Discover the craftsmanship and history of Britain’s oldest working silk mill, using authentic Victorian techniques. Join a guided tour at Whitchurch Silk Mill for a unique journey into textile heritage.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most visitors; no special fitness required
Wildlife
History
The mill played a vital role in Britain’s silk industry during the 19th century and has been operational for over 200 years.
Conservation
The mill actively promotes sustainable practices, preserving traditional techniques while minimizing environmental impact.
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Discover the craftsmanship and history of Britain’s oldest working silk mill, using authentic Victorian techniques. Join a guided tour at Whitchurch Silk Mill for a unique journey into textile heritage.
Whitchurch Silk Mill is a historic working silk mill in Whitchurch, England, preserving traditional silk weaving and textile craftsmanship. The Mill operates in a genuine Victorian setting and offers public tours, hands‑on workshops, and special events that showcase live looms and conservation projects. Visitors can join guided production tours to see looms in action, take weaving and braiding classes, or learn practical mending skills in darning workshops. The Mill also collaborates with heritage organisations such as the Mills Archive Trust and stages seasonal family trails including holiday and Halloween activities. Educational courses range from single-session experiences — like Weave a Wall Hanging and Beginners Braiding — to multi-day study such as the Two Day Weaving Workshop, all designed for beginners and small groups with expert instruction. Whitchurch Silk Mill celebrates its long history through events like the Loom 10 relaunch and limited-edition silk releases inspired by local historical themes. The site supports craft preservation, offering opportunities to meet expert weavers and discover conservation work firsthand. As a museum and working production site, the Mill balances interpretation with live demonstration, making it suitable for families, craft learners, and history enthusiasts. Booking options include single-visit tickets, annual pass visits, and virtual production tours for remote audiences. Located in Whitchurch, England, the Mill is connected to national heritage networks and archives, contributing to the understanding of Britain’s textile and milling history. Clear visitor information and structured workshops provide accessible pathways for newcomers to learn traditional silk weaving skills.
Admission and booking details are available online.
Years History
210 Years
Celebrated 210th anniversary on October 8.
Location
Whitchurch, England
Historic market town setting.
Live Demonstrations
Operational looms
See looms in action during tours.
Experiences
16 Experiences
Workshops, tours and seasonal trails.
Reserve a tour, workshop, or seasonal trail to experience living textile heritage and expert-led craft sessions.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking through the historic mill, so sturdy footwear is recommended.
Bring a notebook
Capture notes or sketches of the machinery and processes; a tactile way to remember your experience.
Check seasonal opening hours
Timings can vary depending on the time of year, so plan ahead to ensure access.
Attend demonstrations
Participate in seasonal weaving demos for an immersive experience.
Comfortable walking shoes
Sturdy shoes will keep you comfortable during your tour of the mill.
Camera
Capture images of the historic machinery and scenic surroundings.
Notebook and pen
Take notes or sketches during the guided tour.
Layers-friendly clothing
Dress in layers to stay comfortable in the mill’s varied temperatures.