Stott Park Bobbin Mill — Attraction in Colton

Tremendous & Awesome former Industrial Mill situated in the South Lakes of Cumbria. The Mill itself used to make wooden bobbins that were used in the woollen Mills of Lancashire and the wider North West Region of England and visits to the mill are by guided tour only and these tours run at specific times on specific steam days throughout the summer season and it is best to check the website for these dates and times before visiting to avoid any disappointment. The tours themselves of the mill are thoroughly engaging and enthralling and on the tour you learn about the history of the mill from its beginning to its end and also learn about the processes of how wooden bobbins are made and the industries they were used in such as The woollen Mills in the North West. During the tours of the mill you can witness fantastic interactive demonstrations of how the wooden bobbins which is amazing and you can get a clear idea of how wooden bobbins, which is a great skillful process of how the Industrial workers made them. During the tour of the mill you can see some amazing machinery such as The Steam Engine used to power the mill and also the machinery used to make the bobbins and both bits of machinery are in great condition. There is a lovely informative exhibition about the history of the mill and some of the people that worked in one of the outbuildings and also there are some information information displays dotted around the site where you can learn about how the natural features of the landscape powered the mill and also wander around the surrounding woodland where you can see some Bluebells in the spring and early summer, which make for a picturesque ams friendly feel. There is a small gift shop at the site selling a small range of souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a thoroughly fantastic and brilliant place to visit and makes for an amazing and fascinating day out. Well worth a visit whilst in the South Lakes...

The stott park bobbin mill is absolutely wonderful, I must admit I was expecting to be a bit bored, however the lady who guided us round was fabulous, she really knew the history of the mill and day to day working lives of the people who would have worked there, along with how the origins of some well known sayings came about like "knocking off time" from similar industries. The mill is set in a quiet and beautiful area of woodland, there are toilets, a large car park, gift shop and you can get a hot drink. All the staff were absolutely lovely and all very knowledgeable. There were some fabulous practical demonstrations of how the bobbins were made as well and on the original machines that are still operational. Absolutely lovely time had by us all from my 5 year old son to my parents. Highly...

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...