Skip to content
Skip to content

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

Event

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.

Event summary

on
9 May to 20 Sep 2024
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 269 other dates or times
Event

Abbey tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover more about the largest monastic ruins in the country.

Event summary

on
9 May to 20 Sep 2024
at
12:00 to 13:00
+ 269 other dates or times
Event

Deer Walks 

Walk with the wildlife volunteers to find out more about the Red, Sika and Fallow Deer.

Event summary

on
12 May to 2 Nov 2024
at
13:30 to 15:30
+ 7 other dates or times
Event

'Rocks and Roots' geology walk 

Join us on a guided walk to discover more about the rocks and roots that lie beneath the estate.

Event summary

on
13 May to 9 Sep 2024
at
15:00 to 16:00
+ 1 other date or time