Things to do this summer at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
6 July 2023
Visit the grandparent of the modern skyscraper and see the building that changed skylines across the world forever.
Everyone’s invited and there’s lots to see and do at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings this summer. Visit The Mill exhibition, Café, Shop, go on a Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour or come along and join in the family activities or one of the events.
There’s no ticket required to have a cuppa or lunch in the Café, or, to simply come along and wander the courtyards at your own pace, reading about the site’s rich history on the outdoor information panels.
So whatever your age, whether you’re a history enthusiast, a foodie, simply seeking a fun few hours out and about with the family or some time relaxing with friends, you’ll find there’s something for everyone at the Flaxmill Maltings.
A wonderful place to visit. We were very impressed by the whole experience and have already recommended to family and friends.
Sandra, Shrewsbury
The Mill Exhibition
Immerse yourself in the engaging exhibition, located on the ground floor of the Main Mill.
The Mill is a self-guided exhibition which brings to life the story of this iconic landmark of the industrial revolution.
The exhibition delivered as promised. Very well presented ..with a fair amount of local history included within the brilliantly animated sections. Particularly good interactive areas for young and old. Overall a lovely visit. Followed by cake and coffee in the Turned Wood Café.
Allyson, Shrewsbury
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 to brew. 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.
Our knowledgeable staff and volunteers are always on hand to share their expertise and make your visit truly memorable.
Also, Kids-go-free this summer, no need for a code, it’s already applied at when you book your tickets. Learn more about about the offer.
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, so if you’d love a sneak-peek, book your tickets now.
A thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience
Jack, Shrewsbury
Find out more in the Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour section.
Family Fun this summer
As well as The Mill exhibition and Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tours, there a fabulous programme of fun family activities happening this summer. (Don’t forget Kids-go-free to The Mill exhibition too from 26 July to 4 September 2023).
Summer activity trail: This will run every day between 10am and 5pm during the summer holidays. No need to book. Learn more about the historic site whilst on a fun-filled adventure. The trail will take you all over the Flaxmill Maltings site, then at the end (drumroll please) there will be a prize waiting for you. No booking required.
Story scavenger hunts: This free activity will run on multiple dates over the summer. Get hunting with visual artist Jamila Walker on a free photography and drawing scavenger hunt around the Flaxmill Maltings site. Suitable for ages 6+. Booking required.
Holiday headdress workshop: This free activity will run on various dates over the summer holidays. You will work with artists from the DRAWN collective to create your own headdress, tiara or crown using inspiration from the site. Suitable for ages 5+. Booking required.
Summer tunes at Turned Wood Café
The Flaxmill Maltings hosts a variety of events that cater to all ages and different interests. From art fairs and exhibitions to live music performances, there is always something happening so come along and be part of the fun. Look out for some of our new free events.
Sunday Brunch Live Music (free): Once a month, Sunday brunch in the Turned Wood Café is accompanied by live acoustic music between 11am and 1pm. It’s the perfect opportunity for families to come together and enjoy a variety of musical genres including jazz and blues.
Flaxmill Friday, late night opening (free). Once a month, enjoy an evening of live music in the Turned Wood Café this summer.
There’s a few Flaxmill Friday evenings planned for summer 2023 so you can start your weekend with a free after-hours event at Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, the grandparent of the modern skyscraper.
The Café offers a special evening menu of hot food and small plates as well as a full drinks menu including alcoholic beverages. The event is free of charge to attend and there is no need to book in advance.
Relax, eat and enjoy the music.
The Turned Wood Café
Whether you are visiting or working at the Flaxmill Maltings, meeting up with friends, or on your way back from walking the dog, come along and enjoy a little bit of history with a brew at the on-site Café. No ticket needed to visit.
Based on the ground floor of the Main Mill, you can indulge in a selection of delicious vegetarian and plant-based meals and snacks (the cakes are delicious) using locally sourced ingredients.
All the staff were extremely helpful and pleasant, especially in the Café, nothing was too much trouble and they came and checked we have everything we needed when we were seated. Lovely place.
Gwen, Tenbury Wells
The menu at Turned Wood Café offers something for everyone, including smaller portions for kids. The food is all made to order, ensuring freshness and quality. Additionally, the kitchen is low-gluten, catering to those with specific dietary preferences or requirements.
When it comes to drinks, there are a wide selection of both hot and cold drinks available, including the Turned Wood Café special house blend coffee.
And, new for summer 2023 you can now treat your family to a delicious ice cream, perfect for staying cool on warm days.
The Café welcomes dogs both inside and out, we know that your furry friends are part of the family, so feel free to bring them along for a visit.
The Shop
Before you leave don’t forget to explore the on-site shop, which proudly showcases locally sourced products, with 50% coming from the local region and 90% sourced within the UK.
You’ll discover a range of items, including homeware, gifts, cards, books, and souvenirs.
And, if you’ve loved your time on-site you can have your name engraved on a brick and set within the terrace of the site, leaving a lasting mark in this historic location for many years to come.
So, whether you’re looking to satisfy your taste buds, delve into the history of the grandparent of the modern skyscraper, spend time with the family, or enjoy some live entertainment, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings has something for everyone.
Come and experience the vibrant atmosphere, create lasting memories and visit the building that changed skylines across the world forever.