What's On at Coldharbour Mill
June
Thurs
25
Woven Circles
Thursday 25th June: 11:00am - 15:00pm
Our popular Woven Circles Workshop is back! Join us to learn the art of hand weaving as you create a beautiful circular piece of handcrafted wall art using an embroidery hoop.
Led by our expert workshop leader Sheila, you’ll explore simple weaving techniques while getting creative with colour and texture. You’ll work with beautifully textured wool from our factory mill production, giving your piece a unique and authentic feel.
Perfect for beginners, this relaxed and creative session requires no previous experience. All materials are provided, and by the end of the workshop you’ll take home your own stunning woven circle to display or gift as a handmade piece of art.
Fri
26
Live Dance Performance
Friday 26th June: 18:00pm - 20:00pm
Local dance artists Ruth Bell and Tamsin Evans invite you to join them for a special community celebration at Coldharbour Mill.
THREADS weaves together the stories, memories and connections that form the fabric of a community. Inspired by Coldharbour Mill’s rich heritage as a centre for producing yarn, cloth and textiles, this unique project intertwines the lives and experiences of local people with the history of the site.
Bringing together contemporary dance, voice, sound, film, writing and objects created throughout the project, THREADS is a vibrant and moving celebration of community, creativity and shared history.
Sat
27 - 11 Jul
Dance Exhibition
Saturday 27th June -
Saturday 11th July
Local dance artists Ruth Bell and Tamsin Evans invite you to experience THREADS, a community exhibition at Coldharbour Mill.
Inspired by the Mill’s rich heritage of producing yarn, cloth and textiles, THREADS explores the stories, memories and connections that make up a community. Drawing together voices and experiences from local people, the exhibition reflects on the lives woven through this historic site, past and present.
Through a rich collection of contemporary dance, sound, film, writing and handcrafted objects created throughout the project, THREADS offers an immersive journey through personal histories and shared experiences. Join us to discover a tapestry of stories that celebrate creativity, connection and the enduring spirit of community.
Available to see with any Mill entry ticket during Mill open times!
July
Fri
3
Swift Watch Willow Workshops
Friday 3rd July 14:30pm - 18:30pm
Enjoy learning willow crafts ahead of our Swift Watch Evening in the beautiful garden setting at Coldharbour Mill. With the swift screeching above and the river flowing gently below, you’re sure to feel relaxed and rejuvenated during this creative session.
Spend a peaceful time crafting with natural materials, guided in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, perfect for beginners and those with some experience alike.
Spaces are limited to just 10 participants, so do book early to avoid disappointment.
Fri
3
Swift Watch Evening
Friday 3rd July
Join us for our annual Swift Watch Evening! Everyone is warmly invited to our much loved annual swift watch event at Coldharbour Mill.
From 8pm, enjoy a fascinating talk and Q&A session with local swift enthusiast. Before that, relax and soak up the atmosphere.
The Grist Mill Cafe Bar will be open from 7pm, serving delicious food and drinks. Settle in for a beautiful Summer’s evening outdoors as you watch the aerial acrobatics of Coldharbour Mill’s thriving swift colony, joined by their lively companions – house martins and swallows.
No booking required – just bring your own chair and enjoy the evening! Parking is available and please note that the gates will close between 9:45 and 10pm.
This special event is brought to you in collaboration with the Uffculme Green Team Wildlife Group, the Uffculme Swift Group and Coldharbour Mill.
Thurs
9
Button Making Workshop
Thursday 9th July: 11:00am - 13:00pm
Discover the heritage craft of traditional button making under the expert guidance of workshop leader Sarah. Create your own beautiful woven button, either to embellish a special garment or transform into a unique decorative brooch. Along the way, explore the fascinating history of Dorset and Victorian woven buttons, learning about the techniques and traditions behind this timeless craft. Leave with a handcrafted piece of history and the skills to continue this centuries-old art form.
Perfect for beginners, this relaxed and creative session requires no previous experience. All materials are provided.
