Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings

Things to See and Do

Discover this world important heritage site through an interactive exhibition, guided tours and family trail. Experience the amazing stories of this place and its people, relax in the café and visit our shop.

The Mill exhibition

The Mill exhibition on the ground floor of the Main Mill is self-guided and brings to life the story of this iconic landmark of the industrial revolution.

With digital and hands-on activities for all ages, walk one of the floors where spinning machines whirred, flax flew, and barley was processed for beer. Discover the lives and stories of workers, engineers, soldiers and entrepreneurs who played their part in one of the greatest heritage transformations and regenerations of all time.

Behind-the-scenes Guided Tour

Go on a Behind-the-Scenes guided tour at this iconic landmark of the Industrial Revolution and dig deeper into the past, present and future of the building that changed skylines across the world forever.
You can enjoy a guided tour of the recently restored Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings. Led by one of our expert volunteers, small tour groups of up to 12 people will be taken around the grounds and hear all about the buildings; from their beginnings, to their adaptation over time, and recent restoration.
After that the tour takes you inside to experience parts of the site that the public don’t usually get to see, including beautiful historic features and industrial artefacts.
Tours take place every day at 11am.

Jubilee Tower Guided Tour

This tour gives visitors a chance to climb to the viewing gallery at the top of the Jubilee Tower to experience fantastic views of Shrewsbury and the surrounding countryside.
The Jubilee Tower was constructed in 1897 as part of the transformation of the site from a flax mill to a barley maltings. It housed the machinery that powered the grain elevators that moved the barley around the buildings, and also honoured Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Tours are led by our expert volunteers in small groups of 6 people. Tours will run on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 2pm and take about an hour. The Jubilee Tower tour will not run in extreme weather. Access to the upper floors is done by foot only with the final route extending up 56 steps, therefore this tour is only suitable for those able to make the climb and with a head for heights.

Family Trail: Flax and Barley’s Mill Mission

Families can take part in our fun trail during their visit. Flax and Barley, the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings cats, are on a mission to learn about the amazing building they live in. Can you work with a grown up to help Flax and Barley find answers to their questions? There’s a trail sheet for children aged 4-7 and one for ages 8-12. Ask for the trail when you arrive.

Turned Wood Café

Take a moment to relax in the Turned Wood Café located on the ground floor of the main mill. The café offers a range of delicious vegetarian and plant-based food, including cakes and hot drinks.
Whether you are visiting the exhibition, or just popping in to meet up with friends, come along and enjoy a little bit of history with a brew.

Shopping

Browse our shop at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and pick up the perfect reminder of a great day out, or a distinctive gift. From mugs and stationery, to tote bags and tea towels, there are many memorable items to catch your eye.

No ticket is required to visit the Shop which is right beside the Turned Wood Café.