Adventure Brief
Spend an afternoon in Whitchurch crafting a handmade wall hanging on a Louët loom. No experience needed—this small-group workshop guides you from color plan to finished piece.
2–3 hours
easy
Family Friendly
No Experience Required
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring introduction to weaving and create a wall hanging
Spend an afternoon in Whitchurch crafting a handmade wall hanging on a Louët loom. No experience needed—this small-group workshop guides you from color plan to finished piece.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; basic mobility to stand and reach across a loom helps.
Wildlife
History
Whitchurch has a history of riverside milling and local craft production dating back centuries, reflected in its preserved workshop spaces and community craft traditions.
Conservation
The workshop emphasizes low-waste practice and natural fibers when possible; participants are encouraged to select sustainable yarns and minimize excess trimming.
Whitchurch Silk Mill
Join us for a relaxed and inspiring introduction to weaving and create a wall hanging
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 color references
Bring photos, fabric swatches, or a small sketchbook so you can choose a palette quickly and confidently.
Wear older clothes or an apron
Loose fibers and dye dust can cling to clothing—an apron or clothing you don’t mind is practical.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Early arrival gives time to settle, choose yarns, and start warping without cutting into workshop time.
Plan transport for finished pieces
Completed hangings may need careful packing or a tube for travel—bring a bag or plan to ship if you’re on a long journey.
Sketchbook or phone with color photos
Helps you plan palettes and translate landscape or wardrobe colors into a cohesive hanging.
Apron or older clothes
Protects clothing from lint and dye transfer during hands-on weaving.
Small pair of textile scissors
Useful for trimming fringe and finishing details; instructors usually provide tools but personal scissors are handy.
Phone or small camera
Document progress, capture color combinations, and photograph the finished piece for reference.