Group Visits 2026
Experience Britain’s oldest working silk mill, where traditional looms still weave silk today. Enjoy a guided tour of our unique Georgian mill, discover nearly 200 years of textile heritage and relax beside the beautiful River Test.
Planning a group visit? We’d be delighted to help. Call us on (01256) 892065 to discuss dates, catering options and accessibility requirements, or email info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk.
For bespoke group tours or workshops, please email info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk. For groups of under 15, we also offer a Private Production Tour.
Tours
Group visits can be arranged on Tuesday to Friday, with the first visit time available at 10.30 am and the last visit time available at 2.30 pm.
Why groups love visiting us
- Britain’s oldest working silk mill
- Guided tour with knowledgeable volunteer guides
- Working Victorian machinery
- Riverside setting and grounds
- Free coach parking
- Handmade refreshments and afternoon teas
- Accessible facilities including lift access
- Easy to combine with nearby Hampshire attractions
How to organise
We know organising a group visit can take time. Our team will be happy to discuss dates, accessibility requirements, dietary needs and itinerary planning to help make your visit run smoothly. Here are a few things it may be helpful to know
- Minimum 20 – Maximum 50 per group
- Tours are lead by our volunteer Storytellers
- Tours last approximately 60 minutes
- Please allow around 2 ½ hours for your visit, including time for refreshments, visiting the grounds and revisiting areas of the Mill
- All group refreshments must be booked in advance
- We are unable to cater for groups in our Riverside Cafe due to limited seating.
Please see our frequently asked questions below too.
Tour Prices
Adults – £14.50 per person
Seniors (60+) – £13.50 per person
Children (Under 16) – £6.00 per child
Refreshments for Your Group
Make the most of your visit with refreshments served either before or after your guided tour. Whether you’re looking for a simple tea and coffee stop, a light lunch or an afternoon tea, we’ll be delighted to welcome your group.
To ensure everything is prepared and ready for your arrival, refreshments should be arranged in advance and selected for the whole group. Your chosen refreshments will be served at your preferred time in the historic Mill building, with table service provided throughout, allowing your group to relax and enjoy their visit without the need to queue.
Please let us know about any dietary requirements or allergies when making your booking and we’ll accommodate them.
Options for Your Group
All options are served with unlimited tea and coffee.
- Tea, Coffee & Biscuits: A selection of shortbread biscuits (gluten-free option available on request), £3.75 per person
- Mill Lunch: A selection of sandwiches, crisps and a slice of cake, £9.25 per person
- Traditional Afternoon Tea: A selection of sandwiches, a scone with jam and clotted cream, and cake, £12.50 per person
- Weaver’s Tea: A fruit scone served with strawberry jam and clotted cream (gluten-free option available on request), £9.00 per person
Access
We want everyone to enjoy their visit to Whitchurch Silk Mill and have lift access to all three floors of the building.
As a historic building, we are required to comply with current fire safety regulations, which unfortunately means we can accommodate one wheelchair user in the Mill building at any one time. For this reason, we kindly ask groups to discuss any accessibility requirements with us when arranging their visit so that we can ensure the best possible experience for everyone.
A wheelchair is available to borrow free of charge if requested in advance.
To Make Your Booking
We’d be delighted to welcome your group to Whitchurch Silk Mill.
To discuss your visit, please call us on (01256) 892065, email info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk, or complete the enquiry form below.
A member of our team will be in touch to help plan your visit and confirm arrangements, including refreshments and any accessibility requirements.
Once your booking has been confirmed, we’ll complete a booking form and provide full details of payment arrangements.
Group Booking Enquiry
Tea and Talk
Did you know that we can also come to your club/organisation to give a talk covering the history of the Mill, how silk is woven on the original looms, and including handling objects from the collection? Talks are generally about 45 minutes, followed by questions.
The cost for this is £100 + travel expenses.
This offer is available to you provided you are within reasonable travelling distance from the Mill; no charge is made for travel if less than 10 miles from the Mill.
Email info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk.
“Such an informative tour. A great visit. 5 Stars!”
Crowthorne Community Minibus, 2023
FAQs
How do we book?
Complete the group enquiry form above.
Is there parking for coaches?
Yes, there is a designated coach parking space in the public car park next to the Mill and Gill Nethercott Centre – see the map for parking locations and additional transport options.
Do you have a car park?
The Mill has a small car park with two spaces for Blue Badge holders. Please visit our Getting Here page for details of general free parking within Whitchurch.
Are dogs allowed in the mill?
We welcome assistance dogs within our buildings, and our grounds are open to furry friends with responsible owners.
