Helmshore, near Haslingden, has a somewhat unexpected gem in its outstanding textile museum. It comprises working machinery its its original settings in two mills now closed for commercial purposes, one having huge spinning mules and the other water operated fulling machinery. There are also examples of most other major machines in the age of invention.

Great fun for children as well as spectacularly interesting to adults, this should be regarded as a mustsee by anyone visiting the Manchester area, Lancashire or even Yorkshire.