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Dunkirk
Mill
Museum
Dunkirk
Mill
Museum
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The Museum
Dunkirk Mill Museum is part of a large mill site (now residential accommodation), reached by an attractive walk from the Egypt Mill complex in Nailsworth down the former railway track, past the restored mill pond.
The museum, which has achieved Full Accreditation from Arts Council England, offers a wonderful opportunity to see a massive working waterwheel directly powering historic textile machinery. The overshot wheel, twelve feet wide and thirteen feet in diameter, was installed in the mill in 1855 as part of the last major re-building programme carried out during its time as a woollen mill. It was made and installed by James Ferrabee of Stroud, having a mainly cast iron frame with forty steel buckets. The wheel is operated regularly on opening days (subject to water supply), and the sight of the wheel starting to move in a powerful cascade of water is unforgettable.
An early 19th-century mechanical cloth-shearing machine known as a cross-cutter is on display. This machine spent its working life at Wallbridge Mill, down the valley near Stroud. The museum also houses an exhibition showing the historic development of the Dunkirk Mills site during the 18th and 19th centuries.
At the museum, the waterwheel will run and the guides will demonstrate all the intricate machinery that was used to finish the cloth after it left the loom.
Dunkirk Mill Museum was set up with the assistance of a grant from the HLF Local Heritage Initiative, and the interpretation panels were created with a grant from the Tanner Trust.
Visits
Visits begin at 2 pm and 3 pm and last 45 minutes. Please see the Mill Visits page for opening dates. We strongly recommend booking in advance – the capacity of the museum is limited, and visitors who arrive without a booking may be turned away if we are full. For groups of ten or more, please contact Jane Ford: education@stroudtextiletrust.org.uk.
We have a partnership with Egypt Mill – a Grade II* listed building, parts of which date back to the 14th century. The mill is now a charming pub and restaurant in a stunning position in the middle of the town, with a mill pond and with its two waterwheels still in place, and it is conveniently sited between Dunkirk Mill Museum and Gigg Mill Weaving Shed. Visitors to Dunkirk Mill (and to Gigg Mill) can enjoy a free coffee or other hot drink at Egypt Mill on the day of their visit on production of their ticket. Having a drink also allows you to park for the day in Egypt Mill’s large car park – but you must remember to register your car’s number plate inside Egypt Mill on arrival. More information about Egypt Mill can be found here: www.egyptmill.com.
Entry charges
| Adults | £5 |
| Children under 18 and students | £2 |
| Children under 8 | Free |
| Members | Free. Please book Members tickets. Your membership will be checked on arrival. |
Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult.
Directions
Address: Dunkirk Mill Museum, Dunkirk Mill, Stroud Road, Nailsworth, GL5 5HH
By car: Parking is located at the Cycle Trail Car Park. In Nailsworth, take the Egypt Mill turn off the A46 roundabout and park in the Cycle Trail Car Park beyond the fire station. Dunkirk Mill is a fifteen-minute walk along the cycle path. Turn right at the sign, and follow the steps down under the old railway tunnel. At the end of the railings, the Museum is on your left.
By bus: There is a bus service from Stroud to Nailsworth. Buses stop on the A46 at Dunkirk Mill. Follow the driveway towards Dunkirk Mill Visitor Parking, and the Museum is on your right.
Access & Facilities
Parking: parking for vehicles displaying a blue badge is available beside the Dunkirk Mill Museum. Follow signs towards Visitor Parking, and the Museum is on your right. It is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Toilet: a fully accessible toilet is available.
Nearby amenities: there are plenty of excellent cafes and eateries in Nailsworth town.
What our visitors say
