Traditional Crafts: Live wool spinning
Come along for an introduction and demonstration of the traditional craft of wool spinning.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
Come along for an introduction into the traditional craft of wool spinning. Drop in any time between 10am and 3pm to watch our volunteer demonstrate the different stages of wool production; including spinning with a wheel, spinning with a spindle and carding wool.
Chat to one of our skilled volunteers and discover more about the importance of the wool trade at Fountains Abbey.
If you can't make the live demonstrations, you can still head to Swanley Grange to see a display about the process of wool production at Fountains Abbey.
If you'd like to find out more about the wool industry and how the monks lived at Fountains Abbey, head on the bread, beer and wool tour on Tuesday 21 May at 2:30pm.
Times
The basics
- Meeting point
Swanley Grange Workshop is a 5-10 minute walk from the Visitor Centre.
- What to bring and wear
Dress appropriately for the weather and sturdy footwear to explore the estate. Wellies are welcome on rainy days.
- Accessibility
Swanley Grange workshop is accessed on level ground from the Visitor Centre. There is a steep hill (15-20% gradient) from West Gate (15 minutes) and Studley (30 minutes) to access Swanley. Large print and black and white instructions are available. Ear defenders are also available from Visitor Centre Admissions.
Upcoming events
Garden and abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to see the abbey as the Georgians once did; incorporated into the dramatic designed landscape.
Abbey tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.
Medieval Industry: bread, beer and wool tour
Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the people who lived and worked on the abbey estate.
'Making Faces' tree trail
Head on a walk around Fountains Abbey and see how many clay faces you can find hidden in the trees.