Dunkirk Mill Museum
The Dunkirk Mill Museum, which has achieved Full Accreditation from Arts Council England, offers a wonderful opportunity to see a see a massive working water wheel directly powering a rare piece of historic textile machinery. The overshot wheel, twelve feet wide and thirteen feet in diameter, was installed in the mill in 1855 as part of the last major re-building programme carried out during its time as a woollen mill. It was made and installed by James Ferrabee of Stroud, having a mainly cast iron frame with forty steel buckets.
The wheel is operated regularly on opening days, (subject to water supply), and the sight of the wheel starting to move in a powerful cascade of water is unforgettable. The Dunkirk Mill Centre has been made possible with the assistance of a grant from the HLF Local Heritage Initiative, and more recently the Interpretation Panels have been created with a grant from the Tanner Trust.
Dunkirk Mill Museum, Stroud Road, Nailsworth, GL5 5HH
Visits begin at 2 pm and 3 pm and last 45 minutes. Please see our bookings page for opening dates. We strongly recommend booking in advance – the capacity of the museum is limited, and visitors who arrive without a booking may be turned away if we are full.
For groups of ten or more, please contact Ian Mackintosh on 01453 766273.
Entry Charges
Adults £5
Young people under 18 and Students £2
Children under 8 free
Members free - please book Members tickets. Your membership will be checked on arrival.
Gigg Mill Weaving Shed
Gigg Mill sits on the Horsley brook, which once powered its waterwheel. Its humble stature is typical of the smaller mills that dotted the valleys. Many later fell into disrepair or were changed beyond recognition.
At this mill you can visit our Weaving Shed, containing historic and modern looms including a power loom. The machinery is demonstrated by our expert guides and you can try your hand at weaving; know your warp from your weft; discover how to put a pattern into the cloth; see the flying shuttle; find out about the origins of Dobby on the 1830’s handloom and how everything just got faster. On your way out look for woad in the dye plant garden.
Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Gigg Mill Weaving Centre, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6 0JP
Visits begin at 10 am and 11 am and last 45 minutes. On 18 May 2024, Gigg Mill will also be open for visits at 2 pm and 3 pm to coincide with Nailsworth Festival. Please see our bookings page for all opening dates. We strongly recommend booking in advance – the capacity of the weaving centre is limited, and visitors who arrive without a booking may be turned away if we are full.
For groups of ten or more, please contact Ian Mackintosh on 01453 766273.
Entry Charges
Adults £5
Children under 18 and students £2
Children under 8 free
Members free - please book Members tickets. Your membership will be checked on arrival.
St. Mary’s Mill Chalford
An opportunity to visit one of the regions most attractive mill sites
This beautifully situated c.1820 mill houses a large waterwheel and a powerful Tangye Steam engine, which can be seen in action (although not by steam as its boiler has long gone).
A fascinating and historic site, beside the canal and railway.
Waterwheel and turning steam engine to view at this historic mill.
Please note:
The mill is privately owned and is only open on selected days as announced, with kind permission of the owner. Please see the Mill Open Days page for open days in 2024.