Stott Park Bobbin Mill

Built in 1835, Stott Park Bobbin Mill was one of the hundreds of mills in the Lake District that provided bobbins to the Lancashire textile industry. Stott Park Bobbin Mill is the only surviving mill of its kind. Automation of industry forced every other mill in the Lake District to close, however by adapting to the market, Stott Park was able to keep running until 1971. At its heyday, Stott Park had 250 boys and men creating over a quarter of a million bobbins a week! Interestingly, the mill has remained largely unchanged since 1900. When the demand for bobbins fell away, the mill changed its output to other products like wire reels and tool handles that would allow the workers to continue using the same machinery. The mill opened to the public in 1983.

Things to do:

• Visitors can witness the full process of turning a tree into a bobbin through guided tours.
• Children can dress up and be immersed in the life a bobbin worker on a interactive family trail.
• Build your own bobbin!
• The Drying Barn houses a permanent exhibition to the history of bobbin making.
• A gift shop where bobbins from the mill can be purchased.

Stott Park Bobbin Mill is ideal for immersing children and young people in history. The interactive tours and activities expose youngster to the past in a fun and educational day out!

For information on tickets and opening times, see here.

Accessibility:

There are two car parks next to the mill with some disabled access spaces.

There is a selection of picnic tables to rest at and the shop sells a small range of pre-packaged snacks.

Accessible toilets are available in the shop.

Assistance dogs are welcome. Additionally, induction loops and braille guides are available upon request.

For more information on accessibility, click here.

To visit another museum in Cumbria, click here.