A Weekend in Manchester and Stockport; History, Hats, and Hanging Out

This was my first time visiting Manchester. I arrived by train on a Thursday evening in July 2025 during a long-weekend break between cruises. A few of my friends live nearby, so it was the perfect time to finally visit and catch up.

On Friday morning, my friends took the train in from Stockport to meet me. We walked through the Gay Village, passed under the Chinatown arch, and strolled along the canal before making our way toward Bridgewater Hall. The sky had been teasing rain on and off, so when we saw a bright green Sightseeing Manchester bus conveniently parked nearby, we decided to take the full loop. No interest in hopping off, just wanted to stay dry and enjoy the ride. It turned out to be a great way to get a feel for the city while hearing bits of local history along the way.

When the tour wrapped up, the rain had cleared, and we headed back into the Gay Village for a relaxed afternoon of drinks and conversation. We ended the evening with a flavorful Indian dinner followed by one more round at a nearby bar. The day felt like the perfect mix of easy exploration and good company.

Saturday was all about Stockport. I took the train down and visited the Stockport Air Raid Shelter, a fascinating glimpse into what life was like underground during World War II. The recreated spaces, kitchens, bunks, medical rooms were immersive, but I especially appreciated the tone of the wartime posters encouraging people to recycle and reduce waste. It felt more like a civic invitation than a demand, which stood out.

After that, we made our way to the Hat Works Hat Museum, a surprisingly engaging place filled with hats from around the world and through the ages. It also featured preserved factory equipment from the Victorian era, which gave a peek into how hats were once crafted right there in Stockport.

On Sunday, I headed back down to Stockport again, where a few other friends had made plans to stop by. We went for a walk through the neighborhood and into Woodbank Park, then circled back for tea and cake in the afternoon. These are cruise friends who’ve become chosen family over the years, so the whole weekend felt less like a vacation and more like visiting home.

Whether you’re stopping in between cruises or looking for a weekend getaway with a local vibe, Manchester and Stockport made for a thoughtful and fun few days. Check out my photos below for a look at what made this trip memorable.