Visit us

By car — Cromford stands on the A6, 17 miles north of Derby. It is within easy reach of the M1 – about 20 minutes. Satnav – please use postcode DE4 3RQ.

By train — there is a regular service between Derby and Matlock which stops at Cromford. The trains are operated by East Midlands Trains. Train times can be consulted on their website. Show your valid train ticket and get 10% off at Arkwright’s café.

By bus — there are two services from Derby, the TransPeak and the 6.1, both operated by Trent Barton, Telephone: 01773 712265. Full bus information and timetable is available on their website. Show your valid bus ticket and get 10% off at Arkwright’s café.

We certainly do! The Mill Yard, shops and exhibition are all free to visit but our paid for tour gives you the full story and supports our charity. Discover how Richard Arkwright’s water powered inventions changed how we live and work, learn about child labour, transatlantic slavery and the human cost of our cotton industry and industrial revolution. Our passionate and experienced volunteer team are ready to lead you on a journey of exploration of our shared heritage.

Book your tour and discover what Cromford is made of.

Yes you can! We have two lovely cafés to enjoy during your visit to Cromford Mills. Every pound you spend in our cafés helps us to fund, share and celebrate our unique heritage with future generations.

Arkwright’s Café — Soak up the history of the mill in our informal licensed café and experience the best scones in Derbyshire! Enjoy a lovely breakfast, light bite or an ice cream. Indoor and outdoor seating is available.

Wheatcroft’s Wharf — Over the road from the main Mill Yard is Wheatcroft’s Wharf, a great place to take a break while exploring the famous Derwent Valley. Take in the picturesque views from our canal-side café and relax with a lovely slice of cake and a barista coffee or enjoy our seasonal lunch menu.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome at both our cafés.

Toilets in the Mill Yard are open when the site is open. There are also council operated toilets and a changing places room at the Canal Wharf which is over the road from the main Mill Yard.

We have a variety of independent retailers selling unique art, crafts, food and gifts as well as our own gift shop.

For a full list of our shops please explore our directory.

We certainly do! If you are visiting with more than 10 people then you quality for our discounted group rates. Our Mill Yard, exhibition and shops are free to visit but our unmissable tours will add interest and context to your group visit. You can also add a catering offer to your tour to ensure we have everything ready for you.

To find out more please explore our group bookings page.

Our site welcomes well behaved dogs. We may even have a little treat for them in the Mill Yard Shop!

Cromford Mills is a historic Grade 1 listed site and we are sometimes constrained with what we can do to make our site accessible for all.

Most of the attractions that we have on site are accessible, but there are areas which may prove more challenging.

1. Tickets can be purchased on-line and we operate a Carers Go Free policy.
2. Accessible Parking spaces are located just outside the main Mill gates, and you can contact our main number if you require assistance. 01629 823256
3. The yard and carpark surface consists of a mix of rolled limestone and stone cobbles, which is relatively flat, but it is not smooth and may occasionally produce a potential trip hazard.
4. Dogs — Assistance dogs are catered for throughout the site including in the cafés.  The Beyond the Mill Walls meadow alongside the river can be used as a ‘spend area’, but you must pick up after your dog. All dogs are welcomed on site, but policy varies between shops.
5. Toilets — there are two accessible toilets on site, and also baby changing facilities.  Derbyshire County Council has provided a Changing Places toilet at the nearby Cromford Wharf  (just across the road from the main Cromford Mills Site).
6. There are benches and picnic tables throughout the yard, and on the area Beyond the Mill Walls.
7. Wi-Fi is available on site. Mobile phone signal varies across the site.

We are proud to have won an Accessible Derbyshire Award for our Visitor Centre and Arkwright Experience.

More info which you may find useful: Accessible Derbyshire Derbyshire County Council Changing Places