About Hat Works Museum

A selection of colourful hats hanging on the factory floor of the Hat Works museum.

There’s lots to see, do, and try on for people of all ages in our new Gallery of Hats.

Explore the global connections of Stockport’s hat collection and be inspired by the array of colours, shapes, patterns and textures of the hats on display.

Take a tour of the factory floor where you can learn the hard hatting facts about Stockport’s hat trade. You can also see our restored Victorian hat-making machines in motion for the first time since 2016.

Enjoy spending time in the museum café run by Arc where you can enjoy great coffee, take in a creative wellbeing activity or exhibition.

Start your journey of discovery into headwear and wellbeing here, at the UK’s only hat museum.

Our factory floor tour is most suited to adults and young people but we also welcome children aged 8 and above. You can book a tour on selected dates.

We'll soon be introducing a family friendly tour. It’s been a long journey and we cannot wait to welcome you!

The restoration of the machines has been funded by a grant from the Association for Industrial Archaeology which promotes the study, preservation and presentation of Britain's industrial heritage.

You can keep up to date by following our museums on Facebook and Twitter.

Leisure - Hat Works Blocking machines

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