See what life was like in a silk mill during the 1930s at Paradise Mill - one of four Macclesfield museums in the Silk Heritage Trust.
Containing 26 original Jacquard hand looms and a wide range of exhibitions and rooms set out to illustrate life in a 1930s silk mill, Paradise Mill is a fascinating study into Macclesfield's rich silk heritage.
Built in 1860 and operated by Cartwright and Sheldon silk weavers from 1912 to 1981, Paradise Mill has become Macclesfield's most popular attraction.
It was from this Mill that some of the finest silk ties in the world were made and sent to destinations around the world, including America.
They were labelled 'Pure silk, made in Macclesfield, England and imported in the Queen Mary'.
Friendly, experienced guides will show you around the Mill, taking you to the Mill Manager's Office to see where and how silk designs were created and demonstrating the many intricate processes of weaving on one of our Jacquard hand looms.
Education Service
The Silk Museums in Macclesfield offers a wide range of educational sessions, created to support Key Stage 1 and 2.
One such session takes place in Paradise Mill and The Silk Industry Museum and includes:
Children dressing up and 'clocking on' as workers at Paradise Mill
A guided tour around the Mill
A weaving workshop, during which children will learn basic weaving techniques with wool and card
Moving to The Silk Industry Museum to learn more about the science behind the silk industry in the Spectrum Displays
Interactive demonstrations, tests and experiments during Bombyx Boffins' Workshop!
Cedric's Info Quest - a quiz that tests children on everything they've learned during the day
Please call our Education Manager, Linda Jones on 01625 613 210 for more information.
Contact Us
Please call Paradise Mill on 01625 613 210 for more information about our guided tours, exhibitions and education service.
Opening Times
Please note that Paradise Mill has Summer and Winter opening hours:
Winter: 31st October - 2nd April
Monday to Saturday: First tour 11:45am; last tour 2:15pm
Sundays: Closed
When accompanied by a paying adult, children under the age of 16 enjoy free entry to all of the Silk Heritage Trust's museums.
SIlk Heritage Trust
Paradise Mill is part of the Silk Heritage Trust; please click on the links below for more information about our other museums:
The Silk Industry Museum
The Silk Heritage Museum
West Park Museum
Please remember to mention The Best of Macclesfield when contacting local museum, Paradise Mill.
© The Best of Macclesfield