The best tourist attractions in Stockport, according to Tripadvisor
By Alasdair Perry 30th Nov 2025
By Alasdair Perry 30th Nov 2025
Ahh, Stockport. One moment you're hopping over a stile on the Peak Forest Canal, the next your senses are being rattled by a show-stopping performance at The Plaza.
Stretching from the edge of the Peak District through to the suburbs of Manchester, the borough is replete with different areas and things to do.
Tripadvisor, a travel database which relies on reviews from tourists, has compiled a top 10 list of some of those things to do.
The ranking is based on Tripadvisor data such as traveller reviews, ratings, and the number of page views.
1.) Stockport Air Raid Shelters (4.6 stars, 605 user reviews)
Taking the number one spot is Stockport Air Raid Shelters.
This historic landmark - a labyrinth of tunnels covering over one mile - offers an 'unparalleled' glimpse into 1940s life in Stockport.
The shelters were built in 1939 specifically for the purpose of hiding out during a potential bombing raid during the Second World War.
Originally designed for 3,850 people, they were since expanded to accommodate as many as 6,500.
Today, visitors can experience what life was like for Stopfordians during the Blitz, and pick up some 1940s mementoes from the dedicated shop.
2.) Avro Heritage Museum (4.7 stars, 317 user reviews)
Avro Heritage Museum features a fleet of historical and replica aircraft, flight simulators, VR experiences, and a regular programme of events.
Also on offer are cockpit tours of certain aircraft, and a cafe with panoramic views over the airfield.
A great place to spark or indulge an interest in history, engineering, and, of course, aircraft.
3.) Hat Works Museum (4.5 stars, 362 user reviews)
This is the UK's only dedicated hatting museum! It re-opened last year following an extensive redesign.
Throughout the museum you can, funnily enough, expect to find hats. But there's more to it than that! Interactive exhibits, factory tours, and more.
Some of the landmark hats include the Duke of Wellington's bicorne, a fez made in Stockport which found its way to South Africa (and back!), some statement hats from Manchester drag artists, and many more.
4.) Stockport Plaza (4.6 stars, 702 user reviews)
It goes without saying that you can catch a host of high-profile acts at Stockport Plaza.
Expect comedy acts, live music (including tribute bands and original shows), live theatre, and more.
The iconic town centre building opened in 1932, and since then has seen a world war, 21 Prime Ministers, and thousands of shows.
Although it ran the risk of being closed for good in 2000, an enthusiastic campaign from the residents of Stockport ensured it stayed open for future generations to enjoy.
5.) Reddish Vale Farm (4.5 stars, 348 user reviews)
Reddish Vale Farm is one of Stockport's most popular visitor attractions - the place is proof that nobody is ever too old to coo over cute animals.
The farm offers the opportunity for visitors of all ages to say hello to friendly fauna, plus there is also a soft play area, a riding school, and food and drink.
Further still, it sits in the beautiful surrounds of Reddish Vale Park, where there are plenty of walking trails crisscrossing this green corner of Stockport.
6.) Etherow Country Park (4.3 stars, 386 user reviews)
Etherow Country Park is one of the most widely-visited green spaces in Stockport.
It offers a glorious 240 acres of greenery, bursting with more than 200 plant species, and 100 species of birds.
It also happens to be one of Britain's first country parks, providing a pastoral respite from the bustle of Stockport town centre and Manchester.
As well as guided walks, there's also a cafe, as well as facilities for sailing, motor boating and angling.
7.) Marple Locks (4.5 stars, 319 user reviews)
This stunning canal network combines historic interest with countryside charm.
It was built in the late 18th century as a key route for trade.
Today, the area is a popular destination for walking, cycling and narrowboating, giving residents in Marple and beyond access to stunning countryside.
And Hazel Grove MP Lisa Smart is calling for it to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, to recognise the role it played in Greater Manchester's industrial past.
Historic England describes it as "an outstanding piece of engineering and design on a monumental scale".
8.) Staircase House (4.7 stars, 212 user reviews)
Although this is a key feature of Stockport's Market Place, it might surprise you to learn that parts of this building date back to 1460 - the time of the Wars of the Roses.
It's thought to have been the home of Stockport's Mayor in the 15th century and beyond. Around the 17th century it became home to the Shallcross family, members of the local gentry.
Having been saved from fire in the 1990s, it's been beautifully restored and now offers a glimpse into Stockport's medieval and early-modern past.
9.) Bramall Hall (4.2 stars, 538 user reviews)
This Tudor manor is one of the most recognisable historic landmarks in Stockport.
This beautiful building offers a lot; the charming hall itself is wonderfully preserved, with grand rooms, secret hidey holes, rare medieval wall paintings, and more.
There is even mention of a building on this site in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book, compiled in 1086, and it's understood that it was inhabited even before 1066.
Its most long-standing occupants were the Davenport family, who lived in the hall from the late 14th century until 1877.
The Davenport family are understood to have been instrumental in the 15th century Wars of the Roses and the ensuing ascendancy of the Tudor family.
They also lived through the tumult of the English Civil War in the 17th century, hosting Royalist soldiers at a time when most of the surrounding area was Parliamentarian.
The building itself is of immense historical interest, a pastiche of centuries of interior and exterior styles.
There is also plenty of interest for kids, with regular activities and events. Further still, there is a cafe, a gift shop, and a lovely wooded park.
10.) Stockport Museum (4.6 stars, 80 user reviews)
Stockport Museum gives a comprehensive overview of Stockport's story - 10,000 years of history from the Paleolithic Stopfordians through to the present day.
Guests can learn about a nearby Iron Age hillfort, life in medieval times, the town's textile industry, Stockport in the First World War, and more.
"Visitors of all ages will learn about everything from Ancient Egypt, animals and nature to toys and shopping", Stockport Council says.
CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
stockport vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: stockport jobs
Share:
