Stott Park Bobbin Mill
A preserved working bobbin mill showcasing Victorian machinery and the history of textile production in the Lake District.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Steam engine in action!
Stott Park Bobbin Mill
Best Time
Steam engine in action!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A preserved working bobbin mill showcasing Victorian machinery and the history of textile production in the Lake District.
"The guides really brought the process alive with their knowledge and practical demonstrations."
🎯 Catch a Live Demo!
Time your visit for the working demonstrations; they're fascinating and crucial to understanding the mill.
📅 Book in Advance
Check the website and book tickets ahead, especially as opening days are limited.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Working Bobbin Demonstrations
Witness history come alive as guides operate original belt-driven machinery to craft wooden bobbins.
Victorian Steam Engine
Experience the power of the 19th-century steam engine, especially when it's in action on Bank Holidays.
Expert Guided Tours
Knowledgeable guides share in-depth insights into the industry and the lives of mill workers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Demonstrations
Book Ahead & Check Opening Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch a Live Demo!
Time your visit for the working demonstrations; they're fascinating and crucial to understanding the mill.
📅 Book in Advance
Check the website and book tickets ahead, especially as opening days are limited.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Enjoy the convenience of free parking available on-site.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Staff
Even your furry friends will love the friendly staff!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch a Live Demo!
Time your visit for the working demonstrations; they're fascinating and crucial to understanding the mill.
📅 Book in Advance
Check the website and book tickets ahead, especially as opening days are limited.
🚗 Ample Free Parking
Enjoy the convenience of free parking available on-site.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Staff
Even your furry friends will love the friendly staff!
🚶♀️ Explore the Grounds
Wander the mill grounds for more to discover.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Stott Park Bobbin Mill for its fascinating demonstrations and the exceptional knowledge of its guides, who bring the history of bobbin making to life. The site is lauded for preserving industrial heritage and offering an engaging experience for all ages, though some note the entry price can seem steep for a single visit.
"The mill was very interesting. You might think that bobbin making was not a very engaging subject, but the guide really brought the process alive. Her knowledge and the practical demonstrations really helped us to understand the processes and difficult working conditions. Both of the guides were very informative, friendly and professional. Lovely surroundings. Ample free parking."
Frances Orchard
"I know what you're thinking. Is it really going to be that interesting, but it genuinely was a fascinating look at an industry from a bygone age. The tour was superb and gave us working demonstrations of the machinery - make sure you time it right so you can go on one, it was about 45 minutes long. Our two boys aged 7 and 10 found it very interesting and it was pitched at such a level that everyone could get something out of it. There was a real love for the Mill shown by the staff and they knew their stuff too. Admittedly, as with most English Heritage sites the entry price can seem a bit steep but you do see where it's going and why it's worth supporting somewhere like this. For members it is free and would be worth signing up if you're going anywhere else run by them."
Harry Bryant
"A wonderful site preserving the industrial heritage of the Lake District. Guides take you on a journey, following the production of bobbins through the mill. They operate lathes just as the workforce did, from the early 1900s to 1971 when the mill closed. On Bank Holidays, you get to see the steam engine in action. This year the steam engine runs on Bank Holidays on the Sunday and the Monday. As of 2025 the mill is only open a few days each month, check the website and book in advance of your visit."
Jill Stevens
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stott Park Bobbin Mill is located near Newby Bridge in Cumbria, nestled on the shores of Lake Windermere. It's accessible by car, with ample free parking available on-site.
While specific public transport routes can vary, checking local bus services in the Lake District area is recommended. The nearest train stations would likely require onward travel by bus or taxi.
There is ample free parking available at the mill, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
The site offers good access whether on foot or wheel, suggesting it is reasonably accessible for visitors with mobility needs.
Absolutely! Stott Park Bobbin Mill is a fascinating stop for a day trip, especially if you're exploring the southern Lake District near Lake Windermere.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry fees can seem a bit steep, but they support the preservation of this historic site. For English Heritage members, entry is free. It's advisable to check the official English Heritage website for current pricing and to book tickets in advance.
Yes, as of 2025, the mill is only open a few days each month. It is highly recommended to check the website and book your visit in advance to secure your spot.
Opening hours can vary, especially with the limited days each month. Always check the official English Heritage website for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.
Entry is free for English Heritage members. If you plan to visit multiple English Heritage sites, a membership could be very cost-effective.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Stott Park Bobbin Mill, and the staff are known to be very friendly towards them!
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can witness fascinating demonstrations of bobbin making using original machinery, explore the historic mill, and learn about the industrial heritage of the Lake District from knowledgeable guides.
Yes, the guides conduct live demonstrations using the original belt-driven machinery, showing how bobbins were made. It's recommended to time your visit to catch these sessions.
The steam engine is typically in operation on Bank Holidays, offering a special treat for visitors.
Yes, the tour is pitched at a level that everyone can enjoy. Children, even as young as 7 and 10, have found it very interesting.
Built in 1835, the mill was one of many in the Lake District producing wooden bobbins vital for the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries. It operated until 1971 and is now preserved as a working museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed at historic sites like Stott Park Bobbin Mill, allowing you to capture the unique machinery and atmosphere.
The working machinery, the steam engine (especially when running), and the exterior of the historic mill building offer great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites to protect the structures and visitor experience. It's best to check English Heritage's specific drone policy before flying.
Commercial photography or filming usually requires special permission. For personal use, standard photography is generally permitted.
Inside the mill, the lighting can be atmospheric, often relying on natural light and the existing industrial fixtures. This can create dramatic shots, but may require adjusting camera settings accordingly.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With ample free parking and a dog-friendly atmosphere, it's a convenient outing. The grounds also offer space to explore. The overall experience is educational without feeling like a dry history lesson, making it a memorable family day out in the Lake District.
🏛️ History Buffs & Industrial Heritage Enthusiasts
+1The guided tours are exceptionally informative, with staff who possess in-depth knowledge of the mill's operations, the textile industry it served, and the lives of the workers. Witnessing the live demonstrations of bobbin crafting provides a practical understanding of the skills and processes involved. The preservation of this site by English Heritage ensures that this unique industrial heritage remains accessible for future generations to learn from and appreciate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art and Industry of Bobbin Making
+1The mill's operation was deeply intertwined with the local landscape, utilizing timber resources from the surrounding Lake District. The sheer scale of production meant that the mill was a significant employer, shaping the lives of many in the community. Today, Stott Park Bobbin Mill is the last of its kind, a preserved working museum that allows visitors to step back in time and understand the ingenuity and hard work that went into this vital industry.
+1Visitors can witness these historical processes firsthand through live demonstrations. Guides, often with a deep passion for the mill's history, operate the original machinery, explaining each step and the challenges faced by the workers. This hands-on approach makes the experience incredibly engaging, offering a tangible connection to the past that goes beyond static displays.
A Glimpse into Victorian Engineering
+1On special occasions, such as Bank Holidays, visitors have the rare opportunity to see the powerful steam engine in operation. This is a truly captivating experience, as the engine roars to life, driving the entire mill. It provides a visceral understanding of the energy and mechanics that powered the industrial revolution and highlights the skill of the engineers who designed and maintained such complex systems.
Beyond the steam engine, the mill features numerous belt-driven lathes and other machinery. These are not just relics; they are functional tools that are still used for demonstrations. The guides expertly operate these machines, illustrating the precise movements and the skill required to produce consistent results. This living history aspect makes Stott Park Bobbin Mill a unique destination for anyone interested in industrial heritage and engineering.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit