Group Travel Tour Operator and DMC for Manchester
‘Cottonopolis’ – Manchester’s Cotton Tale
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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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Detail of 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 at Quarry Bank Mill, 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
Manchester’s status as the international centre of the cotton and textile trade in the 19th century inspired the name ‘Cottonopolis’. At the peak of cotton production in 1853, Manchester had 108 cotton mills. This new tour reveals Manchester’s cotton story with a guided walking tour of the city centre and Quarry Bank Mill. You will also have the opportunity for a little cotton-related retail therapy at Ena Mill Outlet.
Dates
Dates throughout 2024 & 2025
Suggested itinerary by coach
Day 1
Travel to your hotel and Quarry Bank Mill
On the way to your hotel, set the scene for the Cottonopolis story with a visit to the National Trust’s Quarry Bank Mill. It’s one of Britain’s greatest industrial heritage sites, with a working mill and the Apprentice House showing how a complete industrial community lived.
Day 2
Manchester ‘Cottonopolis’ guided tour and Museum of Science and Industry
Today we head into the centre of Manchester for a two-hour guided walking tour that reveals more about Manchester’s cotton story. We visit the building that was at the heart of Cottonopolis, the Manchester Royal Exchange. Today, the building has found a new role as the Royal Exchange Theatre.
In the afternoon there’s free time to explore the city centre. Why not visit the award-winning and free-to-enter Museum of Science and Industry that tells the fascinating story of the city’s technological and industrial achievements.
Day 3
Ena Mill and return home
Before returning home, consider visiting Ena Mill, a retail outlet located in a beautiful Grade II listed cotton spinning mill in Atherton, between Manchester and Wigan.
Greatdays offer a selection of quality hotels in Manchester and Cheshire.
| Dates | 3 days / 2 nights |
| 2024 dates | Prices available on request |
| 2025 dates | From £196.00 per person |
Single room supplement available upon request.
