Everyday Histories in Cromford: North Street Open Days
North Street, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3RG
In 2026, the workers’ housing on North Street, Cromford, celebrates 250 years. Built to house workers at Richard Arkwright’s nearby water‑powered cotton mills, these terrace cottages are recognised as the world’s first purpose‑built industrial housing and form an important part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The Landmark Trust is offering a rare opportunity to explore one of these historic homes and discover daily life for mill workers in the early factory system that transformed how people lived and worked.
The house is arranged over three floors, with living and kitchen space on the ground floor, sleeping quarters above, and an attic where framework knitting took place. Steep staircases, small gardens and allotment space reflect how families supplemented their diets and incomes. Due to the fragile nature of the building, visitor numbers will be limited.
Visitors can join guided tours of Cromford village led by costumed mill workers, exploring how the settlement grew from a hamlet into the world’s first mill community. Highlights include engineered water systems, the village Lock Up, and the pubs, housing and facilities developed by Arkwright.
At Cromford Mill, go behind the scenes and find out about the daily life of the mill workers and discover how the site has been water-powered for 255 years.
Additional opportunities include visits to Cromford Primary School with refreshments available.
Timings
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1000-1600
Location & directions
North Street, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3RG
- Directions:
- Address: North Street, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire, DE4 3RG. What3words: ferrying.paying.quits (Landmark House) Parking: In consideration of residents please do not park on North Street. Car parking is available at Cromford Mills, Cromford Wharf (by the Cromford Canal) and in front of the Greyhound Hotel in the village centre. Parking is also available at nearby Masson Mills (Arkwright’s second mill complex) which has a working textile museum worth exploring.
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Pre-booking is preferred to visit the Landmark Trust house on North Street.
- Booking telephone number:
- +441628512141
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/news-and-events/opendays/north-street-open-days-2026/
- Booking opens:
- 01 Jun 2026 12:00 AM
- Booking closes:
- 20 Sep 2026 12:00 AM
Accessibility details
North Street is a small property with steep stairs and steps between levels, that may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Unfortunately, there is no disabled parking available at this property. Registered assistance dogs only will be admitted to the Landmark property. Mobility Scooter ‘trampers’ are available to hire from Cromford Mills and High Peak Junction. Available to hire from the Cromford Mills shop: https://www.cromfordmills.org.uk/visit/accessibility-statement/ Public toilets are available at Cromford Mills.
