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 antique machinery, 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. If you visit on a Thursday or a Friday, you can conclude your tour in our Factory Shop (open Thursday – Saturday 10:00am – 4:00pm).
Please inform us asap if there are any mobility or sight impairment issues in your group so we can discuss options with you. As we are a historic site there are many different levels, slopes and steps involved in our tours.
Tour Information
Cost: £60 per guide up to a maximum of 8 people. (16 people would require 2 guides at a cost of £120 etc.)
Tours Available: Monday – Friday, Factory Shop open Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Start Times: Morning: 10.00am or 10.30am, Afternoon: 12.30pm or 13.00pm, Friday 9:30am only
Tour Time: Between 1½ to 2 hours
We can offer tea, coffee and biscuits on arrival (by prior arrangement) at a small additional charge.
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.