Cromford Mills

Cromford Mills Cromford Mills is run and maintained by the Arkwright Society, a registered charity. Visit our website to see what’s on and ways to support.
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Free to enter - made possible by every event ticket, on-site purchase and donation. Cromford Mills was rescued from dereliction in the 1970s by the newly formed Arkwright Society, and was restored back to how it would have looked in the 1770’s when Sir Richard Arkwright built the first successful water powered cotton spinning factory. The Arkwright Society are continually fundraising to maintain t

hese beautiful buildings and to regenerate them to be fit for modern use whilst at the same time preserving this unique historical site. Run as a tourist attraction, conference centre, office workspace and education facility, the visitor to Cromford Mills can enjoy our new Visitor Centre, historical tours, restaurants, shops, exhibitions and regular family events & fundays. Visit our website www.cromfordmills.org.uk for more information.

ℹ️ A note for visitors this weekend: We have the amazing Drivers Collection Show taking place here this Saturday from 5p...
27/05/2026

ℹ️ A note for visitors this weekend: We have the amazing Drivers Collection Show taking place here this Saturday from 5pm, which means the main car park will be closed for the day.

Don't worry though as the site and Mill will still be open as normal from 9am–5pm with free visitor parking available at Cromford Meadows (which will be sign posted).

21/05/2026

⚔️THE VIKINGS are returning to Cromford Mills! Step back over 1,000 years and experience roaring battle skirmishes, Viking camps, weapons displays, living history and family activities across the historic mill yard.

Expect thunderous clashes of steel, fierce warriors and an unforgettable weekend of Viking action!

📅 Sat 13 – Sun 14 June
⏰ 10am–4pm
🎟 FREE ENTRY

🚂FREE FAMILY FUN this May Bank Holiday at Cromford Mills! Step into the imaginative world of Imagination Train on 24–25 ...
18/05/2026

🚂FREE FAMILY FUN this May Bank Holiday at Cromford Mills! Step into the imaginative world of Imagination Train on 24–25 May, 10am–4pm - a unique large-scale installation created by the local community in partnership with Fleet Arts.

Discover a series of miniature ‘train world’ boxes, each designed by different members of the community, creating a one-of-a-kind landscape for a model train to journey through. From fantasy scenes and nostalgic settings to futuristic ideas and re-imaginings of Cromford Mills, every box offers a different world to explore.

A camera mounted on the miniature train will project a train-eye view of this imaginative landscape onto the gallery walls for everyone to enjoy.

There’ll also be FREE drop-in family crafts and creative activities in the school room and marquee throughout the weekend, so you can add your own ideas to this ever-growing world.

Come aboard the Imagination Train and see where creativity can take you! 🎨

💥MAKERS MARKET this Sunday 10am-4pm.Discover a carefully curated mix of artisans, makers and producers showcasing high-q...
16/05/2026

💥MAKERS MARKET this Sunday 10am-4pm.
Discover a carefully curated mix of artisans, makers and producers showcasing high-quality handmade products, beautifully crafted goods and unique one-of-a-kind pieces.

Join Sarah Ogden - dried flower artist and founder of Horseshoe Flowers - for a free Meet the Maker talk here at the Got...
13/05/2026

Join Sarah Ogden - dried flower artist and founder of Horseshoe Flowers - for a free Meet the Maker talk here at the Gothic Warehouse this evening from 6pm...

Based in the Derbyshire Dales, Sarah creates striking arrangements using preserved botanicals, reimagining dried floristry through colour, texture and sustainable design. With a background in fashion and training in New York, her work brings a fresh, modern sensibility to a traditionally overlooked medium.

At this talk, Sarah will share her journey into floristry, her process, and how sustainability and longevity sit at the heart of her practice - from bespoke commissions to her book Design and Style: Modern Dried Flowers.

🍷Beer & wine provided�🎟 FREE — booking essential�🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meet-the-maker-sarah-ogden-horseshoe-flowers-tickets-1986066165364?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/05/2026

🌿 Come and visit our CHARITY PLANT SALE - open daily from 10am–4pm in the Mill Yard at Cromford Mills.

Run by our amazing volunteers and Friends of Cromford Mills, every donated plant and every purchase helps support The Arkwright Society - the charity that cares for Cromford Mills.

Your support helps keep this iconic heritage site open, accessible and free for everyone to enjoy. Thanks to you, we can continue to preserve, share and celebrate Sir Richard Arkwright’s innovations in the heart of our local community.

Come along, pick up a plant, and help support the future of the Mills 💚

🙂Find out all the ways you can support us here:
https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/support/

Join us today, 1–3pm, at the Gothic Warehouse for our Antiques Valuation & Discovery Day with Bamfords Auctioneers & Val...
12/05/2026

Join us today, 1–3pm, at the Gothic Warehouse for our Antiques Valuation & Discovery Day with Bamfords Auctioneers & Valuers. Bring along your antiques for a free expert valuation - and discover the stories and value behind your hidden treasures 🙂

Celebrate National Mills Weekend at Cromford Mills this weekend! ⚙️Alongside exploring the birthplace of the modern fact...
09/05/2026

Celebrate National Mills Weekend at Cromford Mills this weekend! ⚙️

Alongside exploring the birthplace of the modern factory system, experience our Georgian Re-enactment Weekend with Redcoats and Revolutionaries, black powder demonstrations, authentic blacksmithing, walkabout characters and family-friendly living history across the mill yard.

Georgian Re-enactment Weekend kicks off TOMORROW with two full days of living history - plan your visit around the actio...
08/05/2026

Georgian Re-enactment Weekend kicks off TOMORROW with two full days of living history - plan your visit around the action 👇

📅 This weekend | 10am–4pm

🕰️ What’s on:
11:30 – 🇫🇷 The French Royal Army of the 1780s
Meet soldiers fresh from the American wars and see musket drills in action.

13:30 – 🧒 Kids’ Musket Drill
Step into line, learn the drills and see if you’ve got what it takes!

14:30 – 👒 Dressing the Georgian Lady
Discover the secrets of 18th-century fashion with Mrs Fox.

15:30 – 💥 Black Powder & Bayonets
A live musket firing display — expect noise, smoke and spectacle!

Also throughout the day:
☕ The Parrot and Cocoa Tree Georgian Coffeehouse
⚒️ Emrys Evan Gunsmithy display

There’s something happening all day, so don’t miss your chance to step back in time!

View the full events action here - https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/whats-on/georgian-re-enactment-weekend/

Image credit - Alan Ball

Address

Mill Road
Matlock
DE43RQ

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

01629 823256

Website

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