Queen Street Mill Textile Museum Burnley
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Queen Street Mill Textile Museum Burnley

4.8
·270 reviews·Briercliffe, United Kingdom

Step into the last 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill, where history roars to life with operational looms and engines.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more focus

CrowdLow
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Queen Street Mill Textile Museum Burnley

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum Burnley

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more focus

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step into the last 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill, where history roars to life with operational looms and engines.

4.8
(270 reviews)

"A fabulous Mill, wonderful to see the old and still working machinery, the weaving machines were in action on our visit, what a treat."

Vertical photo
TIP

Don't Miss the Tour!

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Colin weaving is fascinating! :star:

Support the Mill

It's a unique place; visiting and buying from the shop helps preserve this heritage. :heart:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Steam Engines

Working Steam Engines

Main Weaving Shed

Witness the power of a 19th-century steam engine and hear the roar of operational weaving looms.

Historic Weaving Shed

Historic Weaving Shed

Main Weaving Floor

Explore the vast space filled with original machinery, offering a tangible connection to industrial past.

Guided Tours

Guided Tours

Throughout the Mill

Gain in-depth knowledge from passionate guides about the mill's history and textile production.

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Planning Your Visit

Step Back in Time

Experience the last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill. Witness machinery in action and immerse yourself in Lancashire's rich textile history. Perfect for history buffs and families alike.

Plan Your Visit

Check opening times and consider booking a guided tour for a deeper understanding. The mill offers a unique glimpse into industrial heritage, with knowledgeable staff eager to share its stories.

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more focus
Crowd
Low
When
During Events
Why
Special exhibitions & workshops
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We recently went to Queen Street Mill textile museum in Burnley, Lancs, for a bit of a research mission for our next book (if you, like us, are Industrial Revolution fangirls, give it a visit!). Would you like to see what it was like to work in a weaving shed? Just watch this and imagine everything around you moving at speed, including those long flappy belts from the ceiling. And the sheer NOIS...
therickardsisters
40 likes • 626 views

Don't Miss the Tour!

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Colin weaving is fascinating! :star:

Support the Mill

It's a unique place; visiting and buying from the shop helps preserve this heritage. :heart:

Week 8 of HAFA (healing arts for all) we were lucky to take our participants to the local ‘Queen Street Mill’ in Burnley. Queen street mill is now a textile Museum it is the last surviving 19th Century steam powered weaving mill in the world. Check out some of this machinery, it is a beautiful museum to look around. The participants captured some amazing industrial sounds, check out the team being...
communityartsbyzk
0 likes • 283 views
We’re all ready for Trouble at Mill, our adventurous day at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Burnley… the set-up’s all done, and we absolutely didn’t cause any drama or do anything mischievous or get into any trouble at all. The launch of This Slavery / performance / celebration of Ethel Carnie Holdsworth / mill-based party sold out within a week, and we’re so looking forward to bringing it a...
therickardsisters
103 likes • 6.7K views

Family Friendly

Great for kids aged primary school upwards. Educational and engaging. :children_crossing:

Cafe & Shop

Enjoy a cuppa and grab some calico from the small shop. :coffee:

Tips

from all over the internet

Don't Miss the Tour!

Staff are incredibly knowledgeable and make the history come alive. Colin weaving is fascinating! :star:

Support the Mill

It's a unique place; visiting and buying from the shop helps preserve this heritage. :heart:

Family Friendly

Great for kids aged primary school upwards. Educational and engaging. :children_crossing:

Cafe & Shop

Enjoy a cuppa and grab some calico from the small shop. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(270 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Queen Street Mill for its authentic steam-powered machinery and the captivating experience of watching looms in action. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are a major highlight, making the visit both educational and enjoyable. It's highly recommended for anyone interested in industrial heritage.

"Excellent place, lots of free parking, marvelous staff, huge weaving shed, great cafe, toilet facilities, little shop with some Calico for sale.
Very friendly and educational, I lov d visiting here. Such a rich history to textiles in Lancashire.
I went for a weaving workshop and a visit to the British Textile Biennial installation there. Just beautiful."

Dawn Abbey

"A fabulous Mill, wonderful to see the old and still working machinery, the weaving machines were in action on our visit, what a treat.
We visited to watch a really good event all about Ethel Carnie Holdsworth... What an inspiring strong woman she was ( and is)...
Friendly and welcoming staff, a small cafe on site and small gift shop too.
Definitely worth a visit for adults and primary school children upwards."

