Helmshore Mills Textile Museum — Attraction in Borough of Rossendale

I last went to Helmshore Textile Museum in 1986 before my O Levels with school. It had a major impact on me then, and it still does now knowing so many of my ancestors have worked in the Woollen and Cotton Mills of the North West of England. Rossendale was at the forefront of the industrial Revolution. The museum has two specific sections covering the development of the Woollen and Cotton industries reflecting that the mill itself often changed between the two. I am disabled on crutches but I found the museum very accessible for me and would be fine for anyone using a wheelchair. The floors had occasional videos along the way illustrating some of the pioneers, early home based industry, rebellion against mechanisation and others. The exhibits are magnificent and give you an insight into the growth in industry, the development in riches of the mill owners and the poverty of the mill workers. There is a substantial shop on site, a beautiful coffee shop and accessible toilets. One visit isn't enough. Although I took photos I need to go again to take more in. At £4 per adult this is fairly priced and keeps alive this proud mill and living representation of a...

We went in with the aim of killing an hour or so, not expecting a huge amount but as we've lived locally for 20 years it was about time to visit. The entry fee was £5 which was a very good price even if it wasn't great, but we just so happened to time it perfectly with a tour so pleasantly surprised we went on that.

After 2 and a half hours we left having thoroughly enjoyed the museum. The staff were fantastic, really knew their stuff and after 2 separate tours with a demonstration of the different machines in action we were genuinely blown away by the care and passion of the team.

The tours were long enough to be detailed but not so long you got bored, and after the tour you were free to backtrack and read plaques and notices we'd missed. The tour guide could answer any and every question thrown at him with a smile on his face and seemed to genuinely enjoy what he did. All the machines and displays were well cared for with detailed information boards next to them and the setup was well signposted.

Hat's off to everyone involved, I can't say I've ever got more value for...

This is a very interesting mill museum and rather unusual as it covers both the wool and cotton trades. Tours of both sides of the mill are offered by docents and are quite informative. I particularly liked how they connected common expressions to their origins in mills, ie. "spinsters", "a cut above" "on tenterhooks". All of the equipment used is on view on both sides of the mill, but on the cotton side there are machines that still operate. Seeing them demonstrated, I tried to envision the noise, dust and danger involved in their use. There are interactive displays as well and some wonderful period photographs. Their gift shop has lots of interesting books and toys for children. The staff couldn't be nicer. Very friendly...