About Macclesfield Silk Museum
Macclesfield Silk Museum
The Silk Museum in Macclesfield is a premier visitor attraction and accredited museum located on Park Lane, Macclesfield.
Free to enter, the museum houses an extensive collection of historic machinery, 19th-century pattern books, and archives detailing the town’s rise as the world’s silk capital. The Silk Museum also houses part of the old West Park Museum collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts.
Part of the Silk Museum, and sited just next door, Paradise Mill offers a unique ‘factory-floor’ experience, featuring 26 restored Jacquard looms. It remains one of the few places in Europe where visitors can see the intricate process of silk weaving exactly as it was performed during the Industrial Revolution.
Visitors can explore the Mill via a guided tour or by self-led exploration. Tickets start from £6.50.
Open Wednesdays – Sundays, 10am – 4pm
Tickets and Visitor Information: www.thesilkmuseum.co.uk
Social Media Profiles:
www.facebook.com/SilkMuseumMacc
www.instagram.com/silkmuseummacc
COMING UP HERE
What’s on at Macclesfield Silk Museum
Tuesday 20 October 2026 · Until 23 October 2026 · From 9.00am
Have a Dabble — Friday Art and Craft at The Silk Museum — to 23 October 2026
Friday art-and-craft classes with Julie at The Silk Museum, through 23 October 2026. 9am–noon or 1–4pm, £15 per session.
Wednesday 28 October 2026 · From 10.00am
Medieval Mayhem! Stained Glass Workshop
A Bayeux-inspired half-term craft session for children, making a colourful faux-stained-glass window.
Wednesday 28 October 2026 · Until 31 October 2026 · From 1.00pm
Medieval Mayhem! Family Crafts Drop-in
Make a family coat of arms, design a shield or decorate an illuminated initial at the Silk Museum's free Medieval Mayhem craft sessions. Materials are provided and the activities suit…
View all events at this venue
Thursday 29 October 2026 · From 10.00am
Medieval Mayhem! Storytelling Workshop
A half-term workshop for children to create a story in pictures, inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.
Friday 30 October 2026 · From 6.30pm
Tina’s Spooky Walk
A supernatural walking tour of Macclesfield’s spooky landmarks and local legends, led by Tina. The route includes steep and cobbled streets.
Wednesday 4 November 2026 · Until 21 November 2026 · From 11.00am
Postcards from the Silk Road: Hidden Codes and Connections — 4–21 November 2026
A contemporary art exhibition by Macclesfield artist J R Oatts, responding to the Silk Road and the story of silk. Admission is included with a Paradise Mill ticket.
Saturday 7 November 2026 · From 10.00am
Welsh Conversation Group at The Silk Museum
An informal gathering for anyone interested in practising or developing their Welsh. Some participants also move into the gallery afterwards for optional Welsh-language singing.
Saturday 7 November 2026 · From 2.30pm
Jennifer Reid Performance at the Silk Museum
Folk ballad singer Jennifer Reid performs Chartist songs at the Silk Museum on Saturday 7 November 2026, from 2.30pm to 4pm.
Tuesday 10 November 2026 · From 1.00pm
Dorset Buttons Workshop
Learn how to make beautiful embroidered Dorset buttons at The Silk Museum on Tuesday 10 November 2026. This two-hour afternoon workshop runs from 13:00 to 15:00 at the museum on…
Saturday 21 November 2026 · Until 12 December 2026 · From 10.15am
Meet Father Christmas! at The Silk Museum — selected dates
The Silk Museum’s Machine Gallery becomes a Winter Wonderland with a Father Christmas grotto, Victorian toys and historical dress-up. Bookable family timeslots are available on 21 November, 5 December and…
Wednesday 2 December 2026 · Until 18 December 2026 · From 10.30am
Christmas Crackers! at The Silk Museum — 2–18 December 2026
Christmas Crackers! is a private small-group festive experience at The Silk Museum, available on Wednesdays to Fridays from 2 to 18 December 2026. Groups receive an exclusive Paradise Mill tour,…
Saturday 5 December 2026 · From 10.00am
Welsh Conversation Group at The Silk Museum
An informal gathering for anyone interested in practising or developing their Welsh. Some participants also move into the gallery afterwards for optional Welsh-language singing.
