Wilmslow Tourist Information

Wilmslow stands on the River Bollin between Alderley Edge and Handforth.

The town began to develop in the 19th century when the area's attractive rural position beside a railway junction made it a desirable place for Manchester businessmen to locate their homes.

Today Wilmslow is the home of the huge Umbro clothing company who have their headquarters in the area.

Like Alderley Edge, Wilmslow is an affluent area with many famous residents.

The town boasts what is probably the UK's smallest tourist attraction.  In the towns centre is the Romany Memorial Garden with the Romany caravan belonging to the Reverend George Bramwell Even's (also known as Romany or The Tramp). During World War II the Romany caravan or 'vardo' featured in the author and broadcaster's radio programme for BBC Children's Hour, 'Out with Romany', and also in his numerous books.  The preserved vardo is open to the public on the second Saturday of each month.

Near Wilmslow, at Styal, stands Quarry Bank Mill.  Now owned by the National Trust, this huge 18th century factory has been preserved as a museum to the cotton industry.

Quarry Bank Mill was founded by Samuel Greg in 1764 on the banks of the River Bollin. By 1832 the cotton spinning factory was the largest one in the UK.  Robert Greg, Samuel Greg's son, introduced weaving at the mill after 1834.

Farm buildings in Styal were converted to house the workers and as the mill developed purpose-built housing was erected for the employees. Today Styal is still a thriving community.

The Georgian mill still produces calico cotton, which is sold in the Mill Shop.

Quarry Bank Mill notably used unpaid child apprentices until 1847.  These pauper children worked long hours in the factory and then did schoolwork and gardening after coming back from the mill.  Although life was tough, most of the children prefered to work at the mill rather than live at the Workhouse, the only alternative. The children lived in a separate building near the mill called the Apprentice House, which is open to the public, and costumed guides now take visitors on timed tours.  The Apprentice House's garden, once tended by the Apprentices, has traditional varieties of fruits, vegetables and herbs, as well as geese and hens.

Quarry Bank Mill is surrounded by the 384 acre Styal Estate and its woodland and riverside walks provide a peaceful contrast to the mill.