dalgarven mill

We arrived at opening time on a wet Wednesday, and the we met the Curator, a little younger and smaller version of The Big Yin. We had a magical time, we spent 2 hours going round, and learned more about human kindness and generosity than anything else. We would recommend that everybody goes, and listen to them an, he is pure magicThe tea rooms all home made, and good value.

This was a nice little hidden gem.Very interesting and I take my hat off to the dedicated family for their restoration of the mill.Also a very nice wee cafe and friendly staff.Whilst there don't forget to take a look in the surprisingly nice shop opposite.In a nutshell a very nice way to pass a few hours.

I have visited this museum twice now and finds it very insightful. They also had a nice costumes exhibition when I visited. Nice day out for a very small fee.

Very good service from staff, nothing too much trouble. Meals were well presented and plenty on the plate. Didn't have any alcohol, so not sure about prices for that. Meals were about what we would normally pay for eating out. Will be back.

The history of the mill and the display features are very interesting. The little tea room is well worth a visit too. The homemade food is first class especially the soup, quiches and sandwiches. To top everything are the delicious cakes which melt in your mouth. Be warned - don't go here if you are on a diet! Across the road there is a lovely shop with a wide variety of items for gifts or the home.All in all this place is great for a treat offering a lovely afternoon out.

Fascinating costume exhibition, wonderful tea room and extremely friendly and interesting owners. A great place to visit to find out about the history of the mill and surrounding area, rural life in Ayrshire and there's a fantastic exhibition of Ayrshire embroidery too. We could have spent the whole day there.

Had an amazing time at Dalgarvin Mill. The current owner was so enthusiastic about the whole exibition and the rebuild of the mill. We were shown extras and even taken to see the lady responsible for bringing the outfits back to there full glory. Plus other exhibits currently in the store room. The staff in the cafe were also very friendly and the cakes were delicious. I don't normally eat cake but it had to be done! Good to see everyone so passionate about where they work. Would highly recommend it.

A very interesting place with a great history - it's got it all! We were following the advice of tnis website and weren't disappointed at all! There is so much to see, and all so interesting! Well done Dalgarvan!

Last minute decision for something to do on a saturday afternoon and was very pleased that we did. interesting to wander round the 3 floors of exhibits which have been lovingly put together. All staff very friendly and 10/10 for our guide who was the owners grandson who was extremely helpful ,knowledgeable and genuinely interesting. Nice little walk by the river too made for a lovely couple of hours visit.. just remember to bring cash as they dont accept cards !

We (4 adults on holiday in the area) visited Dalgarven Mill on a very wet day as 'somewhere to go indoors'. It was so much more than that! The charming and knowledgeable grandson of the owner gave us a fascinating introduction to the Mill and its background and collections. He was keen to show us extras, like the beautiful gloves and bags in drawers, and tell us little snippets about the provenance of some of the costumes. Then we were left to explore all the exhibits in our own time, finally ending up - of course! - in the cosy cafe where we found it difficult to choose between all the lovely cakes, settling for clootie dumpling and delicious coffee, made by a delightful lady . The owner came in and was happy to talk technical details of the water wheel to the men in the party. We spent a good 2 hours there and it was thoroughly enjoyable. We would recommend it to anyone.

I visited this museum with relatives and all of us originate from SW Scotland and with a farming background. This collection of costumes and Ayrshire white work is outstanding. The mill has been lovingly restored and there is a large collection of farm implements which is of great interest. The mill is in a secluded and peaceful setting which also includes a shop selling household goods and gifts, tastefully chosen and not too highly priced. For lunch we had soup which really was 'homemade' on the premises as are the scones and cakes. All in all a most interesting visit and I will return very soon!

we went on a very wet day in this old mill ,it had a large waterwheel at the front and all the working inside ,it was like going back in time,it cost £9.00 for the three of us ,we spent about hour looking round at all the stuff from a bygone time ,my grandson thought it was very funny!at the end we stayed for lunch,the best lentil soup we have ever tasted and my daughters a professional,the roast ham sandwich and salad was also great,and the sweets are 1st class we all ate a great meal and it only cost £18 for three with tea and juice,in fact it was the best value and quality of the whole holiday.

Found this mill by accident but what a find! The mill has taken years to restore and now houses a fantastic costume collection. Just now it's the Victorian period, but there are pieces from the Twenties, Forties, Frocks, Fur, Crinolines. Other parts of the Mill house Country Life section, farmers, blacksmiths, saddlers and others.The last part of the Mill is the old grain mill machinery itself. You get to see how it all worked and has a fully working water-wheel.At the end it has a lovely little coffee shop with fab cakes.

My family visited today & were absolutely mesmerised with all the costumes on display!... The owner took time at the end if our visit to speak with us & show us more lovely lace & costumes, we had a lovely lunch before our tour in the tearoom, we will certainly be visiting when the exhibition changes!

what a hidden gem nestling off the beaten track. The family run museum is absolutely superb and the owners are willing to tell you the tales behind the display. It also has a cafe serving home made soup, sandwiches and cakes, the smell of home baking assails the senses as you walk through the door. well worth a visit.