Visit to Macclesfield Silk Museum & Paradise Mill 

Thursday 15th October 2026

From cocoon to catwalk, Macclesfield's Silk Museum showcases the town's renowned silk industry history with textiles, machinery, and even Egyptian artefacts.  The museum is split across two distinct sites, each with different considerations:

The Silk Museum & Paradise Mill

The Silk Museum is set across two floors, with a lift available to ensure full access to all galleries. While there are steps leading to the main entrance, an alternative accessible entrance is provided for those who require it.  A unisex accessible toilet is located within the museum.  The Silk Museum brings history to life through incredible machinery, stunning pattern books, and the personal stories of the people who worked here.

Paradise Mill is a historic, listed industrial building. While the mill is primarily accessed via three flights of shallow stairs, totalling 49 steps, access is also available via a lift.  Step into the fascinating world of Macclesfield’s silk industry and discover how a small market town became a global powerhouse of textile production. 

The visit includes coach transport including drivers tip, tea/coffee/biscuits on arrival and guided tours of the Museum and Paradise Mill.  Both tours will take place in the morning, leaving free time to explore in the afternoon.  There is a tea room and a garden and various places nearby where you can buy lunch.  The cost of the trip is £39.00 per person.

The Group Leader is Norma Robson.   Please contact Norma directly if you would like to go on this trip. 

Please hand in your cheque at the next monthly meeting or send your cheque payable to Oldham & District u3a to:

Norma Robson, 13 Beech Hill Road, Grasscroft, Oldham, OL4 4 DR

Email:  robson_i@sky.com                Mobile : 07845389090

Please indicate your preferred pickup point on the back of your cheque.  Pickup points are Lees (Aldi), Oldham College and Royton.  Times to be confirmed.

Please take care when entering and leaving the coach and when walking around the venue.  Keep a note of the Tour Leaders phone number in case of difficulties whilst on the trip.  Suitable footwear and clothing should be worn.