How to Book a Factory Tour
The John Smedley Archive Charitable Trust and John Smedley Ltd are working together to offer a limited number of guided, factory tours each month. Tours are very popular and are booked well in advance.
On arrival, you will be directed to the Tour Room, which will be your base for the visit. Here, there is a small exhibition of objects from the collection and you will be shown a short film outlining the company history. You will also be given an H&S briefing prior to setting out on your tour.
On the tour, you will see our skilled craftsmen and women at work, creating our luxury garments from natural, sustainable yarns. You will discover how a John Smedley garment is made and the various steps involved in the journey from yarn to finished garment, including yarn preparation, knitting, first and final make-up, tabbing, inspection and packing. The Tour ends in the Factory Shop, and tour visitors will receive a voucher giving an additional 10% off purchases (valid on the day of the tour and excluding other offers).
Currently, the archive is not included in the standard tour, but access can be arranged at the time of booking, dependent on the availability of the Archivist.
Tour Information
Cost: £60 per guide (up to a maximum of 12 people)
Available: Monday - Thursday
Start Times: Morning: 10.00am or 10.30am or Afternoon: 12.30pm or 13.00pm
Tour Time: Between 1½ to 2 hours
Refreshments, at an additional cost, are available but must be pre-booked with our on-site catering team, please ask when making the booking. Options include:
• Tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival or at the end of a tour
• Light sandwich lunch or a set lunch in the factory canteen
Contact 01629 534571 or email tours@johnsmedley.co.uk for bookings and enquiries.
Please be aware that the tour of the mill involves steps and uneven surfaces. If an accessible tour is required please let us know at the time of booking.