Thurs
9
Poppy Project - Knit, Crochet & Natter
Thursday 9th July: 14:00pm - 16:00pm
Join us for a special Knit, Crochet and Natter session at the Mill as we come together to create a beautiful collaborative artwork for Remembrance Day. We’ll be knitting and crocheting poppies that will form a striking display on the Mill chimney this November, honouring those who served and celebrating our community.
Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced crafters. Expert crafter Sarah will be on hand to offer guidance and support with any knitting or crochet techniques, helping you learn the skills to make more poppies at home.
Use the poppy patterns and yarn provided, or bring your own. We welcome poppies in red, purple (to remember the animals who also served), and white for peace. If you can’t finish on the day, don’t worry—there will be more Knit, Crochet and Natter sessions to join, and you can always make additional poppies at home and bring them back to the Mill Café to be included in the display.
Sat
25
Summer Fayre
Saturday 25th July 11am-4pm
Get ready for a brilliant day out at Coldharbour Mill’s Annual Summer Fayre!
The Mill will be buzzing with amazing, talented stallholders, showcasing beautiful handcrafted goods—perfect for treating yourself or finding something truly unique for a loved one. Enjoy live entertainment, creative crafts, and a fantastic atmosphere for all ages. There’s something for the whole family, so come along, explore, and soak up the summer vibes in this iconic setting.
FREE entry with a suggested donation of £2.
Wed
29
Rag Bag Making
Wednesday 29th July: 11:00am - 15:00pm
Our ever-popular Rag Bag Making Workshop is back! Join us for a fun and creative session where you’ll learn how to repurpose old clothes or fabric into a unique handmade bag you can style with any outfit.
Led by our amazing workshop leader Sheila, you’ll be guided through the techniques needed to transform textiles into something practical, stylish, and one-of-a-kind. It’s a great way to give new life to materials you already have while learning a new creative skill.
No experience is needed, and if you don’t have any old clothes or fabric to bring along, materials will be provided. Leave with a beautiful handmade rag bag and the skills to keep creating at home.
Aug
Fri
7
Community Picnic
Friday 7th August 12pm-3pm
You’re invited to a FREE family-friendly picnic in the lovely surroundings of Coldharbour Mill’s Paddock. Bring along your picnic blanket and favourite food, and enjoy a relaxed day packed with fun activities, creativity, and community cheer.
There’ll be free entertainment for all ages, hands-on activities, and classic highlights like the much-loved duck race. Whether you want to join in the action or simply unwind and soak up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
More information coming soon!
Entry to the museum is optional and available at the usual admission rate if you’d like to explore the exhibits.
Come and celebrate a joyful day out in the heart of our local community—we’d love you to be part of it! This is a collaboration between Coldharbour Mill and Culm Valley Churches.
Thurs
13
Visible Mending Workshop
Thursday 13th August: 11:00am - 13:00pm
Give your favourite clothes a new lease of life with the art of visible mending. Inspired by the growing Make Do and Mend movement, this creative and practical workshop will show you how to repair worn or damaged garments with decorative stitches and colourful embellishments, turning imperfections into unique design features.
Workshop leader Sarah will guide you through the process step by step, sharing techniques and tips to help you mend with confidence. No experience is needed, making this the perfect introduction for beginners as well as a great opportunity for more experienced crafters to develop their skills.
Learn how to save money, reduce waste, and create one-of-a-kind pieces you’ll be proud to wear.
Thurs
13
Poppy Project - Knit, Crochet & Natter
Thursday 13th August: 14:00pm - 16:00pm
Join us for a special Knit, Crochet and Natter session at the Mill as we come together to create a beautiful collaborative artwork for Remembrance Day. We’ll be knitting and crocheting poppies that will form a striking display on the Mill chimney this November, honouring those who served and celebrating our community.
Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to experienced crafters. Expert crafter Sarah will be on hand to offer guidance and support with any knitting or crochet techniques, helping you learn the skills to make more poppies at home.
Use the poppy patterns and yarn provided, or bring your own. We welcome poppies in red, purple (to remember the animals who also served), and white for peace. If you can’t finish on the day, don’t worry—there will be more Knit, Crochet and Natter sessions to join, and you can always make additional poppies at home and bring them back to the Mill Café to be included in the display.
