Dalgarven Mill - Museum of Country Life & Costume
Nestling in a lovely hidden valley by the River Garnock in the village of Dalgarven, this beautifully restored group of Listed medieval mills, farm and other buildings now house the important collections of the Museum. Both the Rural Life and Dress and Textile collections were recently appraised as being of “national if not international quality” and should be part of every visitor to Ayrshire’s experience.
Nine galleries over three floors of the main building house permanent and temporary exhibitions of rural life, clothing and textiles in common use in the villages and agricultural hinterland of Ayrshire over the last century.
The grain or meal mill was at the heart of this community, and Dalgarven is the sole survivor in lowland Scotland. It’s weirs, lades, waterwheel and Victorian machinery have been restored to working order, and offer visitors a unique experience.
The images on the following page give a glimpse of the riches contained within the museum including some of our six hundred local costumes. The visitor experience is not easily explained, being an amalgam of the riverside setting, the enclosure created by the buildings dating back to 1203, the sight and sound of the water wheel, the history of previous owners and customers, and the opportunity to step back to a simpler and more peaceful time.
There is an atmospheric small restaurant serving great soups, freshly made lunches and exceptional home baking, a fine Antiques and furniture conservation business and of course the delightful riverside walk, Longer walks for the more energetic are available using the guides available at the Museum.
We remain open all year, and can offer visitors a memorable experience whatever the season.
Opening Hours
We are open all year,but closed on Mondays
Easter to October Tues-Friday 10.00 to 17.00
Saturday 10.00 to 17.00 Sunday 11.00 to 17.00
From October to Easter the times remain the same,
except we close at 16.00 on weekdays.
Closing Day(s)
- Mon
Contact
Mr
Robert
Ferguson
Dalgarven Mill Dalgarven Dalry Road
Kilwinning
Ayrshire
KA13 6PL
Scotland
Tel: +44 (1294) 552448
Fax: +44 (1294) 552448
E-Mail: admin@dalgarvenmill.org.uk
WWW: http://www.dalgarvenmill.saltire.org
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