Hat Works Museum

Sitting on Wellington Mill, Hat Works is one of Stockport’s most distinctive and beloved museums, and a reminder that creativity has always been part of the town’s fabric. Once the centre of the world’s hatting industry, the building has been reimagined as a vibrant museum exploring art, fashion, identity and the human stories behind design.

Inside, you’ll find hundreds of hats from around the globe, from Victorian top hats and military caps to avant-garde couture pieces by milliners who push boundaries. The galleries explore craftsmanship and innovation, but they also ask questions about self-expression and belonging. Many exhibitions have celebrated LGBTQ+ designers and the artistry of drag and queer fashion, proving that what you wear can be political, playful and powerful.

Workshops and talks invite visitors to try hat-making, textiles and upcycling, and the museum’s education team regularly collaborates with community groups on inclusive creative projects. It’s a space where everyone is encouraged to experiment, create and find pride in local heritage.

The cafe serves tea, cakes and light lunches, with big windows overlooking the town centre. There’s a calm, reflective atmosphere here, but also a sense of fun. The museum proves that heritage doesn’t have to be dusty, it can sparkle with self-expression and humanity.