Quarry Bank Mill

Quarry Bank overflows with the atmosphere of the Industrial Revolution. A visit to the cotton mill, built in 1784, and powered by Europe's most powerful working waterwheel, will certainly stimulate your senses. The clattering and whirring of our heritage machinery and steam engines make an astonishing noise. Explore the progression of the cotton industry from the mediaeval era through to the 19th century, speak to our knowledgeable demonstrators to find out more.

Enjoy our changing programme of exhibitions - there's always something new to see. Take a guided tour of the Apprentice House, which housed the pauper children who worked in the mill and learn about their working and home lives. Visit the stunning gardens, the Greg family's picturesque valley retreat adjoining the mill. Explore the newly restored curvilinear glasshouse and gardens. Stroll to Styal village, built by the Greg family to house the mill workers, and still a thriving community, or walk through ancient woods along the river Bollin.

Quarry Bank's archive provided the inspiration for Channel 4's popular drama The Mill. Discover More

Dunham Massey

Meet the rebellious 7th Earl and his new wife, London celebrity Catharine Cox. See their story of love, status and scandal played out throughout the House and discover how they altered the course of Dunham’s history forever.

When the National Trust took over Dunham Massey in 1976, work began to transform the garden to its former glory. It was decided that the garden would have an Edwardian pleasure ground feel with the freedom to choose from a range of planting options. The garden continues to evolve today with modern additions including the Rose and the Winter Gardens. You can explore the historic stables as they reveal exciting stories from Dunham’s past, from race horses to motor cars.

With over 300 acres of beautiful ancient parkland to explore, this is an excellent place for dog walking and roaming wild. Discover More

Lyme Park

Lyme was once home to the Legh family and, in its heyday a great sporting estate. Step back in time to the Regency era - a time which saw great rejuvenation for Lyme. Enjoy lavish interiors, try out the billiards table in the Long Gallery, read a book in the library, or visit our Dressing Room to try on the finest Regency regalia.

The 1,400 acre estate with its medieval herd of red deer offers fantastic walks and stunning views. For a more tranquil walk explore the elegant Rose Garden, Ravine Garden or the luxurious herbaceous borders next to the reflecting lake where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennet in the BBC production of 'Pride and Prejudice'. Children can let off steam in Crow Wood Playscape with its giant slide, badger den and rope walks, whilst the nearby Timber Yard Cafe offers delicious hot and cold snacks, soups and range of cakes.

You can view online some of the items that Lyme has in its collection. The site catalogues approximately three-quarters of a million National Trust objects with more being added daily. Discover More

Little Moreton Hall

An iconic Tudor Manor House that ‘Logically it should not still be standing up!’ Seeing the tumbling architecture of Little Moreton Hall for the first time, engineers in 1990 could not believe their eyes. Fortunately this timber-framed building, curled around with a scenic moat, has defied logic for over 500 years.

Discover something new Join in with one of our free guided tours and discover the story of Little Moreton Hall from the first foundations (or lack of) to the present day. Find out about life in the 1600s and discover the root of some common words, including, ‘chairman’ and ‘board-game’. Knot just a garden Nestled at the back of the hall is the manicured knot garden.

You’ll also find herbs and vegetables that the Tudors would have used for their cooking and medicines. We use seasonal produce from the garden in our Mrs Dale's Pantry and Little Tea Room, where a delicious selection home-made cakes, light lunches and afternoon teas are served daily. Discover More

Tatton Park

An historical estate with a neo-classical mansion, 50 acres of landscaped Gardens, 1000 acres of deer Park, a rare breed farm and medieval Old Hall. For nearly 400 years the estate was the property of the Egerton family until it was bequeathed to the National Trust in 1958. It is now financed and maintained by Cheshire East Council.

This is one of the most complete historic estates open to visitors. The early 19th-century Mansion sits amid a landscaped deer Park and is opulently decorated, providing a fine setting for the Egerton family's extensive collections. The theme of Victorian grandeur extends into the garden with its glasshouses, formal gardens, Italian and Japanese gardens. There is so much to see and do and with over 100 events each year, it makes for one of the most popular family days out in the North West.

Take a visit to Tatton Dale Farm, the picture of rural life where time has stood still since the 1930s and traditional breeds are still resident. Children can explore the adventure play area, woodland play trail and den building zone. The former Head Gardener’s Cottage has been transformed into a beautiful tea room, serving traditional afternoon tea as well as breakfast, light lunch and freshly baked cakes. Nestled in a unique location in the Victorian Walled gardens with views of the orchards, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxing lunch. You can also enjoy speciality shops and the Stables restaurant. Discover More

Alderley Edge

Dramatic red sandstone escarpment, with impressive views Walk the dramatic red sandstone escarpment of Alderley Edge, with views over the Cheshire Plain to the Peak District.

Explore woodland paths or walk to neighbouring Hare Hill Garden. Discover the highest point on the Edge which was originally a Bronze Age burial mound. It was later used as a fire beacon site which would have been lit as a signal to warn of the imminent invasion.

For more stunning views over the Cheshire countryside, why not visit one of the following nearby properties: Bickerton Hill and Bulkely Hill Wood; Mow Cop, the Cloud, Helsby Hill and Thurstaston Common. Discover More

Images and content courtesy of The National Trust