Hat Works Museum of Hatting
Hat Works Museum of Hatting
Hat Works Museum of Hatting
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
331 reviews
Excellent
198
Very good
108
Average
19
Poor
4
Terrible
2
Lionel. M Jones
2 contributions
Mar 2020
I love the hat museum. I went here with my freinds when we missed our bus. Better than waiting in the cold. We Had the time of our lives. Stayed hours. Could not get over the grand scope of this place. Such a good time. If your intersted in hats, craft, history, or FUN, come to the hat museum. Every second is a godsend. Bless.
Written January 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ronelworth
Sandbach, UK3 contributions
Apr 2019
The Hat Works might well be unique, although I imagine there may be something similar in Luton. It provides a glimpse into a piece of the past which is easy to overlook. Everybody wore a hat at one time and this museum lifts the lid, so to speak, on it all. Highly recommended.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
HurstHollow
Manchester, UK38 contributions
Sep 2014 • Friends
Less than 5 minutes walk from Stockport Railway station is a great little Museum all about the town's history of felt hat making. The machinery show the processes with good video archive. Do not miss the films of the worker's stories right at the end - easy to miss. Lots of hats of all types on display and some for sale. A real treat if you are interested on how hats were made.
Also recommend lunch at the Plaza and a visit to the Air Raid Tunnels to make a full day.
Also recommend lunch at the Plaza and a visit to the Air Raid Tunnels to make a full day.
Written September 9, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChivonneHead
Dukinfield, UK13 contributions
Sep 2013 • Couples
I arrived at the hatting museum hatless, so as you can imagine I was very relieved when I got inside and you could try on a lot of the hats. Phew.
You can see in the pictures what sort of hats were on offer, and we also had a very nice gentleman informing us about hatting and how hats were made. Stockport has a history of hatting, it was very popular in the 19th and early 20th century before people stopped caring about hats and replaced them with daft things like ear muffs, of which I hope there will never be a museum dedicated to.
There was a mad hatter's tea party which you can see me joining in zealously in the photographs. I can't remember why now, but there was also a stuffed beaver and a giant-ish stuffed rabbit which was very life-like, so if you are taking small children of a nervous disposition here then be careful. However, most children will love it, it's very child friendly with lots of play areas.
There is also the opportunity to dress up, I enjoyed pretending to be the queen in a rather oversized and ostentatious crown, which I enjoyed wearing immensely as you can see in the photograph. There is a hat to suit everyone here, and even if you are dog ugly you will no doubt find a hat which can disguise this at least semi-efficiently.
A good day for anyone who has even a fleeting interest in hats.
You can see in the pictures what sort of hats were on offer, and we also had a very nice gentleman informing us about hatting and how hats were made. Stockport has a history of hatting, it was very popular in the 19th and early 20th century before people stopped caring about hats and replaced them with daft things like ear muffs, of which I hope there will never be a museum dedicated to.
There was a mad hatter's tea party which you can see me joining in zealously in the photographs. I can't remember why now, but there was also a stuffed beaver and a giant-ish stuffed rabbit which was very life-like, so if you are taking small children of a nervous disposition here then be careful. However, most children will love it, it's very child friendly with lots of play areas.
There is also the opportunity to dress up, I enjoyed pretending to be the queen in a rather oversized and ostentatious crown, which I enjoyed wearing immensely as you can see in the photograph. There is a hat to suit everyone here, and even if you are dog ugly you will no doubt find a hat which can disguise this at least semi-efficiently.
A good day for anyone who has even a fleeting interest in hats.
Written September 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peter H
Greater Manchester, UK541 contributions
Sep 2019
What a great way to spend a couple of hours, learning about one of the most important industries that made Stockport known around the world. The cost of entry is £5 but a multi-site ticket is available that also includes the Air Raid Tunnels, Staircase House and Bramall Hall, this costs just £13 and never expires although you can only visit each attraction once. Our tour guide Ruth was a wealth of knowledge on the subject and a very engaging and interesting speaker. We learned so much about our local heritage and it was a pleasure to be in the company of her and our companions on the tour. There is a great exhibition of hats and other paraphenalia on the middle floor and a nice shop area on the top floor. The bottom floor is where the tour really explains all the processes in making hats and felting. It's a shame that the dreaded health and safety brigade have stepped in and, at present, none of the machines are running.
Written September 30, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Justine G
Manchester, UK151 contributions
Aug 2019
I've been to the hat museum a few times before. I didn't like the extra displays as much as I have previously. There were some interesting places, like the hatter's cottage, but the machines on the ground floor just seemed endless and clumped together. My children were quite happy walking around and it was not boring, but my son thought it was a little small and not varied enough. A wide range of children in age, but they all enjoyed (as did the adults) trying on all the hats. I thought it was great to have the discovery bags (with torches, magnifying glass and binoculars) for the children, but not many opportunities to use them. My 2 year old and 6 year old had fun with them, but it was playing, rather than useful, which was fine.
