A family-friendly day out at Quarry Bank

Two children walking through a red curtain on a play stage — Children playing in the indoor play space | © Annapurna Mellor

Quarry Bank is the perfect place for a family adventure. Plan your family day out and discover the things to do and events to take part in during your visit

An easiler route for little legs

Top tip from the team here at Quarry Bank. To make the journey to the car park a little easier at the end of your visit, take the zig-zag path opposite the Mill Entrance.

Planning your family visit

Family toilets with baby-changing facilities can be found in the Mill Yard and Upper Garden.
Quiet Space in the Garden Ticket Office.
Find the buggy storage area on the top floor of the mill.
Step-free paths take you between the Upper Garden and Lower Garden.
The playground and picnic area are located near the Mill Yard.
Highchairs, half-portions, and lunchboxes are available in the restaurant and café.

Family fun

Saturday 3 October – Sunday 1 November

Experience autumn at Quarry Bank in a whole new way with the Scarecrow Festival.

Set off on a fun-filled scarecrow trail and see how many you can spot along the way – from big to small, scary to friendly. Head to the scarecrow field for a variety of seasonal activities, perfect for enjoying the crisp autumn atmosphere. There’s plenty more to discover indoors, with hours of fun in the autumn-themed play area, alongside crafts and storytelling. For a spooky adventure, explore the Apprentice House on a specil tour, then immerse yourself in an exciting interactive game inspired by British folklore. Click here to plan your visit.
Satuday 24 October – Sunday 1 November

The scarecrow festival continues with;

Spooky tours of the Apprentice House. Suitable for children 6+. Pre-booking not possible. Limited number of tickets available from Visitor Reception.

Autumn indoor play space for little ones to have hours of fun.

Daily activities on the Scarecrow Field. No need to book, just drop-in.

Click here to find out more
Tickets for Christmas events at Quarry Bank go on sale Friday 28 August. The number of tickets is limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment. To find out more visit

We have a whole host of magical events for you to enjoy, including:

Enchanted Winter Walk – Tickets £9.95 per person.

Enchanted Winter Walk Quiet Sessions – Tickets £9.95 per person.

Meet and Greet Father Christmas – Tickets £12 per child.

Baby and Toddler Festive Play Session with Father Christmas – Tickets £15 per child.

A Quiet Visit with Father Christmas – A neurodivergent-friendly Christmas experience. Tickets £12 per person.

Wreath making workshop - Tickets £65 per person.

See all events at Quarry Bank

Doing a weaving activity at Quarry Bank Mill, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris
A family playing a giant game of Quarry Bank snakes and ladders | © Annapurna Mellor

How much time do you have?

With just an hour, here are our recommendations.

Ignite all the senses with a visit to the Mill.

Tire out little legs with a visit to the playground.

Visit the Mill Yard Shop for a little treasure or soft toy.
You can see a do a lot with half a day at Quarry Bank. Here are our suggestions.

At Visitor Reception book on to a tour of the Apprentice House. Little ones will find this fascinating.

Discover the beauty of the gardens. Can you find Hannah Greg's Beech tree?

Explore inside the mill. And don't forget to go and see the water wheel in the viewing gallery.

Grab a bite to eat in the café or restaurant.

Go wild in the playground before heading home.
A full day out at Quarry Bank can include a visit to the Apprentice House, the Mill, an adventure around the gardens, and;

Enjoy a drink in the Upper Garden Café.

Walk to the mill pond and see if you can spot a heron.

Find a new book in the Pre-loved Bookshop.

Wander to the hydro and see the water crashing over the weir.

Enjoy lunch in the Weaving Shed Restaurant.

Burn off energy in the playground.

Family-friendly things to do at Quarry Bank

Visit the Mill and other historic buildings

Explore the Mill, Apprentice House, Quarry Bank House and more with your little ones, allowing them to experience the conditions the child apprentices would have endured.

There are lots of self-led trails around the gardens to enjoy with your family. Whilst you explore, jump in puddles and play a game of poohsticks from the lower garden bridges.

Discover the estate and woodlands

Head outdoors and get your little ones closer to nature. Spot bees and butterflies, buzzards and beetles. Skip along woodland paths and play hide 'n' seek.

Playground

You can find the playground just beyond the Mill Yard. It's small but perfectly formed, giving your little ones the chance to jump, balance and climb obstacles. Picnic benches are close by in this area.

Enjoy a bite to eat and picnic spots

Visit the Upper Garden Café for a light bite, the Weaving Shed Restaurant for freshly prepared local hot meals and light bites, and of course head to the Stables Ice Cream parlour and choose from the delicious range of Snugburys Ice creams. Find out more here

There are a number of locations to enjoy a picnic at Quarry Bank. In the Upper Garden you will find picnic tables near the Garden Shop, including wheelchair accessible tables.

'50 things to do before you're 11¾'

Head outdoors this summer and get ready to tick some activities off your list of '50 things to do before you're 11¾'. Which of the fun-packed things will you try? Do your favourite activities over and over again, or try all 50 – the choice is yours.