Stott Park Bobbin Mill

Schools

Stott Park Bobbin Mill is a unique example of the local history and heritage of Cumbria. It began to produce wooden bobbins in 1835 for the Lancashire spinning and weaving industries, with up to 300 men and boys working here over the years in often arduous conditions. It closed in 1971 and is the last surviving example of its kind.

Please note: Education visits are currently not available at this site

Information about your visit

Our number one priority remains the health, safety and security of all of our visitors, staff and volunteers. Our staff are still working hard to keep everyone safe and make sure you and your group have an enjoyable visit.

Important information to consider before you book:

  • To keep everyone safe we’re continuing to limit visitor numbers at some sites and in some indoor spaces. Please book as soon as possible to secure your preferred trip date and times.
  • Find out more about what to expect on your school visit and make sure you download our COVID risk assessments; download a free copy of managing education visits during the pandemic and if you're participating in a Discovery Visit download our managing Discovery Visits during the pandemic risk assessment
  • To make the planning process as easy as possible, make sure you check our Plan Your School Trip section at the bottom of this page, for updated information on the facilities at the site as well as our free resources.
  • You’ll need to book your visit at least 14 days in advance. Please check our terms and conditions for full details.
  • Although is it not a requirement, any teachers, parents, or students aged 16 years can check in via the NHS Test and Trace app, using the NHS QR code posters displayed at the site entrance. Please factor this into your travel/arrival time. For more information about how we are handling your personal data for NHS Test and Trace please visit this page.
  • Our staff are continuing to wear a face covering in our busy areas and indoor spaces, and we encourage you and your group to do the same where possible.

At some sites you might not be able to use our handling collections or costumes as part of a free self-led visit, but where we can provide hands-on items in a safe way we will. We’ve adapted our Discovery Visit workshops to keep you and your group safe at all times, but for certain sessions we’re still working on this – please check the Discovery Visit section and Facilities section on this page below for further information.

Curriculum Links

Bring your teaching of the curriculum to life with a visit to Stott Park Bobbin Mill. 

  • KS1 History: Significant historical events, people and places in their own locality
  • KS1-3 Design Technology: Material choices and processes, technological developments over time
  • KS1-3 Geography: Human Geography, Geographical skills and fieldwork
  • KS2-3 History: A local history study
  • KS3 History: Ideas, political power, industry & empire: Britain 1745-1901, Britain as the first industrial nation and its impact on society

Expert-led school visits

We aren’t running Discovery Visits at this site at the moment – we’re unable to adapt our sessions in a way that would still provide a quality, immersive education experience. We'll update this page regularly with any changes so please do check back in future or get in touch with bookeducation@english-heritage.org.uk for more information.

Find out more

Plan your trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. Download our free resources to help you make the most out of your visit and create unique learning experiences before, during and after your trip.

We also offer free planning visits for group leaders once you have made a booking. Our Education Booking Team is on hand to advise and help you create the best possible school trip to suit your needs and area of study.

  • Facilities
    • PARKING: The lower mill car park has seven spaces and three designated disabled spaces. This car park is 50 metres from the reception and mill entrance. The top car park has parking for 15 cars and up to three coaches and is 200 metres from the mill reception
    • LUNCH: Vending machine selling hot drinks. Shop sells a selection of snacks including crisps, cold drinks, confectionery and ice cream. You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the grounds. There are picnic tables and benches available
    • SHOP: There is a small gift shop where bobbins made in the mill can be purchased.
    • TOILETS: Toilets available on site. Additional sanitising stations also available.
    • MUSEUM: Stott Park Bobbin Mill is an industrial museum which explains the process of bobbin making in the Lake District. The Drying Barn has a permanent exhibition tracing the history of bobbin making
    • FACE MASKS:Face coverings are not mandatory but we do encourage you and your group to wear them where possible in other enclosed spaces. Our staff and volunteers will continue to wear face masks in indoor spaces for your safety. We won’t be able to give you a face covering so if your group do want to wear them please come prepared. 
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