Helmshore Mills Textile Museum

Explore the true story of the Lancashire Textile Industry from the 18thC to the present day. Soak in the memorable atmosphere of these majestic mills and discover: - textile treasures from famous inventors - original working machinery with live demonstrations - changing events, exhibitions and activities.

The collection on display at the museum together with that at sister museum Queen Street Mill Textile Museum has been designated as being of national importance.

Other museum highlights
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.

Museum cafe and shop
Visit our Coffee Mill Café to relax and savour the unrivalled atmosphere of this amazing building whilst savouring wholesome Lancashire food with an up-to-date twist.

Our shop offers traditional and contemporary gifts for all ages, focusing on Lancashire made crafts and products. Let us reveal local delicacies such as Reedy’s hand made jam and the hand crafted Simply Textiles range of textiles. Simply Textiles designs are exclusive to Lancashire Museums; made from yarn spun at Helmshore, and expertly woven at our sister museum Queen Street Mill Museum, at Burnley.

Activities this Year
We will be continuing to improve our offer throughout 2009. A changing programme of events, activities, demonstrations, talks, workshops and children's holiday activities, will keep all the family entertained.

Helmshore Mills Textile Museum winner of the Lancashire & Blackpool Tourist Boards 'Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year' Award 2009/10.

Our museum has also recently been named a Quality Assured Visitor Attraction by Enjoy England -the official tourist board for England and joins other prestigious visitor attractions such as The London Eye, Imperial War Museum and Liverpool Catherdral.