After a leisurely start, we arrive at the PlazaComplex in Stockport for a light lunch of soup, sandwiches and a hot drink. Afterwards, we walk the short distance to the building housing the UK’s only site dedicated to the hatting industry, hats and headwear. We will have a guided tour of the hat making process and time to enjoy the exhibition of headwear through the generations.
Before our return, refreshments should be available at the museum cafe. There are no access issues. Please advise of any special dietary requirements when booking.
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring Magazine for details. The cost to include travel, lunch, guided tour and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or to join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
Tatton is a country estate of 1000 acres of parkland. Within this are formal gardens, a walled kitchen garden, historic glasshouses and a hundred year old Japanese garden. The 18th century house contains the collection of the Egerton family. Refreshments can be purchased at the Stables Restaurant and possibly the Gardener’s Cottage. The stable yard also has a gift shop and second hand bookstore. There is also a working farm to visit with an admission charge of £10.
Most of the paths are compacted gravel. There are stairs to the upper level of the Mansion. The farmyard is cobbled. Electric buggies and wheelchairs are available, ring 01625 374400 to pre-book.
Please remember to bring your NT membership card to gain free access.
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring magazine 2026 for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
Welcome to Lyme, once the home to the Legh family, nestling on the edge of the Peak District. Step back in time and enjoy lavish interiors of the Regency Era at Lyme Hall. Explore the elegant Italian Garden, Dutch Garden and Reflection Lake. Visit the luxurious herbaceous borders where a certain Mr Darcy met Miss Bennett in the BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
There are several tea rooms and food outlets at Lyme including the Timber Yard Cafe out in the deer park offering drinks and warm snacks. Delicious light lunches are available in the Ale Cellar Tea Room situated in the house.
A free shuttle bus service runs from the main car park to the house and there is an accessible route around the property.
Please remember to bring your NT membership card to gain free entry.
Deer Park at Lyme
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. See SoFA Spring Magazine for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any events or to join our Association, please fill in Contact Form.
Wightwick Manor dates back to 1887 and is a notable example of the influence of William Morris. There are many original wallpapers and fabrics and also of interest is the pre Raphaelite art.
The Victorian/Edwardian garden designed by Thomas Mawson has colour throughout the season.
There will be a comfort stop at Knutsford Services en route. We expect to arrive at Wightwick Manor at around noon. There are no general access issues and a buggy will be available at the drop off point.
We will be received and given an introduction to the Manor. Then at leisure we are free to explore this very interesting property. Knowledgeable stewards will be available in most of the rooms.
There is a cafe open front 12 noon where you can purchase hot and cold refreshments for lunch. Or why not take a picnic to enjoy in the beautiful gardens.
Please remember to bring your NT membership card on the day.
The coach will pick up at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. Please see SoFA Spring magazine for details. The cost to include travel and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events please fill in Contact Form.
Chirk Castle was built by command of Edward 1 to subdue the last Princes of Wales. It was completed in 1310 and the first occupier was Roger Mortimer. Over the next 200 years a succession of noblemen owned the Castle until it was bought by Sir Thomas Myddelton in 1595. The Castle stayed in his family for over 400 years. Further details of the Castle’s long history can be found on the National Trust Website.
There is a large garden and the wider estate to explore. A cafe serves hot food and snacks. Should you wish to bring a packed lunch garden benches are available in the grounds. A voucher for 10% reduction will be available to spend in the gift shop on purchases of £10 or more.
ACCESS – From the ticket office to the Castle is 200 yards up a steep incline. A minibus may be available for transfers. The Castle has two floors plus the Adam’s Tower which are all accessed by stairs. A tramper and wheelchair are available to rent but will need pre- booking.
The coach pick up will be at Churchtown, Southport, Birkdale, Ainsdale and Formby. Please see SoFA Spring Magazine for details.
The cost to include travel, coffee at Rossett Hall and gratuities.
If you are not a member but would like to attend any of our events, please fill in the Contact Form.
process and time to enjoy the exhibition of headwear through the generations.
There is a large garden and the wider estate to explore. A cafe serves hot food and snacks. Should you wish to bring a packed lunch garden benches are available in the grounds. A voucher for 10% reduction will be available to spend in the gift shop on purchases of £10 or more.