Hat Works
Hat Works

Hat Works offers something for visitors of all ages. Admission is FREE so you can visit the museum at your leisure.

On our gallery floor you can see our extensive collection of hats from around the world as well as visiting our temporary exhibition space - where there is always an interesting interactive exhibition on offer. Our temporary exhibition changes approximately every 3 months. On the gallery floor you will also find our Family Fun area where the young visitors will be entertained by the range of activities on offer.

On our recreated factory floor you can see our extensive collection of working Victorian style hatting machinery, along with a reconstructed hatter’s cottage, hat block workshop, working office and habedashery shop front.

We offer guided tours throughout the day which come highly recommended. For £2.00 you can step back in time with one of our expert demonstrators, and experience the world of hatting, from its humble beginnings in the cottage industry to the mass production of early 19th Century when hat manufacturing was a thriving industry with over 100 hat factories and businesses in the Stockport area.

Our guided tour really brings the hatting industry to life and they really enhance any visit to the museum. Our expert guides all have links to the industry and often share personal anecdotes. This makes each tour unique, personal and particularly interesting.

Opening Times
Opening times
Monday - Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat and Sun: 1pm - 5pm
Bank Holidays: 1pm - 5pm
Closed: Christmas Day 2006 to New Years Day 2007 -
re-opens on 2 January 2007
Admission Prices

Admission charges - FREE* to 'walk up' visitors

Guided tour prices
Adults: £2.00
Children: £2.00
Concessions: £2.00
Family: £7.00
( 2 adults + 2 children or 1 adult + 3 children)

How to get there Top

Hat Works is located in Stockport Town Centre and is easily accessible by major roads and public transport.

By bus: Stockport Bus Station is directly opposite Hat Works and our lower entrance on Daw Bank.

By car: There is limited pay and display and disabled parking around the Museum. The nearest main car parks are Heaton Lane (opposite Debenhams) or Grand Central (near Stockport Train Station).

Access and Facilities Top

Access - there are two entrances to the museum.

The A6 Entrance (Main reception)
Situated on the A6, Wellington Rd South. Ramped access for wheelchair users giving direct access to level 2 (reception, shop, café, lifts and staircase to all floors)

The Daw Bank Entrance (please note this entrance is closed at weekends)
Situated on Daw Bank. Ramped access for wheelchair users - however it does have a small step before a ramp, therefore may it be difficult for motorised chairs. This entrance offers direct access to the ground floor where there are lifts and staircase to all floors.

Special Services

Induction loop
This is available for those with impaired hearing on request from our reception desk.

Wheelchair provision
One wheelchair available for use by visitors. Please book in advance by calling Hat Works Bookings on 0845 8330991.

Guide Dogs
Guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf are welcome.

Telephones
A cash pay phone is situated on Level 2 in the café.

Toilets
Fully accessible toilets are located on Level 1 and 2

Baby Care
The baby care facilities are found on Level 2 adjacent to the café.

Wheelchair Access
Baby Changing
Cafe
Food
Lift
Parking
Shop
Friendly Staff

Contact Details
Hat Works
Hat Works Museum of Hatting
Wellington Mill
Wellington Road South
Stockport
SK3 0EW
Telephone: 0845 8330975
Hat Works