Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Manchester
Cotton Tales and Garden Buds
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Quarry Bank Mill, the 18th century cotton mill established by Samuel Greg, which was powered by water drawn from the River Bolin ©National Trust Images, Andrew Butler
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Old machinery and equipment kept in the parts store at Quarry Bank Mill, used by engineers working on the cotton-spinning machines ©National Trust Images, Ian Shaw
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View over the garden which was created in the 18th century by Samuel Greg, the mill owner, and his wife Hannah, to complement their house ©National Trust Images, Andrew Butler
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The Royal Exchange Theatre ©Marketing Manchester and Rich J Jones Photography
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LS Lowry Salford Quays Marketing Manchester ©Percy Dean
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The Paradise Garden at RHS Garden Bridgewater © RHS/Photographer Neil Hepworth
‘Cottonopolis,’ a name inspired by Manchester’s status as the international centre of the cotton and textile trade in the 19th century. At the peak of cotton production in 1853, Manchester had 108 cotton mills. This tour reveals the tale of Manchester’s cotton heritage with a guided tour of the city centre, a visit to Quarry Bank Mill, entry to the Lowry Exhibition and a river cruise from Salford Quays. The tour ends with vibrant colours and nature at the RHS Bridgewater.
Dates
Dates throughout 2026 & 2027 on request
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel and Quarry Bank Mill
On the way to your hotel, we set the scene for the ‘Cottonopolis’ story with a visit to the National Trust’s Quarry Bank. It’s one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, with a working mill and the Apprentice House showing how the industrial community lived. We enjoy a guided tour of the Mill with one of the knowledgeable guides.
Day 2
Manchester guided tour, Lowry and River Cruise
Today we head into the centre of Manchester for a two-hour guided tour that reveals more about Manchester’s cotton story. We can visit the building that was at the heart of ‘Cottonopolis’, the Royal Exchange Theatre, the original Cotton Exchange.
In the afternoon, we drive to Salford Quays and visit the L.S. Lowry Exhibition* dedicated to the artist showing the mill rooftops and Manchester skylines. Just a few minutes away, we board a river cruiser to start our journey from the quays into Manchester. Although the area is completely different to the mid-1800s when the cotton industry was booming, one can imagine the smog and smoke of the mills onboard the cruiser.
*Entry free of charge, donations welcome
Day 3
Travel home
Before returning home, we stop at RHS Bridgewater where we walk amongst the gardens designed for colour in all seasons. The Welcome Centre houses a gift shop selling locally produced crafts, food and drink and a large café.
Greatdays offer a selection of quality hotels in Manchester and Cheshire.
| Dates | 3 days / 2 nights |
| 2026 dates | Prices on request |
| 2027 dates | From £275.00 per person |
Single room supplement available upon request.
