Do you provide materials?

Yes—straw and all materials for making corn dollies are provided and finished pieces include ribbons and charms.

What age is the workshop suitable for?

This workshop is designed for adults and is suitable for ages 16 and over; participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the Mill accessible?

Yes—the workshop is wheelchair accessible according to the listing.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

No—this workshop is non-refundable, so be sure of your plans before booking.

Is admission to the Mill included?

Yes—your ticket includes admission to Whitchurch Silk Mill so you can explore exhibits and machinery before or after the class.

How many people are in a group?

Group size is limited to around ten participants to ensure hands-on instruction and personal attention.

Weave a Handmade Christmas: Corn Dolly Workshop at Whitchurch Silk Mill

If you find yourself in Whitchurch, England, book a morning at Whitchurch Silk Mill to learn the countryside craft of corn dolly making. For five hours in the Mill's compact, light-filled workshop you'll sit at a shared table under the watch of tutor Sally Murdoch, one of the region's few remaining corn dolly instructors. The experience pairs calm, focused handiwork with a primer in folklore: corn dollies began as harvest tokens tied to the turning seasons, and you'll hear the explanations behind shapes such as swallows, horseshoes and lanterns as you weave.

The setting is part of the draw. Whitchurch Silk Mill is an active heritage site that preserves endangered textile skills, including silk weaving and silk ribbon weaving; your ticket includes admission to the Mill so you can explore its machines and small displays before or after class. The workshop runs 10am–3pm with a break for lunch; all straw and materials are provided and finished pieces leave decorated with ribbons and charms. The group is intentionally small—about ten places—so Sally can move from student to student, demonstrating plaits and offering corrections that make a difference the moment you try a new weave.

This is a beginner-friendly, wheelchair-accessible activity designed for adults aged 16 and over, and it's ideal for anyone wanting a slow, creative counterpoint to more boisterous holiday programming. The tactile rhythm of plaiting straw is quiet and absorbing: fingers coax dry stems into curves, and patterns emerge that look far more elaborate than the effort required. Participants can choose traditional or playful forms—hearts for gifts, swallows for tree decorations—and take home several finished pieces ready for hanging.

Practical notes land the experience in reality. Wear comfortable clothes and sensible shoes for walking around mill floors; lunch isn't included but the Mill's Riverside Café offers hot and cold options. The workshop is non-refundable and spaces must be reserved in advance. If you love craft demonstrations, local history, or thoughtful gifts made by hand, this day at Whitchurch Silk Mill stands out. It's not just a class: it's a chance to handle the raw material of harvest folklore, learn from a practiced teacher, and leave with decorations that carry a story as much as a shape.

Expect the room to smell faintly of dried straw and warm wood from the Mill's beams; sunlight often falls through tall windows onto the workbench, making textures and braid patterns easier to read. Beginners leave surprised by how much they can complete in a day, and many return for seasonal sessions to try more complex designs. Because the Mill combines living history with hands-on learning, a visit suits both makers and curious travelers who want a practical, place-based souvenir rather than something mass-produced.

About Whitchurch Silk Mill

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.

Weave a Handmade Christmas: Corn Dolly Workshop at Whitchurch Silk Mill

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