Cromford Mills - Matlock

Matthew Y. (. T.

I was staying in a property on North Street, Cromford, so I walked to this place. If you're in the area it is definitely worth a visit. There was a cafe, a few shops, parking, toilets, and an information centre, which was free entry, or you can pay for a guided tour. After visiting here you can walk for miles along the canal path. A good few hours out.

Karl R.

Good afternoon spent in and around Cromford Mill. Good to see the waterwheel being used to generate electricity. Good activities inside the information centre for children to use. Nice walk along the river and canal too.

Ian B.

Not much to see here really. Shops limited and just worth a quick pop in. Recommend PARK in the park opposite by the canal. On a nice day sit outside the cafe and eat/drink then nice walk beside the canal as far as you like before returning the same way. £3 for 3 hours at the Mill. More than enough time. Park opposite though.

M P.

Spent a lovely afternoon here, our party ranged in age from 24 to 83 and it appealed to us all. We purchased the annual pass which cost £15 each, it included a guided tour and access to all the exhibits. There is a wide variety of shops on-site, everyone working or volunteering here were fantastic. It's well worth a visit, we especially loved the room with the 3D video exhibit. It's important to keep our history alive, the center runs on donations and grants.

They have a working water wheel that generates 30% of the power on-site.

JJ S.

Artisan stall weekend event. Spoke to a number of stall holders, bought seagulls on posts, looked at plants, bought cheese (amazing) and lamented digital photography! Great afternoon in the rain!

Angela W.

We have a campervan and found we could stay overnight on the car park. Payment at the meter. It’s a big carpark and does have some level areas. A perfect stop just outside Matlock Bath.

Whilst stopping we visited the mill and what a lovely surprise. Sir Richard Arkwright’s first mill and it’s been renovated by the Arkwright Society. There are guided tours which give an interactive experience. Definitely worth buying a ticket. The ticket lasts all year so you can go back. All proceeds go to the society for the upkeep. Plus there is the village to explore but we ran out of time!

On site there are shops and a good cafe. Seating inside and outside.

There is a very good cheese shop and second hand shop which are a must.

One of the most impressive areas is the waterwheel. This has been reinstated and now produces electricity for the whole site. We definitely need more of this!

We will be back to explore the village.

Andrew M.

Visited May 2nd May 2025. Ample and reasonable priced car parking. More than worth a visit, nice selection of shops and so much history in the mill. You can also visit nearby attractions, Cromford Wharf, Cromford, High Peak Junction, and the High Peak Trail. All within walking distance of Cromford Mill.
Visited Cromford Mills today, 22nd August 2024, and had yet another great time.ww had something to eat at the Arkwight Cafe.

Ish

Nice little walk to see a bit of wonderful history. The Mills themselves have a running clog to see how it used to work. They have also updated the surroundings and added in many features for kids and made the place more family friendly. Lovely cafe with vegan options and smoothies. New cheese shop and other gift shops too. Worth a relaxing visit if in the area. Across the road you have the canal too. Couple of waterfalls too.