Mon
31
Magic Of The Mill
Monday 31st August: 10:30am - 16:00pm
Join Us for Our Summer Steam Day!
Celebrate the height of summer with us at our historic site!
Explore our heritage wool mill, watch the factory and steam complex spring into action, and enjoy a fun-filled day of seasonal activities for all ages.
Get hands-on with magic wand making, enjoy the wizard themed activity bouncy castle, jazzy live music and uncover the fascinating stories behind our unique site as it comes alive in the sunshine.
Stay tuned — more updates coming soon as we get closer to the event!
Sept
Sat
12 - 3
Railway Exhibition
Saturday 12th Sept - Saturday 3rd Oct
Step back into the golden age of rail travel and discover the fascinating story of the railway that once played such an important role in the life of the Culm Valley. Through photographs, artefacts, memories, and displays, this special exhibition will bring the railway’s rich heritage to life.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is the long-awaited return of our Model Railway, reopening to the public for the first time in many years. This much-loved attraction has been lovingly restored by our dedicated volunteer and railway enthusiast, Mike, whose passion and hard work have brought the model back to its former glory. Visitors of all ages will enjoy seeing the trains running once again!
There will also be a fascinating talk exploring the history and legacy of the Culm Valley Railway, along with many other exhibition features to be announced soon.
Oct
Sat
17 - 31
Artist Exhibition
17th - 31st October
Join us for a new artist exhibition in the Fox Gallery.
More information coming soon.
Available with any Mill entry ticket during Mill open times!
Sun
25
Steampunk Sunday
Sunday 25th October: 10:30am - 16:00pm
Join Us for Our Halloween Steam Day!
Get ready for a spooktacular Steampunk-themed Halloween Steam Day at Coldharbour Mill! Step into a world of gears, goggles and steam as our historic mill comes alive with a day of themed activities and autumn fun for all ages.
Enjoy a range of steampunk-inspired activities, grab a pumpkin and get creative decorating it with a spooky twist, and soak up the atmosphere with live music throughout the day. Explore the site as vintage steam tractors and engines arrive in force, filling the mill with sights, sounds and steam.
Our steam complex will be in operation until 3pm, and the factory will be running, offering a rare chance to see the mill working as it once did.
A perfect mix of history, creativity and Halloween magic — don’t miss it!
Nov
Tues
3 - 28
Poppy Exhibition
Tuesday 3rd - Saturday 28th November
Join us throughout November to experience the breathtaking result of our community Poppy Project.
Hundreds of beautiful poppies have been lovingly knitted and crocheted by members of our local community using Coldharbour Mill yarn. This stunning display will see vibrant red, purple and white poppies cascading from our iconic Mill chimney in a powerful tribute to those who served and sacrificed.
This remarkable installation is a celebration of creativity, community spirit, and remembrance, offering a striking and moving sight for visitors of all ages.
The display will be available to view throughout November during Mill opening hours and is included with any Mill admission ticket.
Sat
14
Christmas Market
Saturday 14th November 11am-3pm
More info coming soon!
Tues
24 - 28
Artist Exhibition
24th - 28th November
Join us for a new artist exhibition in the Fox Gallery.
More information coming soon.
Available with any Mill entry ticket during Mill open times!
Dec
Tues
8 - 9
Artist Exhibition
Tuesday 8th December - Saturday 9th January
Join us for a new artist exhibition in the Fox Gallery.
More information coming soon.
Available with any Mill entry ticket during Mill open times!
Jan
Fri
1
New Year's Day
Friday 1st January: 10:30am - 16:00pm
Join us for our Traditional New Year’s Day Steam Up!
Kick off the New Year in style this January at our historic site!
Explore our heritage mill, experience our factory and steam complex in full action, and discover the living history behind this remarkable place.Bring family and friends for a day filled with fun, learning, and celebration.
Come and join us as we steam into the New Year together!
More information coming soon!
Feb
March
April
May
June
Sat
5 - 6
The Great British Fibre Festival
Saturday 5th - Sunday 6th June
More information coming soon!
