Group
visits
for
schools

Planning your group visit

What to expect

Nothing compares to the excitement of coming face to face with the sheer force of the water wheel as it starts to turn! Our mill visits are tailored to the appropriate age-group and include some hands-on activities to bring alive the story of cloth-making in the Stroud Valleys. Visits to our mills are led by trained, experienced volunteers with an education and/or a textiles background.

What learning experiences do we offer?

The Stroudwater Textile Trust operates two mills: Dunkirk Mill Museum and the Gigg Mill Weaving Shed (more information below). Teachers are advised to contact Jane Ford to discuss requirements in detail; email education@stroudtextiletrust.org.uk. A pre-visit to the mills is also recommended if possible: book through this website, via the Visits & Events drop-down menu.

School groups can visit either mill or visit both sites on the same day. Allow one hour at each site and it is possible to walk between them (the distance is approximately 1.5 km, mostly along a cycle path).

A maximum of 16 pupils can be accommodated at each site, so a large group or class may need to be divided.

Dunkirk Mill Museum (Dunkirk Mill, Stroud Road, Nailsworth GL5 5HH)

Housed in what was once an extensive mill complex, Dunkirk Mill Museum is open from Easter to the end of September. It has a working water wheel which powers historic textile machinery. We demonstrate and explain the processes whereby woollen cloth was ‘finished’; there is also a short, guided walk with a quiz-sheet focusing on the historical aspects of the site.

Gigg Mill Weaving Shed (Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth GL6 0JP)

Our weaving shed is home to a variety of weaving looms, from simple hand-looms to a 1950s power-loom. Visits focus on spinning and weaving, with practical demonstrations and hands-on activities.

Bookings

Please email us at education@stroudtextiletrust.org.uk in the first instance. We shall then contact you to fine-tune arrangements, including intended learning outcomes, access and timings. We will send you a copy of the agreed timetable and our Risk Assessment for school visits.

Charges and payments

  • Visits comprising both mills: £5 per child
  • Visits to one mill only: £3 per child
  • There is no charge for accompanying adults.

Following the visit, an invoice will be sent to the school. Payment can be either by cheque or BACS (details on the invoice).

From time to time, grants to support your visit may be available; please enquire when you first make contact.

Access and transport

Dunkirk Mill Museum is fully accessible from the A46, and coaches can drop off at the bus stops just outside the Mill.

For Gigg Mill, coaches can pull off the Old Bristol Road (B4058).

After drop-off (either mill) coaches should park in Nailsworth Bus Station.  If it is essential to bring a car, it may be possible to arrange one or two parking spaces if we are notified in advance.

The walk between the two mills goes through Nailsworth and along the cycle track between Egypt Mill and Dunkirk Mill. Approximately 700 metres along the cycle path from Egypt Mill there are steps which lead down to a short tunnel under the path into the Dunkirk grounds.

Please ensure that there are sufficient adults to supervise children during the walk between sites, which does involve crossing roads (refer to the Gloucestershire County Council guidelines for advice). There will always be adequate supervision from experienced volunteer guides within our sites.

Facilities

Toilets:  there are 2 unisex toilets at Dunkirk, one of which is suitable for disabled use. There are also toilets at Gigg Mill.

First aid: both sites are equipped with First Aid boxes, suitable for treating minor injuries.

Lunch break: we can arrange space nearby where packed lunches can be eaten. Please discuss this prior to your visit.

We carefully tailor group visits to the age of the children concerned, in consultation with teachers.
Stroudwater Textile Trust School Visits