Farfield Mill is a restored Victorian woollen mill in a quiet corner in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The mill building is an interesting example of 19th-century industrial architecture, with its thick stone walls and riverside setting. It has been carefully restored to keep its historical character while making space for artists and visitors today.

Come and find out about the rich history of the textile industry of the Yorkshire Dales and delve into the past exploring the lives of the mill workers. Learn about the processes of textile production and how this changed over time as new machinery became available.

The Tea Room at Farfield

Our Tea Room is next to the river with outdoor seating area with shelter if the weather is not fair. Visit the Tearoom at Farfield Mill for homemade cakes, light lunches, and good coffee.

Craft Galley and Mill Shop

The craft gallery is the perfect place to find a wide range of handcrafted goods, perfect if you're looking for unique gifts or souvenirs that support local artists. See some of the studio artists working in their studios and buy handcraft gifts.

Exhibitions at Farfield Mill

There are several exhibition spaces with regularly changing exhibits. Expect a mix of contemporary art and craft from local and national artists. There's always something new to see.

Industrial Heritage

The preservation of Farfield Mill has given the opportunity to present its history from its origin in 1836 to the present day.

Our heritage display tells the story of some of the workers at the Mill, shows examples of the processes involved in producing woollen cloth and the social history associated with the Mill. Included within our exhibition is a 300-year-old Witney blanket loom.

Our Dobcross loom was built in 1936 by Hutchinson & Hollingworth of Diggle, Saddleworth, Yorkshire who were one of the makers of the Dobcross loom between 1861-1970. This lovely old loom still produces fabric for commissions and our throws.

History of the Mill

The first mill at Farfield was built in 1837, the year Queen Victoria came to the throne, by Joseph Dover. Joseph was originally a merchant from Keswick, but for many years he worked as manager of Hebblethwaite Mill in the valley of the Rawthey. This was one of five mills that ran in Sedbergh during the 19th century. His ambition in life was to own his own mill. In 1836 he bought 9 acres of land for £490 on a bend of the River Clough and the town’s labourers suddenly found there was work aplenty, carting stone from a local quarry, building a dam and constructing a huge wooden waterwheel.

Two years later he died, but his two sons James and John carried on the business which stayed in the family for 100 years. The family eventually owned a great deal of land, building themselves two pleasant houses close to the factory. Farmland was paid for in fleeces which were delivered straight to the mill. Although spinning and weaving was done in the factory, for a long time the cottage industry carried on. Handloom woven goods made in the farmers’ back parlour, using Farfield wool, continued into the 20th century. Wool spun at Farfield went out to knitters from Dent to Howgill.

Studio Artists

Farfield Mil provides affordable studios for artists and makers.

There are 18 Studios at the Mill which are home to a community of artists and makers who live in the local area. Their work ranges from contemporary craft of weaving, knitting, quilting and rag rugging to fine art.

They are happy to chat to visitors when they are in their workshops, and you can see how they create their work.