Stockport, Greater Manchester: A Complete Visitor's Guide

Stockport's town centre is packed with history, from the Hat Works Museum and Stockport Market to The Plaza, Staircase House, the Air Raid Shelters, and Stockport's newest addition, Stockroom. Victorian architecture, historic streets, and the iconic Stockport Viaduct add to its charm, and just a short trip out of town, Bramall Hall is a beautiful Tudor Manor House with origins dating back to the Middle Ages.

Hat Works Museum - Wellington Mill

Hat Works Museum is the only museum of its kind in the UK and celebrates Stockport's hat-making heritage with engaging displays, restored machinery, and interactive exhibits that bring the town's famous hatting industry to life. The building is also home to Arc, a creative community centre offering arts, wellbeing activities, workshops, and events for all ages. 

Opening Times:

• Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday (10am-4pm)
• Closed: Closed every other day.

Stockport Market - Market Hall

At the heart of the town for centuries, Stockport Market is full of independent traders, fresh produce, and unique finds, all set in and around the historic Market Hall. 

Opening Times:

• Open: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (9am-4.30pm)
• Closed: Closed every other day.

Stockroom - Merseyway Shopping Centre

A modern community space and cultural hub in the town centre, Stockroom is designed to bring people of all ages together with events, workshops, and creative activities. 

Opening Times:

• Open: Monday, Tuesday, Saturday (10am-5pm), Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (10am-7pm), Sunday (11am-4pm)

Stockport Plaza - Mersey Square

A beautifully restored 1930s Art Deco theatre and cinema, The Plaza hosts everything from live performances to classic film screenings. Its location has been transformed into Gotham for the filming of the new DC film 'Clayface', which is reportedly set to premiere in 2026. 

Stockport Viaduct 

You can't miss the 27-arch red brick viaduct towering over the town. Built in 1840, it's still one of the largest of its kind in the world and remains a proud reminder of Stockport's industrial past. 

Bramall Hall - Bramall

Just outside the town centre, Bramall Hall is a magnificent Tudor Manor House with origins dating back to the Middle Ages. 

The Hall, one of the most beautiful treasures of England, is of great national importance. The magnificent 16th Century wall paintings, striking Elizabethan plaster ceiling, the Victorian Kitchens and Servants’ Quarters give this Hall its unique charm.

The Hall offers unique insights into the families and servants who lived and worked here. It stands in about 70 acres of parkland designed in the Victorian Romantic style. It offers woodland walks with intriguing glimpses of the Hall itself and of the brooks and lakes.

Opening Times:

• Open: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (11am-4.30pm)
• Closed: Monday-Wednesday. 

Air Raid Shelters - 65 Chestergate

Hidden beneath the town centre, the sandstone tunnels in Stockport's Air Raid Shelters take you straight back to the Second World War. These tunnels once protected thousands of locals and now give a powerful glimpse into life on the home front. 

Opening Times:

• Open: Tuesday-Friday (1pm-5pm), Saturday (10am-5pm), Sunday (11am-4pm)
• Closed: Monday. 

Staircase House - 30/31 Market Place

Right in the Market Place, Staircase House is a beautifully restored medieval townhouse where you can wander through rooms that trace hundreds of years of history. Its star feature is the striking Jacobean staircase, one of the finest examples in the country. 

Opening Times:

• Open: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday (10am-5pm), Friday (12pm-5pm), Sunday (11am-4pm)
• Closed: Monday and Tuesday. 

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery - Wellington Road South

Stockport War Memorial Art Gallery is a vibrant, contemporary art space which hosts regular exhibitions in all four of its galleries.

Opening Times:

• Open: Thursday to Friday (1pm-5pm), Saturday (10am-5pm), Sunday (11am-4pm)
• Closed: Monday-Wednesday 

Stockport Town Hall - Edward Street

Nicknamed the "wedding cake" thanks to its ornate white façade and tower, Stockport Town Hall has been a civic landmark since 1908. It's as grand inside as out, with regular tours and events showing off its Edwardian interiors. 

The Underbanks is a lively area full of great bars, restaurants, and independent shops. 

Pop into yón orangé for a matcha, browse 60s and 70s inspired homeware at Squound, hunt down rare books and magazines at Rare Mags, check out design-led sustainable pieces at Still Life Story, discover local artwork at The Warren, and unwind with a coffee at Coffee Block. 

Watch Visit Manchester's full Indie Guide HERE. 

Discover EVEN more amazing traders...

The Warren, tucked away in Stockport's Old Town, is a warm and creative little gem. Since 2018, it’s been home to the work of local artists, with everything from handmade jewellery and ceramics to quirky homeware. With its friendly vibe, it’s the perfect place to pick up a thoughtful gift or something unique while supporting local makers.

20th Century Stores is Stockport’s answer to Manchester's iconic Afflecks - a bohemian maze that's easy to get lost in. It's a vintage lover's paradise, full of independent traders selling everything from homeware, furniture, costume jewellery, clothing, and accessories. There really isn't another shop like it in Stockport. 

White Dragon Tattoo is the longest-standing tattoo shop, boasting over 35 years of experience in the trade. 

SK1 Records is an independent record shop and café in the heart of Stockport's Old Town. They buy, sell, and trade records and hold regular music events with their neighbours, The Spin Off, and other venues in and around Manchester. 

Pear Mill is steeped in history and houses multiple businesses. One business in particular that utilises the space is The Vintage Emporium, a treasure trove of antiques and vintage finds (even the BBC and Netflix come and grab their props from here).

You may also like All Night Flight Records, Agapanthus Interiors, Jake Shoes, and The Cats’ Cauldron. 