Claire Waddington

"Make sure you do the tour, everybody is so knowledgeable and watching Colin weaving wonders on the looms is fascinating.
Everyone working in the mill is so friendly, helpful and welcoming, they're a credit to the county. Please go and support them, it would be a tragedy to lose it"

Bosch's Mum

What People Like

Working steam engines
Authentic machinery
Knowledgeable staff

What People Dislike

Limited cafe options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Queen Street Mill is located in Burnley, Lancashire. Many visitors arrive by car, and there is ample free parking available on-site.TikTok For those using public transport, local bus routes serve the area, and Burnley Manchester Road train station is a short taxi ride away.

Yes, there is plenty of free parking available at the museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.Reddit

Absolutely! While driving is convenient, you can reach the mill via local bus services that stop nearby. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Queen Street Mill Textile Museum website or contact them directly before your visit. They are often open on specific days of the week.

While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for guided tours or special events, is recommended to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.Reddit

Admission prices are generally very reasonable, and the museum is often supported by grants and donations. Check their official website for the most current admission fees.

Yes, guided tours are highly recommended! The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, offering fascinating insights into the mill's history and machinery.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can witness the only surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill in the world still in operation.TikTok See the massive steam engines, watch the looms in action, and explore the historic weaving shed. They also host special events and exhibitions.Instagram

Yes, it's considered very suitable for children, particularly those in primary school and upwards. It offers an educational and engaging experience that brings industrial history to life.Reddit

Photography is generally permitted for personal use, allowing you to capture the impressive machinery and atmosphere. Always be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.

The mill offers toilet facilities and a small cafe where you can enjoy refreshments. There's also a little shop selling items like calico.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a small cafe on-site where you can purchase refreshments and light snacks during your visit.Reddit

While there's a cafe, it's always a good idea to check their policy on bringing outside food. Picnics might be permitted in designated areas if available.

📸 📸 Photography

The main weaving shed with the operational looms offers incredible photographic opportunities. The steam engines themselves are also very photogenic, especially when in motion.TikTok

Yes, personal photography is generally allowed. Capture the unique atmosphere of this historic industrial site, but be respectful of other visitors and any operational machinery.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Queen Street Mill is a fantastic educational outing for families. Children aged primary school age and above will be captivated by the sight and sound of the working steam engines and looms.Reddit It's a hands-on way to learn about history, engineering, and how textiles are made. The interactive nature of the working machinery makes it far more engaging than a typical museum visit.

Tips for families: Plan your visit around the demonstrations to see the machinery in full swing. The cafe offers a good spot for a break, and the overall experience is safe and well-managed. It's a great opportunity to spark curiosity about industrial heritage and the past.

📚 History Enthusiasts & Researchers

For those fascinated by the Industrial Revolution and textile history, Queen Street Mill is an unparalleled destination. As the last surviving steam-powered weaving mill, it offers an authentic and immersive experience. Researchers can gain invaluable insights into 19th-century industrial processes, machinery, and the working conditions of the era.TikTok

Recommendations: Take advantage of the guided tours led by knowledgeable staff who can provide in-depth historical context. Consider attending any special events or workshops that might offer deeper dives into specific aspects of textile history or the lives of mill workers.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Power of Steam: Machinery in Action

Queen Street Mill is renowned for being the last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill in the world that still operates its machinery.TikTok The heart of the mill is its impressive steam engine, which powers a vast array of looms. Visitors can witness firsthand the incredible engineering and the sheer force required to operate these machines, creating a truly immersive sensory experience.

The rhythmic clatter and hum of the looms are a defining characteristic of a visit. Watching the weavers at work, manipulating threads with practiced skill, offers a tangible connection to the past. This isn't just a static museum; it's a living testament to industrial heritage, where the past actively comes to life before your eyes. The staff, many of whom have deep connections to the textile industry, are often on hand to explain the intricate workings of the machinery and the historical significance of each piece.Reddit

A Glimpse into Mill Life and History

The mill provides a powerful insight into the lives of the people who worked in Lancashire's textile industry during its peak. From the sheer scale of the weaving shed to the details of the machinery, every element tells a story of hard work, innovation, and community. The museum often hosts events and exhibitions that delve deeper into the social history of mill workers, including inspiring figures like Ethel Carnie Holdsworth.InstagramReddit

Visiting Queen Street Mill is more than just seeing old machines; it's about understanding the industrial revolution's impact on society, the economy, and the lives of ordinary people. The knowledgeable guides and volunteers are crucial in bringing this history to life, sharing anecdotes and historical context that enrich the visitor experience. It's a place that educates and inspires, reminding us of the foundations upon which modern industry was built.

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