Written August 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
samsung c
Stockport, UK5 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
Worth a few hours if you are in and around manchester - learn how hats were made and the origins of the mad hatter from lewis carroll! great fun day out!
Written July 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thanks for your review - glad you enjoyed your visit. Please come back and see us soon.
Written July 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
N.Wilson
Manchester, UK389 contributions
Mar 2016 • Friends
We went here and ended up on a guided tour with Sue and it was just us three - Sue was such a lovely and informative lady and she was an absolute joy to meet!!
Not only was she excellent at her job and with an obvious real passion for what she does, she also let us ask questions and even asked me about a history project I'd done regarding the old Christ Church ruin on the A6 and at no time did she rush the tour or make us feel like pests as we were the only ones with her.
We'd been unsure as to whether to take the Hat Works tour as neither of us are that interested in hats but we're so glad we did it and that's all thanks to Sue and we actually learnt quite a lot from her.
It was also lovely to see her lovely smiley face up on reception as we left too - she is a total credit to Hat Works!!!
Not only was she excellent at her job and with an obvious real passion for what she does, she also let us ask questions and even asked me about a history project I'd done regarding the old Christ Church ruin on the A6 and at no time did she rush the tour or make us feel like pests as we were the only ones with her.
We'd been unsure as to whether to take the Hat Works tour as neither of us are that interested in hats but we're so glad we did it and that's all thanks to Sue and we actually learnt quite a lot from her.
It was also lovely to see her lovely smiley face up on reception as we left too - she is a total credit to Hat Works!!!
Written March 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Richard C
Aylesbury, UK560 contributions
Sep 2014
This is the only hat museum in the UK and is near Stockport bus and train stations.
I have often wanted to visit as you see the chimney sign from the Manchester train which we take from down south frequently.The museum is a quality example of how old history can be explained in a fantastically simple way yet show how the process involved and staff work was so dangerous due to noise of equipmeny,chemicals used as well a lack of health and safety standards over100 years ago. The equipment is demonstrated and each area of hat making explained very well. Origins of phrases such as"mad as a hatter" are now understood so well after the visit. It is best to do guided tour and allow say two hours as there is much to cover and enjoy.
This museum is very special and it is important that Stockport council invest in this setup as there is a clear future here and also plenty of commercial opportunity as well as a heritage for all to savour.
Much has been said in earlier reviews about the closed cafe. Don't despair plenty of options are nearby of which the Plaza should be high on a list. Also McDonald's, Debenhams and others are close by.
Visit this amazing museum and marvel at how people earned their living to create hats for everyone... Its a special place and one I will revisit.
I have often wanted to visit as you see the chimney sign from the Manchester train which we take from down south frequently.The museum is a quality example of how old history can be explained in a fantastically simple way yet show how the process involved and staff work was so dangerous due to noise of equipmeny,chemicals used as well a lack of health and safety standards over100 years ago. The equipment is demonstrated and each area of hat making explained very well. Origins of phrases such as"mad as a hatter" are now understood so well after the visit. It is best to do guided tour and allow say two hours as there is much to cover and enjoy.
This museum is very special and it is important that Stockport council invest in this setup as there is a clear future here and also plenty of commercial opportunity as well as a heritage for all to savour.
Much has been said in earlier reviews about the closed cafe. Don't despair plenty of options are nearby of which the Plaza should be high on a list. Also McDonald's, Debenhams and others are close by.
Visit this amazing museum and marvel at how people earned their living to create hats for everyone... Its a special place and one I will revisit.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
64Rod
Cheshire, UK223 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
I have lived in this area for over 60 years and have never visited the museum before, which is a shame considering my father and uncle worked all their lives making hats in Stockport. My expectations were not high - how can hats be that interesting? Well I was amazed at this museum - not only is it very well laid out with plenty of easy to read and fascinating information, but the sheer amount and variety for headwear on display is truly amazing. Everything from top hats to military headgear - fabulous ladies fashion to ceremonial and religious wear. The range on display is staggering.
The basement area covers the actual production of the hats and I stood in front of a planking machine - the type my father spent his entire working life operating - and I realised just how hard people like him worked to bring up and support a family.
Even without a connection to the industry I am sure most visitors would appreciate just how good is this exhibition and how poorer we are now that the wearing of hats is no longer fashionable.
