This museum showcases the history of the textile industry in Helmshore, Lancashire, with a collection of vintage spinning and weaving machinery, exhibits on the production of cloth, and a recreation of a 19th-century weaving shed.
Absolutely fantastic museum that showcases why Lancashire became the centre of the industrial Revolution. Fully working cotton and wool mill. Very knowledgeable staff, who are very keen to answer questions. We are fortunate that this is local to us and would definitely visit again. Have a reasonably priced cafe on site. Engaging exhibits for kids
I last went to Helmshore Textile Museum in 1986 before my O Levels with school. It had a major impact on me then, and it still does now knowing so many of my ancestors have worked in the Woollen and Cotton Mills of the North West of England. Rossendale was at the forefront of the industrial Revolution. The museum has two specific sections covering the development of the Woollen and Cotton industries reflecting that the mill itself often changed between the two. I am disabled on crutches but I found the museum very accessible for me and would be fine for anyone using a wheelchair. The floors had occasional videos along the way illustrating some of the pioneers, early home based industry, rebellion against mechanisation and others. The exhibits are magnificent and give you an insight into the growth in industry, the development in riches of the mill owners and the poverty of the mill workers. There is a substantial shop on site, a beautiful coffee shop and accessible toilets. One visit isn't enough. Although I took photos I need to go again to take more in. At PS4 per adult this is fairly priced and keeps alive this proud mill and living representation of a time sadly past.
Honestly thought I'd already reviewed this amazing place as it's somewhere I visit regularly, often with my daughter. It's great to see a real mill that still works. It isn't just one but two scheduled monuments with some unique exhibits. If your interested in the Industrial Revolution at all this is a must visit. The staff are exceptional and full of knowledge. It even a great little cafe. Get yourself an explorer pass and visit Queen Street and other Lancashire museums. Really good value
This is a very interesting mill museum and rather unusual as it covers both the wool and cotton trades. Tours of both sides of the mill are offered by docents and are quite informative. I particularly liked how they connected common expressions to their origins in mills, ie. "spinsters", "a cut above" "on tenterhooks". All of the equipment used is on view on both sides of the mill, but on the cotton side there are machines that still operate. Seeing them demonstrated, I tried to envision the noise, dust and danger involved in their use. There are interactive displays as well and some wonderful period photographs. Their gift shop has lots of interesting books and toys for children. The staff couldn't be nicer. Very friendly and helpful.
Was a wonderful place to visit. Enjoy the 2 tours around the museum. The cafe was affordable too
Enjoyable museum with lots of exhibits and tours offered of both the cotton mill and the wool mill. Enjoyed both of my tours today. Highly recommended.
On-site services
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Restaurant
Toilets
Good for kids
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Helmshore Mills Textile Museum. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in Holcombe Rd, Helmshore, Rossendale BB4 4NP
Searching for hotels...
Absolutely fantastic museum that showcases why Lancashire became the centre of the industrial Revolution. Fully working cotton and wool mill. Very knowledgeable staff, who are very keen to answer questions. We are fortunate that this is local to us and would definitely visit again. Have a reasonably priced cafe on site. Engaging exhibits for kids
I last went to Helmshore Textile Museum in 1986 before my O Levels with school. It had a major impact on me then, and it still does now knowing so many of my ancestors have worked in the Woollen and Cotton Mills of the North West of England. Rossendale was at the forefront of the industrial Revolution. The museum has two specific sections covering the development of the Woollen and Cotton industries reflecting that the mill itself often changed between the two. I am disabled on crutches but I found the museum very accessible for me and would be fine for anyone using a wheelchair. The floors had occasional videos along the way illustrating some of the pioneers, early home based industry, rebellion against mechanisation and others. The exhibits are magnificent and give you an insight into the growth in industry, the development in riches of the mill owners and the poverty of the mill workers. There is a substantial shop on site, a beautiful coffee shop and accessible toilets. One visit isn't enough. Although I took photos I need to go again to take more in. At PS4 per adult this is fairly priced and keeps alive this proud mill and living representation of a time sadly past.
Honestly thought I'd already reviewed this amazing place as it's somewhere I visit regularly, often with my daughter. It's great to see a real mill that still works. It isn't just one but two scheduled monuments with some unique exhibits. If your interested in the Industrial Revolution at all this is a must visit. The staff are exceptional and full of knowledge. It even a great little cafe. Get yourself an explorer pass and visit Queen Street and other Lancashire museums. Really good value
This is a very interesting mill museum and rather unusual as it covers both the wool and cotton trades. Tours of both sides of the mill are offered by docents and are quite informative. I particularly liked how they connected common expressions to their origins in mills, ie. "spinsters", "a cut above" "on tenterhooks". All of the equipment used is on view on both sides of the mill, but on the cotton side there are machines that still operate. Seeing them demonstrated, I tried to envision the noise, dust and danger involved in their use. There are interactive displays as well and some wonderful period photographs. Their gift shop has lots of interesting books and toys for children. The staff couldn't be nicer. Very friendly and helpful.
Was a wonderful place to visit. Enjoy the 2 tours around the museum. The cafe was affordable too
Enjoyable museum with lots of exhibits and tours offered of both the cotton mill and the wool mill. Enjoyed both of my tours today. Highly recommended.
