Cromford Mills

Part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, Cromford Mills offers an immersive look at the industry that put this area on the map. The mills were built in the mid 18th century and were the first commercially successful water powered cotton mills in the world. They were productive until steam power replaced water power in commercial mills, after which point they saw a number of other uses. In 1979 the Arkwright Society purchased the site to ensure its preservation, and over subsequent decades restored the buildings and returned the site to its original layout. Today it incorporates a café, boutique shops and workshops. Cromford Mills is free to visit, but for visitors looking to learn more, paid guided tours are available. Information panels around the site provide a brief summary of its history and notable features. Worth a visit to see an exceptionally well preserved industrial area, which also serves as a good starting point for walks around the village and further afield along the canal path. While visiting, other areas worth seeing include the Mill Pond, North Street (a row of perfectly preserved workers cottages), and Masson Mills (a larger mill which superseded Cromford Mills). There's paid parking no more than 5 minutes walk away.

This is free to look round, but we paid for a tour guide Mike was very informative this is well worth doing because we had a tour guide we got to see part of the building that other people don't see. They is a few shops and toilets also you can't something to eat. I would highly recommend coming here

Great for a dip into the heritage of milling. Some independent shops to browse and a cafe. Cross the road for a canal side walk, too. All dog friendly and free to enter. Guided tours available at a cost. Canal boat trips also available.

Had a tour guide who was very informative. We were on a time line as part of a coaching holiday. The driver said we had to be back by a certain time and the guide said that couldn't complete the tour in time. We saw the main part but it would have been nice if we could have completed the tour

We went here today. A lot to see and do. Some lovely arts and crafts and antiques shops. Good cafe which is reasonably priced. Had a lovely walk, but the weather wasn't the best

Sir Richard Arkwright’s first water powered spinning mill, built in 1771 is a classic example of engineering and social genius. Starting out as a penniless apprentice wigmaker Arkwright became a leading figure of the Industrial Revolution by ruthlessly exploiting, refining and scaling other people’s ideas. The site includes Arkwright’s mill, his mansion house, personal church and the mill manager’s house. Five stars is for the historic interest and significance. Strongly recommend the guided tours and the excellent volunteer guides. The site has extensive parking, cafe, craft shops and toilets.

It was my first time here and despite the rain I had a lovely afternoon looking around the shops around the mill. The shops ranged from bookshops, knitting and antiques for sale, I managed to bag a bargain or two before heading to the nearby pub for a carvery.

Excellent Historical Location. See where the first factory of its type was built, how a very clever and industrious man changed the way we work today... and there's more 😃 Well worth the visit. Take the guided tour, then take the assisted tour around the town