We are open during the winter for school and group visits. Adult parties can enjoy guided tours, reminiscene workshops, object handling and evening visits.
Schools can take part in Tudor and Victorian workshops, Medieval Realms, and local history sessions.
It was here that Samuel Crompton invented the Spinning Mule, which was the key factor in the development of the cotton industry from a cottage based enterprise to a factory based production process. This permanently changed the landscape and way of life of the inhabitants of Lancashire south of the Ribble. By visiting both historic houses visitors can gain an impression of life in Lancashire from the Middle Ages to the Victorian era. The Crompton family lived at Hall i'th'Wood as tenant farmers and Samuel invented the Spinning Mule there in 1779. Smithills Hall is one of the oldest and best preserved fortified manor houses in Lancashire.