10 Things to see and do in Stockport

Nestled conveniently between Manchester and the Peak District National Park, Stockport was well known for the production of cotton, silk and hats. But today this historic town offers something for everyone from retail therapy to culture and eateries. We’ve put together our top ten places to see and do when you visit.

1. STOCKPORT PLAZA CINEMA

A perfect example of Art Deco architecture, Stockport Plaza is perfect for those hungry for culture. Constructed in 1932, its designer was William Thornley and originally seated 1878. The Plaza was actually cut into the rock surrounding the site. 35 years on and the building was used by Mecca Bingo until 1999. A year later the Plaza underwent extensive restoration works costing £1.9m funded by the National Lottery. The whole face of the building was restored to its origianl cream colour.

Today the venue hosts everything from music, film, dance, comedy and family friendly events. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in Stockport.

Stockport Plaza Cinema can be found on Mersey Square, Stockport SK1 1SP. Box office: 0161 477 7779 or email boxoffice@stockportplaza.co.uk

2. MERSEYWAY SHOPPING CENTRE

Ideal for those looking for deep and meaningful retail therapy, Merseyway Shopping Centre boasts some of the UK’s biggest retailers of fashion, technology and eating establishments. There’s something for everyone and conveniently located in the heart of Stockport town centre. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, you can relax be pampered in one of the many beauty salons or nail bars. For those of you looking for something extra special, visit one of the local watchmakers and jewellery shops on Great Underbank.

Merseyway Shopping Centre can be found just off the M60 at Juntion 1. Type in SK1 1NE for the Great Underbank multi-storey carpark. If travelling by bus, the main bus station is situated just 1 minute walk from the main shopping centre. For bus times and numbers, visit the GMPTE website or call their traveline on 0871 200 22 33.

3. REDROCK

Redrock Stockport is a new and exciting £45 million leisure development that has improved the look and feel of the area making a more vibrant place too frequent. Bringing together the newest leisure facilities, restaurants and parking, over 750,000 people have paid a visit in its first year. The development of Redrock has helped ensures that Stockport town centre and its offer continues to grow and develop.

Redrock includes 10 screen in The Light Cinema, over 38,000 sqft of retail, restaurants and bars with tenants already open including Zizzi and PizzaExpress, Loungers, Mangobean and The Gym Group. 360 space multi-storey car park. New public squares linking Redrock to shops and the rest of the town centre giving visiting customers a place to relax and enjoy.

4. THE BLOSSOMS

The Blossoms is a public house owned by Robinsons Brewery that sits on the A6 and is the namesake for The Blossoms band English from Stockport, Greater Manchester. Formed in 2013, the band consists of Tom Ogden (lead vocals, guitars), Charlie Salt (bass, backing vocals), Josh Dewhurst (lead guitars, percussion), Joe Donovan (drums) and Myles Kellock (keyboards, synthesizer, backing vocals).

They were on the BBC’s Sound of new music list for 2016 where they finished in 4th place. It was commented by the band and several other people that they were one of only two guitar bands on the list, alongside Rat Boy. Blossoms’ self-titled debut album was one of the twelve albums nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2017, that same year they were nominated for British Breakthrough Act at the Brit Awards. If you’re into your beer and music, this one’s for you.

5. LYME PARK

This famous stately home is a short 20-minute car journey from Stockport town centre. Though the building was constructed in the 1720’s, some might argue it was Colin Firth’s Pride and Prejudice scene by the lake when the British public became more interested in it.

The house itself is just the beginning. The estate covers over 1,400 acres ideal for walks through the rose garden, ravine garden and the herbaceous borders adjacent to the lake. Bring a picnic or indulge yourself in the cafe on-site.

Lyme Park is owned by the National Trust. The House, Shop and Tea-room are open from 1100 and the main Park is open from 0800.

For more details contact the National Trust at Lyme on 01663 763023.

6. STOCKPORT VIADUCT

Standing tall above the town centre, Stockport Viaduct carries the West Coast Main Line across the valley of the River Mersey. It is one of the largest brick structures in the UK.

The Viaduct was designed by George Watson Buck for the Manchester and Birmingham Railway. In 1839, work started on the viaduct and around 11,000,000 bricks were used in its construction before it was completed in 1840. The viaduct is 33.85 metres high. At the time of its construction, it was the world’s largest viaduct and a major feat of Victorian engineering. Stockport Viaduct is a Grade 2 listed structure.

In the late 1880s, the viaduct was widened to accommodate four tracks instead of two. In the second half of the 20th century, the M60 motorway, was built, passing through two arches between Junction 1 Wilmslow Road road and Junction 27 the Portwood Roundabout.

7. THE PRODUCE HALL

Originally a large part of Stockport Market, over the years the produce hall has been the place where locals could buy their meat, fish, bread, cakes and sweets. A lot of this original architecture still stands in addition to the facade of the hall.

Since opening in the Spring of 2019 it now sells everything from British cuisine to Spanish classics and hand-crafted ales from the local area and further afield. The bars and eating establishments wrap around a busy and sociable eating area.

The Produce Hall is closed on Mondays but open from 11:00- 22:30 Tuesday to Sunday. It can be found at 22 Market Place, Stockport SK1 1EU. For more information call 0161 477 7702

8. STOCKPORT COUNTY F.C.

Formed in 1883 as Heaton Norris Rovers, the club didn’t rename until 1890 as the County Borough of Stockport. Their ground at Edgeley Park has been their home since 1902. They are still nicknamed ‘the Hatters’ after the town’s pervious hat- making industry.

Today the club has a senior and ladies squad and a thriving academy. It is still a benchmark for the community of good quality football with an admirable small-club feel. As such, infants from 0- 5 years of age are free, juniors from 6- 17 years old are £5.00 and adults £18.00. In addition, Concessions are £12.00 for those over 65 and students.

For more information, checkout the fixtures for Stockport County and enjoy some good fashioned football (soccer) viewing. Stockport County F..C. Hardcastle Street, Edgeley, SK3 9DD.

9. STOCKPORT AIR RAID SHELTERS

At the Stockport Air Raid Shelters you can go back in time and experience the sights and sounds of Britain’s Home Front. Meander around the original tunnels, authentically re-equipped, which provide you with first-hand experience of daily life in 1940s wartime Britain.

It opened in 1939, the shelters were the largest purpose-built civilian air raid shelters in the country designed to provide shelter for up to 3,850 people. They were extended in 1940-41 to accept 6,500.

In 1996 Stockport Council re-opened the shelters as a visitor attraction and this unique, award-winning museum became one of Stockport’s most fantastic attractions and educational facilities. Cut into the natural sandstone cliffs of the town centre, the mile-long network of underground tunnels offers visitors a direct and exceptional look into life on the home Front.

10. ROBINSON'S BREWERY

Robinson’s Brewery is based in the heart of Stockport since 1838 and has been for over two centuries, they own around 260 pubs, hotels and Inns across the north west of England, Robinsons Brewery is on of the oldest breweries in the history of brewing.

They are a proud family of independent brewers, Robinsons is one of the most sophisticated and advanced breweries un the United Kingdom, it also houses the largest hoping in the world. They are always striving to win the next award winning beers creating new flavours and varieties.

Some of the Stockport beers like Old Tom, Unicorn, Dizzy blond and many more is what separates Robinsons of Stockport from the rest in providing such great beers has enabled them to win the Robinsons real ale competition for nearly 180 years.