Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

Bringing the spinning industry to life

Nestling side by side in the quiet village of Helmshore in the stunning Rossendale Valley are two original Lancashire textile mills: Higher Mill and Whitaker’s Mill together known as Helmshore Mills Textile Museum.

• Trace how cloth production, first wool, then cotton, become Lancashire’s main export throughout the eighteenth, nineteenth, and twentieth centuries.
• Follow a journey to discover how raw wool and cotton were transformed into yarn ready to be woven into cloth.
• Experience the Revolution gallery were you can follow the story of Lancashire's unique role in the industrial revolution.
• Feel the grand and mighty waterwheel powering the stocks as they thump the wet woollen cloth.
• Enjoy our upgraded buildings which mean you can now explore more of the Museum. New additions include a contemporary  reception and shop area.

2008 is a landmark year for Helmshore Textile Museum, following major improvements  supported by Lancashire County Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, the North West Development Agency, and the Friends of Helmshore Museum. As a visitor, you now benefit from improved access to the site and new facilities to enhance your experience, including the revamped café – The Coffee Mill and our shop that offers traditional and contemporary gifts for all the family.

Activities this year

We will be continuing to improve our offer throughout 2008. A changing programme of events, activities, demonstrations, talks, workshops and children's holiday activities, will keep all the family entertained.