Cromford Mills
Cromford Mills
Visit Cromford Mills for a complete day out, the start of your journey exploring the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
Here you will find a range of fascinating activities for all the family; discover more about this unique valley in the Gateway visitor centre, meet Sir Richard himself in the “Arkwright Experience” or accompany one of of our guides as they bring the extraordinary history to life on a tour of the area.
There are plenty of walks, trails, shops and places to eat to keep the whole family entertained.
Opening Hours: Open all year except Christmas Day. Cromford Mill Site is open 9am to 5pm and the Visitor Gateway opens 10am to 4pm.
Visitor Centre
Watch our introductory film revealing why this amazing valley was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and discover how the textile industry developed in this rural valley over 250 years ago and became a cornerstone of the industrial revolution.
Explore intricate historic machines illustrating how the evolution of cotton spinning changed the history of mass production and impacted the Derwent Valley’s global impact on the cotton industry.
Discover what happened to the site after it finished spinning cotton in the 1840s and the life of the mills since then, including the restoration challenge faced by the Arkwright Society to bring the buildings back into use and create the heritage attraction you see today.
Sir Richard Arkwright Experience
Enter Sir Richard Arkwright’s First Mill to hear the man himself as he shares with you the story of his mill empire. Admission charge applies – see Cromford Mills website.
Guided Tours
Daily Mill Tours: Find out how Sir Richard Arkwright built his empire by stepping back in time to when he pioneered the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mills on this introductory tour around the Cromford Mills complex. For times and prices see Cromford Mills website.
Village Tour: Follow in the footsteps of hundreds of mill workers and explore the streets built by Sir Richard Arkwright. To find out what is on offer and for prices visit Cromford Mills website or telephone 01629 823256.
Group Bookings: Cromford Mills welcomes group bookings. Book one of their knowledgeable guides to take your group on a bespoke tour of Cromford Mills. Why not make a day of it by booking lunch or afternoon tea? French and German tours are available by prior arrangement. For more information visit Cromford Mills website or telephone 01629 823256.
Shops
Enjoy some retail therapy at Cromford Mills and support small independent businesses. We have a great range of shops selling everything from hand spun wool to collectible treasures. Support local businesses and find that special gift for the person who has everything. Find out more at Cromford Mills Shopping.
Restaurants
Wheatcroft’s Wharf: A stunning canalside cafe located across the road from the main mill site. Relax and unwind by the water with a glass of wine or Arkwright’s Ale. Enjoy made to order panini, homemade soup, oven baked potatoes, summer salads, fresh ground coffee and a selection of tasty homemade cakes and scones.
Arkwright’s Cafe: Enjoy Arkwright’s Cafe ever changing selection of unique and delicious cakes – all homemade on the premises by their friendly staff. Arkwright’s Cafe also serves home-cooked breakfasts and lunches every day. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options are all available.
What makes Cromford Mills Special?
Cromford Mill was the world’s first successful water powered cotton spinning mill.
It was at Cromford in the 18th century that Richard Arkwright devised modern factory production techniques.
Find out more about the history of Cromford Mills and Richard Arkwright in our Discover, History sections.
Contact Cromford Mills
Sir Richard Arkwright’s Cromford Mills, Mill Lane, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3RQ
Tel: 01629 823256
Email:
For visits and group bookings: conference@arkwrightsociety.org.uk
For events bookings: events@arkwrightsociety.org.uk
For all other issues: info@arkwrightsociety.org.uk
www.cromfordmills.org.uk
Travel & Amenities
There are toilets, including a disabled toilet, in Cromford Mill yard, at the canal wharf across the road and in Cromford Village.
There are two popular licensed restaurants: one located in the old stables and coach house; the other on Wheatcroft’s Wharf, overlooking the canal.
There are bus stops in Cromford Village for the R6.1 and on the A6 for the Transpeak. See Getting there.
Cromford Station is a short walk from Cromford Mills, along Mill Road. See Getting there.
Pay and display parking next to the Mills, and opposite at the canal wharf and Cromford Meadows.
Cross the road to the canal wharf and take a walk along the canal to Whatstandwell or Ambergate – you can return by train!
