A family-friendly day out at Quarry Bank

Children swinging in a hammock at Quarry Bank — Children enjoying a hammock at Quarry Bank | © 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.

Family events and activities

This summer be whisked away by magic, fantasy, and fun with
one of the thrilling productions available to enjoy in the Upper
Garden.

Saturday 29 June - Discover the truth behind fairy tales most infamous villain in The Not So Big Bad Wolf.

Thursday 1 August - Reveal the true nature of Pip’s ‘Great
Expectations’.

Saturday 10 August - Enjoy an enchanting adaptation of
‘Beauty and the Beast’.

National Trust admission charges do not apply.
Join us from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November 2024 for a half term jam-packed with Halloween fun. No matter what the weather may bring, there is something for little ones to enjoy.
- Spooky tours of the Apprentice House.
- Halloween trail around the Upper Garden.
- Spider trail around the Mill.
- Enjoy Halloween themed crafts in the Learning Space. (Offered Monday to Friday only).
- Relax with a pumpkin spiced latte, whilst the children enjoy a sweet treat.
- Browse the autumn and Halloween themed range of gifts and homeware in the Mill Yard Shop.

How much time do you have?

You can do a lot with only a quick hour visit. 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 tresure 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 Beach 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 cafe 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 Cafe.
- Peek inside Quarry Bank House, the home of the Greg family.
- 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.

See all events at Quarry Bank

A family visiting Quarry Bank enjoying ice cream | © Arnhel de Serra

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 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.

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

Rainy day fun at Quarry Bank

It's not always sunshine during the Great British summer, but there are lots of ways to keep the kids entertained, and make your summer great whatever the weather.

Join a guided tour of the Apprentice House and discover where child apprentices lived.
Enjoy a puddle walk through the woods under the shelter of the tree canopy.
Shelter from the rain inside the mill and feel the floors shake beneath your feet.
Let your little ones play as long as they'd like at the Tinker Stations in the Brain Power Gallery in the Mill.
At weekends and school holidays to the indoor picnic area to enjoy a bite to eat.
Cuddle up on the sofa in the Pre-Loved Book Shop to decide which books to give a new home.
Enjoy a warm drink and a slice of cake in the Upper Garden Cafe or Weaving Shed Restaurant.
Browse the Upper Garden and Mill Yard shops for gifts and activities to keep the kids entertained.

Don't forget your wellies and coats. We look forward to welcoming you!