Stott Park Bobbin Mill

School Visits

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.

We’ve made some changes to the opening times at Stott Park Bobbin Mill. You can find these, as well as all the information you need for a memorable visit, on this page. We’re also working on a new learning offer, as well as special events, guided tours, and temporary exhibitions, which learning groups will be able to enjoy.

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

Experience the Industrial Revolution at the UK’s only working bobbin mill. Let our site experts bring the history of Stott Park Bobbin Mill to life on a tour that has been developed especially for schools.

Find out more

Plan your trip

We have a wide range of materials to support your visit and make school trip planning easy. You can find all our site-specific information and tools below, and further information on our what to expect page.

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 once you have made a booking, plus a 20% discount on the official English Heritage guidebook for your place of choice.

Once you book your visit you’ll be sent a visit permit, which you’ll need to bring with you on the day.

Visit our bookings page to start planning your trip!

  • 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: 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.
  • Hazard Information

    A useful tool to help with your risk assessments.

     

    You must meet the following ratios for leaders to students on the day of your visit when booking, and if your group is forming smaller groups while at the site:

    • Ages 4-5 (UK Reception) 1 leader for every 4 students (1:4)
    • Ages 5-7 (UK Key Stage 1) 1 leader for every 6 students (1:6)
    • Ages 7-11 (UK Key Stage 2) 1 leader for every 10 students (1:10) and
    • Ages 11-18 (UK Key Stages 3, 4, and 5) 1 leader for every 15 students (1:15)
    • For an adult learning group, consisting of individuals all over the age of 18, there are no ratios but there must be an appointed group leader
    • All ratios outlined above apply to home education groups
    • If your group consists of children aged 3 and/or 4, you must also refer to the Early Years and Foundation Stage Statutory Framework which sets out specific legal requirements for minimum ratios for this age group, to include requirements about the qualifications of the leaders
    • SEND groups must meet the minimum ratios above but may bring any additional leaders as required to adequately support their group

Learning Resources

  • Top Things to See

    Discover the story of Stott Park Bobbin Mill using this self-led trail. 

  • Teaching the Victorians

    Use historical information, learning activities and tips from our historians, curators and educational experts to support your teaching of the Victorians.

  • How England Was Made: Stott Park Bobbin Mill

    Join Rob Bell as he finds out more about Stott Park Bobbin Mill's role in the Lake District's textile industry during the 19th century.

  • What Was the Industrial Revolution?

    Use our introduction to the Industrial Revolution to better understand how new technologies developed between 1700 and 1900 changed life in Britain and beyond.