Stockport's food and drink scene has really come into its own in recent years, with the town quickly making a name for itself as somewhere worth travelling for. The town comes alive on Foodie Friday, when the Market Place fills with street food, craft drinks, and live music. Just nearby, The Produce Hall brings together independent kitchens under one historic roof, while across town, you'll find a growing mix of coffee shops, bars, and restaurants. 

Foodie Friday

Foodie Friday in Stockport is a lively monthly street food event held on the last Friday of each month at Stockport Market. The festival brings together local and regional food vendors, offering everything from pizzas and tapas to vegetarian and vegan options. With live music, a friendly atmosphere, and plenty of seating, it’s a great way to enjoy good food and a fun night out in the town.

The Produce Hall - 22 Market Place

Stockport’s Produce Hall has changed a lot over the past 160 years - once home to fish and meat markets, cheese stalls, and sweetshops. Today, it brings together independent kitchens under one historic roof, offering everything from British classics to tapas dishes. 

Sticky Fingers - Indoor Market 

Sticky Fingers is a popular Polish Bakery selling delicious baked goods. They are currently located inside Stockport Market, but they will soon be opening a new spot on the Underbanks.

Ōdiobā - 26 Lower Hillgate

Just around the corner, Ōdiobā is an artisan coffee house with a twist. By day, it's all about specialty coffee, fresh bakes, and cocktails; by night, local DJs spin vinyl across three floors, creating a space that's equal parts cosy and cool. 

Hillgate Cakery - 22 Lower Hillgate

Hillgate Cakery is a lovely little family-run vegan spot. It's relaxed, friendly and easy to drop in, whether you're sitting in or just grabbing something sweet to take away. 

Yellowhammer - 15 Lower Hillgate

Yellowhammer's one of those places that does a bit of everything, and does it well. Great coffee and fresh bread by day, then in the evening it becomes a cosy wine bar with small plates. There's even a pottery studio tucked in, which gives it a nice creative touch. 

Bruk - 8 Little Underbank

Bruk on Little Underbank is laid-back and stylish without trying too hard. They serve good wine, cocktails, and small plates, and it's the sort of place you can just as easily stop by for a quiet drink as you can settle into for the night. 

Stockport blends old charm with new energy, from craft bars to creative workshops and a buzzing nightlife scene. 

Nightlife in Stockport:

• The Spinn Off: A neighbourhood bar serving craft beers, natural wines, and cocktails. 
• Ōdiobā: A vibrant bar split across three floors. 
• Bruk: A wine and cocktail bar in the heart of the Underbanks. 
• MØ6B: A mix of a café, bar and record shop. 
• Thread: Lives just opposite the Market Hall and is a Belgium-style bar with a wide range of beers on tap.  
• The Banshee: An Irish bar serving Guinness and live music all weekend long.
• The White Lion Coaching House: A family-friendly pub and sports bar located on Great Underbank, offering a welcoming atmosphere for all.
• The Underbank Area: Home to several bars, including The Bakers Vault and so many other great independent traders mentioned throughout. 
• Loft Social: Loft Social is Stockport's newest entertainment venue. Expect games like curling, deck shuffleboard, and pétanque, catering to an 18+ crowd. 

Creative Workshops & Cultural Spots:

• Stock Party: An annual block party in Stockport Old Town, celebrating the best of independent food, drink, music and culture.
• PINK: PINK is a gallery, artist studios, and events space dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research, innovative practice, and collaborative exchange. 
• Merseyway Workshop: Right in the middle of Merseyway Shopping Centre, this space runs all sorts of creative sessions for all ages.  
• Stockport Gin: Founded by husband-and-wife team Paul and Cheryl, Stockport Gin is an award-winning small-batch craft gin distillery. You can book onto one of their distillery tours and learn more about their history. 
• Stockport Fungi: Explore the hidden world of fungi through grow your own courses, foraging walks, or even try artsy workshops where you can make things like paper or wooden bowls. 
• Plastic Shed: A friendly community project where plastic waste gets turned into something useful or beautiful. 
• Stockport Music Map: The Stockport Music Map features over 200 colourful icons and facts about the musical history and heritage of the town, from the 1950s all the way through to the present.
• Manchester Bite Tours: This Stockport Food Tour explores the “Berlin of the North”, visiting 6 of the North West’s best independent food vendors.
• The Landing: The Landing is a unique collaborative community space created by Manchester Urban Diggers and Where the Light Gets In on the rooftop of Merseyway Shopping Centre Car Park. The Landing is more than just a garden; it’s a thriving hub for sustainable food systems and community engagement.
• The Little Sri Lankan: The Little Sri Lankan, led by Malanie Tillekeratne and Michael Hooper, offers a unique culinary experience through monthly supper clubs at Miru Mill in Stockport. Their menus feature traditional Sri Lankan dishes, often with a modern twist, inspired by Malanie's family recipes.

Throughout the Underbanks, you’ll find street art that reflects the area’s character and history. Notable pieces include the Jimi Hendrix Mural by Otto Schade, Garden Tiger Moth by Paintsmiths, Shop Small, Love Local by Emily Flanagan, the Underbanks Mural by Qubek, and the latest addition, a Sarah Harding mural celebrating her life, located at 11 High Street in the town’s Underbank area.

Find out more about these artworks HERE. 

Getting to Stockport: 

Distance: (approx) 8-10 minutes from Manchester City Centre. 
Transport: Catch a train from Manchester Piccadilly - they run frequently.

Make your journey smooth and stress-free by planning your journey on the Bee Network app. You can also buy a range of tickets, get live departure times and see travel alerts.

For more information on route planning, accessibility tips, and live updates to help you make the most of your trip, head to the Bee Network website.