South-east of Basingstoke and situated on Frog Island in the River Test, the small market town of Whitchurch offers a wonderfully unique attraction. Whitchurch Silk Mill is the last working mill of its kind in the south of England and was originally used to produce silk for Burberry raincoats and legal gowns.
It now functions as a working museum, making silks for interiors and costume dramas including ITV's production of Downton Abbey. Open throughout the year, visitors can watch the working waterwheel, hear the late 19th century looms weaving silk and view the costume exhibitions. The riverside garden is particularly pleasant for coffee and cakes from the Mill's cafe.
For more information about opening times, admission fees and what's on visit
www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk or contact 01256 892065.
Whitchurch Silk Mill, 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hants, RG28 7AL
