Visit us.
Step into the heart of Lancashire’s industrial heritage.
Higher Mill Museum takes you on a fascinating journey into the world of cotton. Understand the processes and machinery that created Cottonopolis and its intricate social history. Explore the garden, filled with plants used in the fulling process. Admire the stunning scenery surrounding the museum, including the river Ogden and the railway cycle path.
Weave through the Wool Story
The wool story takes you on a journey to understand how wool was processed at Higher Mill. Discover the working waterwheel and process of fulling, making cloth dense and suitable for soldiers.
Discover the Cotton Story
Our Cotton Story takes you through the Revolution Gallery and deep into the mill, through The Devil Hole to show how cotton fibre became yarn used in absorbent cloth.
Explore the Spinning Floor
Between 1926 and 1978, Whitaker’s mill produced cotton thread for towelling, flannel and dusters and here you can see spinning machines in action.
Our Machines.
Cornish Boiler
Unearth the remains of the Cornish Boiler and the flue that runs out of the site, under the road and up to the chimney on the hillside.
Helmshore Water Wheel
Observe our working water wheel and see how it was connected to drive fulling stocks, which pounded raw woollen cloth.
Awkright’s water frame
See the last complete working example of Arkwight’s water frame, a spinning machine powered by a waterwheel.
A compelling day out and experience to remember
Ensure you have everything planned for your visit, from access, to food - and even plan which souvenirs you might take home.
Sharing our heritage
We accommodate educational groups of all shapes and sizes to ensure Higher Mill continues to form a key part of Lancastrian learning.
Help us create an even better visitor experience
We’re always working to improve Higher Mill Museum, making it more welcoming and engaging for our visitors.