Cromford Mills

Cromford Mills

Cromford Mills in Cromford, near Matlock. Derbyshire is the home of Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill complex. It was the birthplace of the modern factory system and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

What is there to do at Cromford Mills?

You can take a guided tour of the mill and learn how it changed the world we live in today. You can also extend to a mill and village tour. Self-guided audio tours are available from the mill shop, which allow you to explore Cromford village. They sometimes even host the tours in costume. Lumsdale Valley tours are also available. This is only for confident walkers. You can also do a self-guided tour down through the gorge, which takes around 1.5 hours to complete the round trip.

Make sure you take some duck-friendly food, as there are usually birds waiting to be fed on the water around the mill. If you don’t have any food for them, you can purchase some at the cafe. Just outside the mill walls, there are sculptures to find, plus a Scavenger’s scramble trail and dogwood tunnels. There is a den building area, some natural play, and you can climb the steps to the top of Scarthin rock to admire views of the mill yard and Willersley Castle.

In the Arkwright Experience, you can discover more about Cromford Mills and life for the workers, dress up as a cotton spinner, or be part of a portrait as one of the mill owner’s family in their activity room. New activities are being introduced all the time.

Important Information Cromford Mills

Is there food and drink available?

There is a cafe serving hot and cold food and drinks.

What are the main things to do?

Mill museum with tours, audio tours, ducks, sculptures, trails and a natural play area. There are toilets and a cafe.

What are the ticket prices?

Tours cost around £7.50-14.50 for an adult, and children are cheaper. Children under the age of 12 are free. This is an annual pass, so if you’re short on time, pop back within 12 months and enjoy at your leisure.
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.