Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life & Costume

Dalgarven Mill Museum of Country Life & Costume

Dalgarven Mills are situated in a tranquil rural setting directly off the A737 halfway between Kilwinning and Dalry. The Museum is housed in the historic grain mill constructed in 1880. Beautiful restored buildings offer the visitor a chance to step into the past. Experience the sight and sound of one of Scotland’s last working water wheel powered by the River Garnock. The granaries on three floors houses exhibits illuminating the lives of the past community farmers and associated trades. Our costume collection is acknowledged as one of Scotland’s finest. With over 3000 items in the collection dating from 1775 to the present day highlights are rotated for display in themed exhibitions. After your visit to the Museum take in the tranquillity of our riverside walk, enjoy some home baking and a coffee or a light lunch in the Miller’s Coffee Room.

Review

There are mills such as this all over the United Kingdom, some are small tourist attractions, many are just lying derelict and most have been turned into private dwellings to be lived in. However, here at Dalgarven Mill in Ayrshire, it’s present owner has turned it into not only one visitor attraction, but two! Firstly, the Mill itself, ever since the year 1203, a Mill has stood proudly on this site, owned by Abbey monks, since then, Dalgarven Mill has led a chequered life, before being respectfully brought back to life by its present owner Robert Ferguson and his very dedicated family. You can make your way around the mill to see just exactly what life would have been like back then. On the other side of the mill, this holds a very rare collection of costumes, including even rarer selection of Chinese robes, which to be honest just blew me away. Dalgarven Mill also plays home to a great little coffee shop, with great selection of light lunches and cakes, you’ll be spoilt for choice.