Clock in to your shift at Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 water powered cotton spinning mill and experience the working environment of a historic textile mill. Discover the heritage machinery that industrially revolutionised the processing of raw cotton into spun yarn and woven fabric. Explore the Weaving Shed, Doubling Room, Victorian Workshop, Bobbin Room, outside to the former water wheel location, current hydro electric turbines and around to the weir with its stunning views of the Derwent Valley. See how the machines were powered by water using line shafting and discover how the machines operate with doubling and weaving demonstrations. On a guided tour, follow the Mills’ journey into steam power in the Boiler House and experience the 1884 W&J Yates cross compound steam engine in operation.
History & Anthropology Science & Technology Industrial heritage Historic house
| Monday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Friday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:00 – 16:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
From 23rd March 2026
| 0 – 5 | Free |
| 5 – 16 | £4.50 |
| 5 – 16 | £7.50 |
| Adult- Guided Tour | £12.00 |
| Adults- Self Guided | £8.50 |
Prices may vary, check website.
2026 Season
Monday 23rd March - Saturday 31st October
'BALE TO BOBBIN’ self guided
MONDAY – SATURDAY
10am-4pm
(last demonstrations at 3:30pm)
ADULTS £8.50
UNDER 16s £4.50
UNDER 5s FREE
BOOKING NOT REQUIRED
PUBLIC GUIDED TOUR
THURSDAY 10:15am (1.5hours)
ADULTS £12
UNDER 16s £7.50
UNDER 5s FREE
BOOKING RECOMMENDED
Derby Road, Matlock
No exhibitions in Masson Mills Textile Museum have been found.
Masson Mills Textile Museum has 1 rating.
Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills in Matlock, England offers visitors an insightful look into the industrial heritage of the region. The museum is housed in a well-preserved cotton mill from the 18th century, showcasing the innovations of Sir Richard Arkwright, a key figure in the Industrial Revolution.
The museum's strengths lie in its authentic setting and the working machinery demonstrations, which give visitors a tangible sense of the mill's operations during its heyday. The guided tours are informative, providing context about the social and economic impacts of the textile industry on the local area and beyond. Many visitors appreciate the knowledgeable staff who bring the history to life with their explanations.
The museum also features exhibits on textile production techniques and the lives of mill workers, which most visitors find educational and engaging. The on-site shopping village, selling a variety of goods including textiles, is generally seen as a nice addition to the museum experience.
However, some visitors note that parts of the museum could benefit from updating or renovation. The accessibility for those with mobility issues is sometimes mentioned as a concern, given the nature of the historic building. A few reviewers also comment that the price of admission is a bit high for the overall experience.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of visitors find Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills to be a worthwhile attraction, particularly for those interested in industrial history or the development of textile manufacturing. The picturesque setting along the River Derwent adds to the overall appeal of the site.
This rating is based on the rating of this museum on several other platforms.
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