Masson Mills, Matlock Bath, Sir Richard Arkwrights Mill

The Masson Mills, sited on the River Derwent at Matlock Bath are Sir Richard Arkwright's masterpiece, a magnificent example of an early cotton mill - the main part was constructed in 1783.

The mill closed as recently as 1991 and has been converted into a shopping village, with exhibition and conference centre, but it also has a working textile museum.

If you are at all interested in the history of the local cotton industry then the museum is extensive and extremely interesting, with a wide range of machinery of all shapes and sizes. Much of it was from the Masson Mill and is still in working order, with working demonstrations taking place.