The Area
Stockport is a borough situated South-East of Manchester city centre consisting of Cheadle, Cheadle Hulme, Marple, Bredbury, Reddish, Woodley and Romiley. The borough was made famous in the 19th Century as the home of the nation’s hatting industry, which history is celebrated in the Hat Works, the UK’s only dedicated hatting museum.
Stockport’s architecture is enriched with history. The borough is home to over 380 listed buildings, 6 ancient monuments and one of the most iconic viaducts in the UK. There are several medieval and Tudor halls in Stockport, notably Peel Hall in Heaton Moor and Bramall Hall in Bramall. Stockport Viaduct is a predominant landmark of Stockport and has been featured in many LS Lowry paintings. The Viaduct was built in 1840 to carry the Manchester to Birmingham railway and is the largest brick structure in the UK.
Stockport has many beautiful walks and gorgeous scenery with 14 nature reserves to choose from including the historic Etherow Country Park. One of the England’s first country parks, Etherow Country Park, consists of 32 acres designated SSSI land (Site of Specific Science Interest) and is a popular walking destination for locals to take in the peaceful surroundings. Other notable nature reserves include Abney Hall Park, Mersey Vale Nature Park, Reddish Vale Country Park and Lyme Park.
When it comes to shopping, Stockport has plenty to offer. In the town centre the Merseyway Shopping Centre and The Peel Hall centre which include many high-street shops including Debenhams and Marks & Spencers, however if it is a more unique shopping experience you are after then there are also many markets which take place in the Stockport borough. Highlights of independent shopping include the Stockport Market Place which offers over 50 business selling everything from beer to buttons and the Cheadle Makers Market which brings together finest food, drink, art and craft producers in the area.
Stockport has fantastic transport links to Manchester City Centre meaning a day out in this historic borough is a perfect location to visit.
More information can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stockport and https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/