Masson Mills

Built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1783 to utilise the water power of the River Derwent for the mass production of spun cotton, Masson Mills is the best-preserved example of an Arkwright mill and is part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site. A commercial cotton spinning mill until 1991 and now home to a Textile Museum, Visitor Centre, offices and meeting and event spaces.

Textile Museum

Explore our extensive collection of historic textile machinery within Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 water powered cotton spinning mill on one of our self guided experiences or guided tours.

Please see massonmills.co.uk for our latest museum opening times.

'Bale To Bobbin' Self Guided Experience

Explore the Weaving Shed, Doubling Room, Victorian Workshop & Bobbin Room all within Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 cotton spinning mill.

Discover the heritage machinery that industrially revolutionised the processing of raw cotton into spun yarn and woven fabric.

Including regular weaving and doubling machinery demonstrations.

Booking not required.

Guided Tours

Clock in to your shift at Sir Richard Arkwright’s 1783 water powered cotton spinning mill and experience the working environment of a historic textile mill.

Discover the heritage machinery that industrially revolutionised the processing of raw cotton into spun yarn and woven fabric.

We shall guide you through the Weaving Shed, Doubling Room, Victorian Workshop, Bobbin Room, outside to the former water wheel location, current hydro electric turbines and around to the weir with its stunning views of the Derwent Valley.

See how the machines were powered by water using line shafting and discover how the machines operate with doubling and weaving demonstrations.

Follow the Mills’ journey into steam power in the Boiler House and experience the 1884 W&J Yates cross compound steam engine in operation.

Approximately 1.5 hours. Booking recommended.

Visitor Centre

Pop into our atmospheric Visitor Centre, take a seat & enjoy Fairtrade barista coffee & locally sourced cakes & scones.

Purchase woven cloth & string made in the Textile Museum, browse shelves bursting with thread, bobbins, shuttles & historic textile items & discover our range of wonderful handmade items by local makers.

Open Monday-Friday 8:30am-4pm and Saturday 11am-4pm.

Workshops

Join us for one of our creative workshops that include hand sewing, button making and weaving. See massonmills.co.uk for our upcoming workshops.

Private Guided Tours

Private guided tours for over 10 people are available by pre-arrangement.

Coach Groups & Educational Visits

We welcome large groups and have coach parking on site.

We offer tailored tours for educational visits and have workshop activities and classroom space available.

Meetings & Events

Masson Mills’ original 1783 mill is Grade II* listed and offers a historical, unique and environmentally conscious destination for private and public events, special occasions, exhibitions, meetings, conferences and corporate events. The recently renovated events suites offer versatile spaces with flexible layouts, refreshment and catering packages, fast Wi-Fi and AV equipment; all with stunning views of the river and surrounding valley.

Accessibility

Paid car parking is available on site, including accessible parking and a drop off zone. Our Textile Museum is accessible to wheelchair users.

We're less than one mile from both Cromford and Matlock Bath train stations on the Derwent Valley line and have a bus stop directly outside connecting us to Derby, Belper, Wirksworth, Bakewell, Buxton, Chesterfield and Sheffield.

Sustainability

The entire site is still powered by the River Derwent today producing renewable energy via hydroelectricity turbines.