us for a sensory welly walk through the gardens and woodland, test your nature spotting abilities with a self-led game in the upper garden, and try your hand at fun nature crafts inside the mill – can you make your very own rain cloud? This half-term explore the natural world around us, discover local wildlife and go on a nature adventure at Quarry Bank. Part of the Natural History Museums’ Natural History Adventures.

Children building a den at Quarry Bank

50 Things to do before you're 11 and 3/4

Are you ready to try out 50 of the wildest, most fun-packed and exciting things to do in the great outdoors? Head outdoors and jump into the new season as winter gives way to spring, with our list of 50 Things to do before you're 11 3/4. Build a den, play pooh sticks, create some wild art, discover wild animal clues or go bird watching - do you favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50: the choice is yours. Pick up a leaflet from Visitor Welcome and start your adventure at Quarry Bank.

Children's author Philip Ardagh dressed as a factory inspector to present the mill trail and pointing sternly at the machinery in the mill

Become a factory inspector

Become a factory inspector and have a go at our family trail around the mill created by children’s author Philip Ardagh. Step into the nineteenth century to join factory inspector Augustus Snout and his assistant Scuttle on an inspection of the mill. Have a go at different jobs throughout your journey and experience the dangers of working in a cotton mill. Pick up your mill trail at the mill entrance. 50p per trail.

Hot chocolate

Tuck into a freshly prepared lunch

Whether you're looking to warm up with hot chocolates or refuel with a delicious lunch, we've got you covered! Take your pick from a mouth watering menu of freshly prepared hot meals, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and bakes. Or if you're bringing a packed lunch, head over to our indoor picnic area overlooking the river Bollin.