New Mills Heritage Centre

About the museum

New Mills Heritage Centre was established in 1989 on Rock Mill Lane, where it welcomed more than 12,000 visitors a year as the town's heritage and information centre. It is managed by New Mills Town Council and moved in 2023 to its present home on the ground floor of High Lea Hall, a Grade II listed mansion house in High Lea Park.

The centre shows the history of the Derbyshire town through permanent displays, historical photographs and temporary exhibitions. A refurbished model of the town with miniature moving trains is one of its main attractions. The collection holds more than 250 items, and a shop sells local publications, maps, walking trails and small gifts as well as plants.

Volunteers staff the centre and give information about local history, walks, places to eat and accommodation. Next to the hall, the park offers a cafe serving drinks, teacakes and ice cream, a children's play area, a community orchard, woodland walks and public toilets. The centre also runs events through the year, and a heritage trail and a stamp album encourage visitors to explore the town's historic buildings and independent businesses.

Highlights

• Refurbished model of New Mills with miniature moving trains
• Historical photographs and displays on the history of the town
• Setting in a Grade II listed mansion in High Lea Park
• Free entry, with a cafe, shop and children's playground next door

Permanent exhibitions

• Model of New Mills – A refurbished interactive model of the town with miniature moving trains.
• History of New Mills – Permanent displays of objects and historical photographs on the heritage of the town, with changing temporary exhibitions.

Founded

1989

Operated by

New Mills Town Council

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission to the heritage centre is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The heritage centre is on the ground floor of High Lea Hall. The museum does not publish details about step-free access, so visitors with mobility needs should contact the Town Council before visiting.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

High Lea Park has a children's play area next to the cafe, a community orchard and woodland walks. The centre and cafe organise family events such as an Easter hunt, and the town model with moving trains is popular with children.

Getting there & parking

High Lea Hall stands in High Lea Park, off St Mary's Road in New Mills.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

A cafe next to the hall serves coffee, tea, toast, teacakes and ice cream, and the centre has a seating area for refreshments. The shop sells publications, maps, trails and plants. Public toilets are in High Lea Park.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent

The venue can be booked; interested parties can send an enquiry through the High Lea Hall website.

Plan your visit