Historic Farfield Mill weaves its magic and makes for a perfect day out!

There’s something timeless, inspiring and relaxing about a day out at Farfield Mill at Sedbergh.

From the moment you enter the former Victorian woollen mill you immediately get a sense of the importance this building had historically – and still has today - to the local community.

Spread over four floors, the third floor of which opens out into the craft gallery.

It stocks a wide range of handcrafted items by local and regional artists and makers and is a great place to find unique and original pieces.

Around the edges of the gallery, and on other floors, are artists’ studios where you can watch Farfield’s resident artists at work.

Whether it’s the colourful studio of knitwear designer Angela Bradley or the stunning mix of wildflowers and weaving equipment in Isobelle Stothert’s studio – there is something to inspire everyone.

The mill also hosts regular arts and crafts workshops so there’s a chance to become inspired and pick up a few tips to help you develop your own skills!

Farfield Mill is just one of the venues being highlighted by the new Culture in South Lakes project, which has received £92,294 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and is administered by South Lakeland District Council.

As you wander its floors you will come across galleries with regularly changing exhibitions – focused mainly on textile art to reflect the history of the mill – but also showing work by artists from around the region.

 You’ll see a power loom, handlooms and reminders of the incredible history of this old building which can trace its origins back to 1836 when work began on the original wool spinning mill.

 It’s now owned and run by Farfield Mill Limited - a charitable Community Benefit Society which aims to preserve its textile heritage and provide a space to celebrate the skills and history of weaving and the pursuit other traditional and contemporary arts and crafts.

On top of all this it also has the most delightful tearoom next to the river with outdoor seating where you can enjoy homemade light lunches and cakes.

While there, take a short stroll to the bridge over the river that offers a lovely view of the mill where you can appreciate its incredible history and its riverside location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Farfield Mill opens between Wednesday and Sunday from 10:30am – 4pm.

Visit: www.farfieldmill.org/ or www.visitlakedistrict.com/cultureinsouthlakes.