Discover the art of garment repair at Whitchurch Silk Mill’s darning workshop. A perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and sustainability in Hampshire.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness level required, but good dexterity helps
Wildlife
History
The Whitchurch Silk Mill, built in 1814, played a key role in Hampshire's textile industry during the 19th century.
Conservation
The mill actively promotes sustainable practices by preserving historical textiles and encouraging eco-friendly crafts.
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Discover the art of garment repair at Whitchurch Silk Mill’s darning workshop. A perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and sustainability in Hampshire.
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.
Bring comfortable clothing
Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting yarn and fabric on, as the activity involves handling threads and patches.
Arrive early
Get settled before the session starts to maximize your hands-on time and ask questions.
Wash hands beforehand
Clean hands help keep tools and materials in good condition, ensuring a smooth experience.
Participate actively
Engage with the instructor and try different techniques to get the most out of your workshop.
Comfortable clothing
Wear clothes suitable for sitting and handling fabric for an extended period.
Magnifying lens (optional)
Helps see small stitches clearly if you want extra detail.
Notebook or sketchpad
Perfect for noting techniques or ideas for future repairs.
Small water bottle
Stay hydrated during the session in the historic mill environment.