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Summer of Play: Monastic spinning demonstration

Come along for a demonstration of monastic wool spinning as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event

Come along for a demonstration of monastic wool spinning as part of our jam-packed Summer of Play.

If you're looking for a bit of a quiet away from the summer excitement, or you're seeking for a bit of shade, pop to Swanley Grange Workshop and discover the ancient art of spinning wool.

Perfect for curious kids, our friendly volunteers will show you how wool was spun in the days before machines – using real spinning wheels and traditional techniques.

Drop in any time between 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank.

Times

The basics

Suitability

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

Upcoming events

Event

Garden and abbey tour 

Join one of our volunteer tour guides to discover the secrets and surprises of Studley Royal Water Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Event summary

on
7 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
11:00 to 12:30
+ 111 other dates or times
Event

Between Chaos and Light by Ed Kluz 

A new immersive exhibition by Ed Kluz comes to Fountains Hall from summer to winter solstice 2025.

Event summary

on
7 Jul to 21 Dec 2025
at
11:00 to 15:00
+ 167 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
7 Jul to 31 Aug 2025
at
12:00 to 13:00
+ 111 other dates or times
Event

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 Fountains Abbey estate.

Event summary

on
8 Jul to 28 Oct 2025
at
14:30 to 15:30
+ 8 other dates or times