Stockport & Manchester

Stockport is situated 7 miles south east of the city of Manchester, and has a population of approximately 135,000, this makes the borough 23rd most populous district in England.

Historically a part of Cheshire, in the 16th century Stockport was known for the cultivation of hemp and rope manufacture and in the 18th century the town had one of the first mechanised silk factories in the United Kingdom. Stockport's predominant industries of the 19th century were the cotton and allied industries. Stockport was also at the centre of the country's hatting industry.

Discover Stockport's attractions, including the unique Hat Works, the stunning Bramall Hall, the Air Raid Shelters, Stockport Museum and Vernon Park, the simple yet beautiful Chadkirk Chapel, the Town Hall and the magnificent neo-classical Art Gallery.

Manchester's buildings display a variety of architectural styles, ranging from Victorian to contemporary architecture. The widespread use of red brick characterises the city. Much of the architecture in the city harks back to its days as a global centre for the cotton trade. Just outside the immediate city centre is a large number of former cotton mills, some of which have been left virtually untouched since their closure while many have been redeveloped into apartment buildings and office space. Manchester Town Hall, in Albert Square, was built in the gothic revival style and is considered to be one of the most important Victorian buildings in England.