Gigg
Mill
Weaving
Shed

The Weaving Shed

Gigg Mill sits on the Horsley brook, which once powered its waterwheel. Its humble stature is typical of the smaller mills that dotted the valleys. Many later fell into disrepair or were changed beyond recognition.

At this mill you can visit our Weaving Shed, containing historic and modern looms including a power-loom. The machinery is demonstrated by our expert guides and you can try your hand at weaving: know your warp from your weft; discover how to put a pattern into the cloth; see the flying shuttle; find out about the origins of Dobby on the 1830s hand-loom and how everything just got faster. On your way out, look for woad in the dye plant garden. Click on the video link below to see our Dobcross loom in action.

Visits

Visits begin at 10 am and 11 am and last 45 minutes. During the Nailsworth Festival in May, Gigg Mill is usually also open for visits at 2 pm and 3 pm. Please see our bookings page for all opening dates. We strongly recommend booking in advance – the capacity of the weaving centre 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 Nailsworth’s 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 Gigg Mill (and to Dunkirk 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 coffee 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: Gigg Mill Weaving Shed, Old Bristol Road, Nailsworth, Stroud GL6 OJP

By car or on foot: At Nailsworth, turn off the A46 on to the B4058, Old Bristol Road towards Horsley. The mill is 300 yards on the right where the road dips. There is parking, and signs will direct you to the Weaving Shed.

Access & Facilities

Parking: there is some parking is nearby. There is a short public footpath beside the building and there are two railway-sleeper steps up into the dye plant garden in front of the entrance door. The footpath is not recommended for wheelchair users.

Toilets: there are toilets at the mill but no other amenities. If you walk a little further up the road, you will find Ruskin Mill on the left, where toilets, a coffee shop, exhibition gallery and splendid lakeside walk can be found.

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What our visitors say
“Very interesting and well demonstrated.  I was especially interested in the handweaving.  Excellent morning.”
Mill Visitor
“Absolutely wonderful. Brilliantly explained and a great hands-on insight into a fascinating aspect of local and economic history in general.  Thank you.”
Mill Visitor
Weaving Machine At Gigg Mill Weaving Shed In Nailsworth