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.
Take in the vast Kiln with its jaw-dropping atrium entrance before travelling to the upper levels of the Main Mill, also known as ‘the grandparent of skyscrapers’. For a limited time, the tour will also include the opportunity to walk along the top floors of the Main Mill, so book now and don’t miss out. From there you’ll follow in the workers’ footsteps as you walk down the original stairs to see the ground floor of the adjoining Cross Mill, which isn’t yet restored.
You’ll get to see parts of the Flaxmill Maltings that aren’t normally open to members of the public, so if you’d love a sneak peek, book your tickets now.
Visitor Information
When can I join a Behind-the-Scenes Tour?
Wednesday to Sunday at 11am.
How long will a tour take?
Tours last 60 to 90 minutes.
Where should I join the tour on the day?
Tour ticket holders should follow signs to The Mill Exhibition and gather by the ticket desk in The Shop 10 minutes before the start of the tour.
How accessible is the tour?
This is a walking tour with access to the upper floors of the Main Mill (not the Jubilee Tower).
The tour route includes access to the upper floors which are not normally available for the public to visit. Tour groups are taken to the upper floors in the lift or stairs, then the tour group descend an original staircase for guided access to the Cross Mill. For members of the group who have accessibility needs or limited mobility descent will be offered in the lift.
However, the lift is currently out of order due to faults in the computer control mechanisms. New parts have had to be made and are in the process of being installed. It is expected to be several weeks before it is working again. (At least 8 weeks from 19 April 2024). This means a Behind-the-Scenes tour currently involves walking up modern stairs to the upper floors (the number of floors accessed depends on people’s individual mobility with a maximum of 76 steps to the fourth floor).
After visiting the upstairs of the Main Mill, you will then be led down flights of old stairs and emerge on the ground floor of the Cross Mill. The stairs are original and can be worn in places (although there is a handrail) so will be inaccessible for visitors with limited mobility or balance. It is important that all groups take their time and use the handrail. The modern stairs or lift (when available) can be used as an alternative to descending the old stairs.
Please let the guide know if you have any access needs.
We will update on Facebook and Instagram and in our email communications once the lift is fixed. We look forward to the lift being in use again.
What age range is the tour suitable for?
This tour is recommended for children aged 10 and above, but all members of the family are welcome.
What clothing should I wear?
Weather appropriate clothing is recommended as some of the tour is outside. The tour will still take place in rainy or cold weather.
How much does it cost?
Prices – Adult £7.50, Concession £6.00*, Child 5-17 years £5.00, Family ticket (2 adults and up to 3 children) £23.00, Child under 5 Free, Carer Free. Please see our ticket prices page for full details on concessions. Ticket prices – Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings
Do I need to pre-book my ticket?
Online booking is recommended to guarantee a place on the guided tours. The offer is subject to ticket availability and each timeslot has a set allocation of tickets. Tour ticket holders arrive in the Mill Entrance and Shop 10 minutes before the start of the tour.
Standard booking terms and conditions apply: https://c.ststat.net/Content/Sites/ShrewsburyFlaxmillMaltings/pdf/terms.pdf
Please note that tours need a separate ticket to The Mill exhibition. Spaces are more limited on guided tours, so if you wish to have both experiences on the same day, we suggest you book your guided tour first before you book your exhibition ticket.
