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. Here you can...

• Soak up the atmosphere of the historic mills and witness original machinery at work.
• Follow a journey to discover how raw wool and cotton were transformed into yarn, ready to be woven into cloth.
• Experience the Revolution gallery, where you can follow the story of Lancashire's unique role in the industrial revolution.
• Imagine how the grand and mighty waterwheel powered the stocks as they thumped the wet woollen cloth.
• Have fun and learn in an exceptional environment, at our many activities, events and special exhibitions.
• Rest and enjoy a tasty meal or snack in our pleasant, friendly café.

Improvements to the museum in recent years have enhanced access, displays, and facilities. We now offer hands-on interactives, providing fun and learning for all ages, and enjoyable videos giving historical and technical insights. Our popular demonstrations of working machinery by our friendly and informative staff continue to be a highlight of any visit.

The Coffee Mill café serves fresh food made on the premises, and our shop stocks a wide range of traditional and contemporary gifts for all the family. There is no admission charge for entry to the café and shop.

Access is available for wheelchairs and prams to most parts of the Museum, and we have a disabled toilet for visitors, and hearing loop.

The Museum is supported by The Friends of Helmshore Museum, who welcome new members . To join the Friends, or for more details, please visit their website: friendsofhelmshore.co.uk.

Part of the site is owned by The Higher Mill Trust. For details of the Higher Mill Trust please contact the museum on +(44) (0)1706 226459.

A major refurbishment completed in 2008 was supported by Lancashire County Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the North West Development Agency, and the Friends of Helmshore Museum.

Helmshore Textile Museum was proud to win the Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board 'Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' Award in 2009/10.

To continue with our successes, our cafe 'The Coffee Mill' has been accredited with the prestigious Taste Lancashire Quality Assurance award by Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Board. The award recognises establishments who provide a consistently high quality dining experience and a commitment to local produce.

Activities

A changing programme of events, activities, demonstrations, talks, workshops and children's holiday activities, to keep all the family entertained, as well as a programme of changing exhibitions.

Please phone 01706 226459 or email helmshore.museum@lancashire.gov.uk 

To discover more of what's on offer in the Rossendale area, visit

To find the best visual arts and heritage in Pennine Lancashire visit the Arts Map.

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum is also part of Wonderful Things with special events, offers and creative entrance displays telling the story of the money made and money spent in Pennine Lancashire.

How to find us

We recommend travel by bus or road. Rail services are limited.

By Car:
Helmshore is one mile south of Haslingden on the B6235

By Bus:
11 Haslingden – Helmshore – Rawtenstall circular
Enquiries: Rossendale Transport 01706 212337

X41 Manchester – Helmshore – Accrington
Enquiries: Lancashire United 01254 260661

244 Blackburn – Haslingden – Rawtenstall
Enquiries: Rossendale Transport 01706 212337

By Rail:
To Rawtenstall from Bury, a limited tourist service operated by the East Lancashire Railway
Enquiries: 0161 764 7790