What is Masson Mills?

Updated

Masson Mills is a former water-powered cotton spinning mill in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire, built by Sir Richard Arkwright in 1783 and operated commercially until 1991. Today the site houses a textile museum, visitor centre, offices, and meeting and event spaces, and it serves as the northern gateway to the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. It is a place to visit if you want to see the machinery that industrialised cotton processing, or to hire a historic venue for a meeting or event.

What you'll find on site

Textile Museum

The museum displays the machinery that industrially revolutionised the processing of raw cotton into spun yarn and woven fabric. This is the core reason to visit if you are interested in the industrial revolution and textile history.

Visitor Centre

The visitor centre offers fresh barista coffee, locally sourced cakes, and a textile-themed gift shop. You can buy string and woven fabric made in the museum itself.

Meetings and event spaces

The site is marketed as a historic, unique and environmentally conscious destination to meet, socialise and exhibit. Rooms are available for hire.

Educational and school visits

The mill runs educational and school visits alongside its general visitor offering.

Opening times and winter closure

The Visitor Centre and Textile Museum close for winter. According to the site's current notice, they close on Monday 2nd November and reopen in March 2027. During the closure period, private guided tours still run by appointment.

If you are planning a visit, check the museum opening times page before travelling, since the winter closure significantly limits when the museum and visitor centre are accessible.

Workshops and events

The mill hosts workshops including a felting workshop and a handspinning workshop, plus events such as the Derbyshire Makes Festival. There is also a car park on site.

Sustainability

The entire site is powered by the River Derwent through hydro electric turbines generating renewable energy on site. Masson Mills describes itself as net zero electricity. This is a notable feature for anyone considering the venue for meetings or events with an environmental angle.

Contact and location

Masson Mills is the trading name of Needles And Haystacks Ltd, a company registered in England (company registration number 13177444), with its registered office at Sir Richard Arkwright's Masson Mills.

Who it's for

  • Industrial history and textile enthusiasts: the museum's working machinery is the main draw.
  • Families and casual visitors: the visitor centre, cafe and gift shop make it a lighter stop, though note the winter closure.
  • Organisations needing a venue: meeting and event spaces in a historic, hydro-powered building.
  • Schools: dedicated educational visit programmes.

If you want to visit the museum or visitor centre, plan around the March reopening or book a private guided tour during the winter closure. For room hire or events, contact the site directly using the details above.