The basement area covers the actual production of the hats and I stood in front of a planking machine - the type my father spent his entire working life operating - and I realised just how hard people like him worked to bring up and support a family.
Even without a connection to the industry I am sure most visitors would appreciate just how good is this exhibition and how poorer we are now that the wearing of hats is no longer fashionable.
Written September 3, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maureen N
Rutland27 contributions
My friends and I are in the Red Hat Ladies Society(British Group) Therefore, we are all crazy about hats. Do you do group visits? Talks?
Any refreshments on site or nearby. Any other attractions in the area if we stayed a night? I see you are on the bus and rail routes which would be good. Any information would be
very welcome. Maureen
Grumpyoldman15
Wakefield, UK157 contributions
Hi Maureen
You need to contact the Museum direct to answer your questions but I do know they do guided tours and have a cafe area but not sure of the opening times.
In stockport, there are the WW2 Air Raid Shelters and the staircase house to visit. There is also a brewery which does tours, but not Mondays.
jill1907
Alicante, Spain5 contributions
Is the museum of interest to a five year old girl?
perizada2017
Manchester, UK40 contributions
To a point. Hats and clothes to try on and lots to see. The work room may be a bit boring and noisy if the machines are being demonstrated
jayBedfordshire
bedfordshire143 contributions
Is it accessible on public transport?
Once I get to Stockport, what bus should I take or is it walkable?
Thank you
Hi there,
Hat Works is just a 5 min walk from the train station and a 2 min walk from the bus station. It is signposted from the train station and the building can be clearly seen from the bus station.
Thanks
SpideressUK
Manchester, UK17 contributions
Are there public toilets available in it?
sharoncN4034SB
Bolton, UK35 contributions
Yes they did.
adrialeigh1
Whitefield, UK6 contributions
Where do you park nearby? My husband is disabled, he has a blue badge. We tried to go yesterday and couldn't find anywhere near to park. Very disappointed, and we had driven a long time way from north Manchester, we were not impressed!!!
I'm sorry you didn't get to visit Hat Works. Unfortunately the museum does not have any of its own parking spaces. The nearest car parks are Heaton Lane (near Mersey Square) and Grand Central (near the Railway Station) where parking charges apply. If it is easier to come into the museum via Daw Bank, please call us on 0161 474 2399 with your estimated time of arrival and we can be ready to let you in.
How long is the tour?
UKGreenO
Newbury, UK52 contributions
I believe the tour is about 90 mins long. We were lucky that we attended the museum on a very quiet day, so we were the only ones on the tour and the chap was more than happy to answer all our questions causing the tour to run over by about half an hour! We were more than happy and the tour chap is sooo informed and interesting!! Great day.
Kathy B
Manchester, UK7 contributions
I visited this Museum just last week and it was FREE.
Sylvia Seymour
Liverpool, UK43 contributions
I am thinking of bringing a group of ladies to your museum, do I have to pre book or do we just pay on the day?
Also are there any coach companies that do a tour to the museum?
Sylvia Seymour
Liverpool, UK43 contributions
I am thinking of bringing a group of ladies to your museum. Do I have to book in advance or just pay on the day. Also are there and couch companies that do a tour to the museum
N.Wilson
Manchester, UK389 contributions
It's free entry but you can also pay around £12.50 for a multi-pass to have a guided tour of Hat Works and also admission into Stockport Air Raid Shelters, Staircase House, Stockport Story Museum (which is actually free) and Bramall Hall (although the ticket isn't able to be used for Bramall Hall until the first week of August due to the renovations but there's no time limit on your ticket).
If you opt for the multi-pass ticket and do the other museums (which are on the historic market place apart from the Air Raid shelters which are just past the taxi rank on the way towards the Market on the Chestergate side of the shopping centre), make sure you pop into the historic Blackshaw's Cafe next to Stockport Story Musuem for a coffee :)
Hat Works Museum of Hatting (Stockport) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hat Works Museum of Hatting
- Hat Works Museum of Hatting is open:
- Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Tue - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Hat Works Museum of Hatting tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Hat Works Museum of Hatting tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Hat Works Museum of Hatting:
- (0.03 mi) Flat 21, Duoro House · Spacious Central Apartment with great transports
- (0.15 mi) Holiday Inn Express Stockport, an IHG Hotel
- (0.13 mi) Travelodge Stockport hotel
- (0.41 mi) Premier Inn Stockport Central hotel
- (0.30 mi) Red Bull
- Restaurants near Hat Works Museum of Hatting:
- (0.04 mi) Spinning Top
- (0.07 mi) Plaza Cafe
- (0.13 mi) Cafe SQ
- (0.13 mi) Baekdu BBQ Restaurant
- (0.18 mi) Rozafa Greek Restaurant