I’ll let you in to a secret – I absolutely love museums!
Ok, well perhaps it’s not that much of a secret…

Yesterday I went to Quarry Bank Mill, a working cotton mill and museum, inStyal, near Wilmslow, and had a rather splendid time walking round, browsing the exhibits and eating a fabulous slice of coffee and walnut cake. I’ve visited the mill before but not for many years. I think I enjoyed it the most this time as I was now looking at everything through eyes that – since my last trip – have lingered over page after page of Victorian literature, and watched their way through a good many hours of costume dramas!

Walking through the long rooms filled with working, noisy looms, I felt as though I’d stepped straight into the pages of North and South, and half expected – half hoped – to see John Thornton stepping around the corner at any moment. Elizabeth Gaskell is actually connected to Quarry Bank mill through her uncle – he was employed as the mill doctor and was responsible for the health of the children that lived in the Apprentice House. Leeches and goose fat seemed to be his favourite methods of treatment…

The mill is owned by the National Trust and is open to the public 7 days a week, between 11am – 5pm. I highly recommend a visit! Even if museums aren’t up your street, it’s a lovely place to go for a walk – Quarry Bank is surrounded by woodland – and to enjoy a nice cup of tea and a slice of cake!

While you plan your visit, make sure you enter my give away to win £15 + of Alice In Wonderland themed jewellery! Details here!