# Hat Works Museum of Hatting, Stockport — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info

> Discover the fascinating story of Britain's hat-making heritage at this unique mill-based museum, complete with accessible facilities and picnic-friendly spaces for families to enjoy.

Source: https://staycation.co.uk/stockport/attractions/hat-works-museum-of-hatting (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version.

Museum

# Hat Works Museum of Hatting

Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South

[View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=8139653038326616249&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

Photo: [SRM AKA SK](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/106901344752090037563)

**In short:** Hat Works Museum of Hatting is a museum in Stockport, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 462 Google reviews.

Details checked 3 November 2026 · source: Google Places

## About Hat Works Museum of Hatting

Discover the fascinating story of Britain's hat-making heritage at this unique mill-based museum, complete with accessible facilities and picnic-friendly spaces for families to enjoy.

## What's nearby

- Hat Works Cafe next door
- Stockport Garrick Theatre next door
- The Plaza next door
- McDonald's 150m away
- Merseyway Shopping Centre 250m away

Distances as the crow flies, via Google

## Good to know

### Accessibility

- ✓Accessible entrance
- ✓Accessible toilet

### Payment

- ✓Contactless

Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.

## Photos

Photos via Google

## Opening hours

**Monday** Closed

**Tuesday** Closed

**Wednesday** Closed

**Thursday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Friday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Saturday** 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

**Sunday** Closed

Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.

## What visitors say

[Nolan A](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106576863305937511302/reviews) ★★★★★

Hat Works in Stockport is a fascinating and genuinely unique museum. I’ve visited many museums around the world, but I haven’t come across anything quite like this one. Entry is free, making it an excellent place to spend an hour or two, particularly if you’re visiting with children. The museum is spread over three floors, although the main entrance from the street brings you in on what is actually the top floor. Here you’ll find the reception, a gift shop, a small café and a little art display, with the artwork available to purchase. There is also ramp access for wheelchair users. The next floor down is the Gallery of Hats, which contains an impressive collection of hats from around the world. There are numerous displays showing the incredible variety of hats, their history and their cultural significance. Another floor takes you into the former factory area, where you can see how hats were traditionally made. Although the factory is no longer operating, you can still see the machinery and watch demonstrations of specialist hat-making techniques, including the production of berets, school caps and fezzes/tarbooshes. There are also a number of themed displays, including nature-inspired hats incorporating minerals, shells and flowers, as well as an Under the Sea section. The Glamour Zone features more fashion-focused and theatrical designs, while other displays explore military and traditional hats from different parts of the world. One of the most interesting areas is the section explaining the history of the factory and the hat-making process. The museum also incorporates material from the former William Plant factory, which was donated to the city and helps tell the story of Stockport’s important role in the hat-making industry. I would definitely recommend trying to join one of the guided tours, particularly the 10:30am or 2pm tours, as they provide much more information about the history of hat-making and the machinery. They would also be particularly interesting for children. There are several interactive stations throughout the museum aimed at younger visitors. Overall, Hat Works is an unusual, educational and surprisingly entertaining museum. It’s free, different from anything I’ve encountered elsewhere in my travels, and well worth an hour or two if you’re in Stockport.

· via Google

[SRM AKA SK](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106901344752090037563/reviews) ★★★★★

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely loved visiting Hat Works Museum in Stockport — genuinely one of the most underrated hidden gems near Manchester. I honestly did not expect such an immersive, creative and visually impressive experience, especially considering the museum is completely FREE. Located inside a beautiful restored Victorian mill, Hat Works is the UK’s only museum dedicated to the hat-making industry, and it does an amazing job bringing Stockport’s industrial and fashion history to life. The exhibitions are interactive, colourful, modern and incredibly well presented. Seeing the original machinery, vintage hat collections and learning about the craftsmanship behind the industry was fascinating. What I loved most is that it never felt like a “boring” museum. The displays are engaging, artistic and very photogenic, with lots of interesting details throughout. It’s perfect for families, couples, photographers, fashion lovers or anyone looking for something different to do. The staff were lovely and welcoming, everything was clean and organised, and there’s also a nice café and gift shop inside which makes the experience even better. The museum is usually open Tuesday to Sunday from around 10am–4pm, and honestly it’s 100% worth visiting if you’re anywhere near Stockport or Manchester. A fantastic mix of history, culture, creativity and local heritage all under one roof. I left genuinely impressed and would happily visit again.

· via Google

[Kat Harbourne](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103549559898434150309/reviews) ★★★★★

Absolutely loved our tour. Our tour guide Fallon was excellent. It's great being able to see such recent history up close. Highly recommend booking a tour.

· via Google

[A N](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107035413690047872233/reviews) ★★★★★

Excellent tour by Liza Ward. We learnt lots which I’m surprised not to have known before, being very familiar with Manchester/ Stockport already. Liza was extremely knowledgable and information went well beyond hatting. I am so glad that there are such enthusiastic people preserving local history.

· via Google

[See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487bb37be049bb73:0x70f5db50086310b9!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

People say this museum offers fascinating insights into the hat-making industry, featuring original factory equipment and an extensive collection of hats from around the world. Visitors also highlight the engaging and interactive exhibits, making it enjoyable for all ages. They also like the welcoming staff and the delicious food and baked goods available in the cafe.

Summary via Google

## At a glance

**Address** Wellington Mill, Wellington Road South, Stockport, SK3 0EU [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=53.4085350%2C-2.1618786)

**Category** Museums & Galleries

**Guest rating** 4.5 / 5 (462 reviews)

**Suitable for** All Ages

**Setting** Indoor

**Good for children** Yes

**Toilets on site** Yes

**Destination** Stockport

[More attractions in Stockport](https://staycation.co.uk/stockport/attractions)

★ 4.5 (462 reviews)

[Visit official website](https://www.stockport.gov.uk/topic/hat-works?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction)

[0161 474 2399](tel:01614742399)

(please mention staycation.co.uk when calling)

### Quick Facts

**Destination** Stockport

**Postcode** SK3 0EU

**Payment** Contactless

**Plus Code** 9C5VCR5Q+C6

[Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487bb37be049bb73:0x70f5db50086310b9!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487bb37be049bb73:0x70f5db50086310b9!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487bb37be049bb73:0x70f5db50086310b9!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA)

### 🏨 Places to stay near Stockport

Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices.

[Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DStockport%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom)

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[Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/stockport/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/stockport/camping)

## Quick answers

### What are the opening hours of Hat Works Museum of Hatting?

Hat Works Museum of Hatting is open Mon–Wed closed; Thu–Sat 10am–4pm; Sun closed (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go).

### Is Hat Works Museum of Hatting any good?

Hat Works Museum of Hatting is rated 4.5 out of 5 from 462 Google reviews.

### Is Hat Works Museum of Hatting good for children?

Yes, Hat Works Museum of Hatting is listed as good for children.

### Is Hat Works Museum of Hatting indoors or outdoors?

Hat Works Museum of Hatting is indoors, so it works on a rainy day.

### What ages is Hat Works Museum of Hatting suitable for?

Hat Works Museum of Hatting suits all ages.

### Is Hat Works Museum of Hatting wheelchair accessible?

Hat Works Museum of Hatting has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet.

### How do I contact Hat Works Museum of Hatting?

Call Hat Works Museum of Hatting on +44 161 474 2399.

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