Masson Mills Textile Museum Guided Tour

Join us for a guided tour of Masson Mills Textile Museum. Explore Sir Richard Arkwright's 1783 cotton spinning mill, part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Clock in to your shift at Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 water powered cotton spinning mill and experience the working environment of a historic textile mill. Discover the heritage machinery that industrially revolutionised the processing of raw cotton into spun yarn and woven fabric.

We shall guide you through the Weaving Shed, Doubling Room, Victorian Workshop, Bobbin Room, outside to the former water wheel location, current hydro electric turbines and around to the weir with its stunning views of the Derwent Valley. Experience the thundering sound of 19th century looms in operation and watch as string is doubled on machines that were in operation at Masson Mills until 1991.

Follow the Mills’ journey into steam power in the Boiler House and experience the 1884 W&J Yates cross compound steam engine in operation.

Tour duration: 1.5 hours

Meeting Point: Visitor Centre

Accessibility:

Masson Mills is part of the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and a Grade II* listed building. Although we work to ensure the site is accessible to visitors, there are unaltered historic elements where care should be taken. This includes uneven floors and doorways, original floor surfaces, narrow walkways and obstructions at head height.

Ramp access is provided into the Visitor Centre and 1783 Mill. As the doorway into the 1783 Mill leads directly onto a stairwell, a fixed ramp is not possible in this location and is assembled as required. Please request our assistance on arrival. There is lift access to the museum within the 1783 Mill.

Host or Publisher Masson Mills