Locations
Stockport attractions
Situated seven miles south east of Manchester, Stockport is often overlooked in favour of its neighbouring city. However, it’s a fantastic place that should be considered a tourist destination in its own right.
The Stockport Railway Viaduct is one of the town’s most recognisable structures. With 27 arches standing a massive 33.85 metres high, the viaduct represented a major achievement in Victorian engineering. Immortalised in a number of Lowry’s distinctive paintings, it continues to carry thousands of rail passengers every year.
Once home to a thriving hatting and silk industry, Stockport is proud of its rich heritage. The town’s lively past is celebrated in its many museums and art galleries, which include The Stockport Story, The Hat works, Staircase House and Stockport Art Gallery.
Stockport also has a number of historic buildings such as Stockport Town Hall. The Town Hall is often referred to as the ‘Wedding Cake’ due to its distinctive tower. Designed by Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas in July 1908, the Town Hall is a wonderful example of Edwardian architecture. The beautiful ballroom has a rare Wurlitzer organ and was once described by the poet Sir John Betjeman as “magnificent.”
If you’re a sports lover, you’ll be pleased to know that Stockport is home to the Sale Sharks rugby team and a football team, Stockport County. Both teams play at the town’s Edgeley Park stadium and have a great deal of local support.
It’s easy to find great food and drink in Stockport with a variety of wonderful pubs, which are famed locally for their excellent beers. Try a pint of Robinson’s; this local brewery has been producing beer in the Stockport area since 1838. If you’re keen to find out more, Robinson’s offer popular brewery tours every Monday and Tuesday.
Stockport has some fantastic shops and you’ll find branches of most high street stores in the Merseyway Centre. If you like a bargain, the famous market is also worth a visit. You’ll find a lively atmosphere, colourful traders and, of course, plenty of history. The outdoor market is now 750 years old, which makes the Victorian grade-II listed market hall seem positively juvenile in comparison.
The town’s Grand Central complex has everything you could possibly require for a great night out. The entertainment complex has a range of bars and restaurants, along with an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a popular bowling alley and health club. However, if you prefer something a little less raucous, the town also boasts a number of theatres such as The Garrick and The Plaza. These theatres host a variety of events from local amateur dramatics productions to larger touring shows.
Whether you’re staying for a day trip or a longer duration, we’re sure you’ll find something to interest you in this lively town.