A family-friendly day out at Quarry Bank

Family enjoying exploring the garden in autumn at Quarry Bank — Visitors exploring the garden in autumn at Quarry Bank, Cheshire | © 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 on your visit.

Planning your family visit

Family toilets with baby changing facilities can be found in the Mill Yard and Upper Garden.
Find the buggy store area inside the Pre-Loved Book Shop, as prams can't go in the mill.
Step free paths take you between the Upper Garden and Lower Garden.
The playground and the picnic area are located near the mill Yard.
Highchairs, half portions, and lunch boxes are available in the resturant and café.

Child looking at fungi on the Mill Meadow at Quarry Bank | © Paul Harris

A Healthy Profit Exhibition

Open until Sunday 19 November

In a new exhibition we explore the physical, mental and emotional toil of working in a Mill, and how this historical story is relevant to our health and wellbeing today. A Healthy Profit will appeal to adults and children alike, with plenty of interactive displays.

Admission charges apply.

Free guided toddler walks

Selected dates from Monday 18 September - Monday 18 December 2023

The guided group toddler walks will take families on a short walk; to experience nature and allow little ones to roam and explore at their own pace. Lasting for between 30-45 minutes, this is an opportunity for little ones to try walking on different surfaces for a sensory experience.

Please book a free ticket for each child taking part. Adults do not need a ticket.

See all events at Quarry Bank

A family look at wool in the interactive exhibit at Quarry Bank — A family explore the exhibit at Quarry Bank, Cheshire | © National Trust Images/Paul Harris

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. These indoor historical attractions are not just for rainy days, children will enjoy stepping back in time.

Enjoy the gardens

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 Cheshire Farm ice cream. 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.