Cromford Mills
Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Suzy McCullough
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 go on a guided tour of the mill and find out how the mill 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 and the tour costs £4 each. 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 owners family in their activity room. New activities are being introduced all of 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 £6-10. Once you have paid you are entitled to return for free, for the next 12 months. Under 16’s are free (with an accompanying adult).
Prices are subject to change and/or discounts online.
Is there parking?
Pay and display parking is available next to the Cromford Mills site.
When are they open?
Cromford Mills is open almost all year round. For up-to-date opening times and dates please visit their website.
Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome on a lead.
Are they accessible?
