Frogmore Paper Mill - The Paper Trail
Frogmore Paper Mill - The Paper Trail
Frogmore Paper Mill - The Paper Trail
4.5
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About
Frogmore Paper Mill is the world's oldest mechanised paper mill ... the birthplace of paper's industrial revolution. Operated by Apsley Paper Trail, a dedicated conservation and education charity, it is still a working paper mill but the emphasis is now firmly on providing a fascinating (and different) visitor experience. Our paper machines are both well over 100 years old and much of the mill is exactly as it was at the end of the 19th century, while Victoria was still on the throne. On your visit, you will be escorted around the mill by one of our volunteer guides. They will show you the machinery and explain all about the processes and the power sources that have a role in the thousand years of industrial heritage that Frogmore has witnessed. You'll find out all about the curious history of paper and papermaking as well as seeing how handmade paper is made and even have the chance to make a handmade sheet of your own. You will also learn about letterpress printing, its history and its practise and can ponder the huge impact that paper and print have had on the world that we live in today. If you are looking for a visit that offers something different from the usual fare but is still active and intriguing, then we can promise you that you will find a visit to Frogmore Paper Mill, anything but 'run of the mill'.
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Frogmore Paper Mill - The Paper Trail
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4.5
97 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
25
Average
4
Poor
3
Terrible
1
Amanda S
Winsford, UK585 contributions
Oct 2021
I don't usually leave reviews so long after visiting but life got in the way & I wished to express how great this place is.
We booked a tour for our 1st Wedding Anniversary and we were warmly greeted along with a couple of glasses of fizz. We had a personal tour of the factory by Sue and was amazed to learn the processes involved in making paper and that this was the first mechanised paper mill. It was truly fascinating & Sue was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
We then had the opportunity to make our own paper. This was good fun although I wouldn't want to have to do it as a living!
This is a must visit place to learn about paper making and needs to be preserved. It would be great to see the other machines in working order so that more paper can be produced.
We booked a tour for our 1st Wedding Anniversary and we were warmly greeted along with a couple of glasses of fizz. We had a personal tour of the factory by Sue and was amazed to learn the processes involved in making paper and that this was the first mechanised paper mill. It was truly fascinating & Sue was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable.
We then had the opportunity to make our own paper. This was good fun although I wouldn't want to have to do it as a living!
This is a must visit place to learn about paper making and needs to be preserved. It would be great to see the other machines in working order so that more paper can be produced.
Written 30 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julesy103
1 contribution
Nov 2021
We booked in for a tour with a group of 3-5 year olds. The tour was pitched at adult level and the children were really bored. They were told not to touch anything and to keep up and listen...not appropriate at all. Some adults were in our group and I felt sorry for them as they were understandably getting a bit fed up of waiting for the children. The little ones wanted to have a go on the typewriters, they were rushed along with this and there was no ink on the ribbon, so it didn't even work. The attitude was very much that children should be seen and not heard at this museum. Even the lady on the front desk came through and was irritable with us telling us to keep up! Not a friendly place.
Written 25 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
h748
London, UK2 contributions
Oct 2021
We didn't visit the paper mill as such - we hired their canal boat privately for half a day! (You can also join a public group for £3.50 each for 25 mins round trip.) Thanks to skipper Alex and volunteer helper Andy, my family and I had a wonderful time and I thoroughly recommend it. We could bring our own drinks and food - glasses and plates were provided free of charge, as well as coffee and tea. Some of us had a go at the locks, but there is no obligation with Alex and Andy in charge. It was very relaxing and peaceful, cruising the Grand Union Canal and very reasonably priced compared to other boat trips I'd looked it. 10 minute walk from Apsley station.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Polistes
Greater London, UK2 contributions
Oct 2021
Not only is this papermill a world first and a precious part of Britain's industrial revolution heritage, but you can visit it, and they still make paper in it. The guide was excellent and the tour was all the better for being longer than I had been led to expect. It was easily accessible by train to Apsley plus a few minutes walk.
Written 21 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris H
London, UK8 contributions
Sep 2021 • Family
Fantastic place to visit knowledgeable friendly staff really interesting day out worth the money
Narrow boat ride beautiful , well done
Narrow boat ride beautiful , well done
Written 15 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth N
Amersham, United Kingdom113 contributions
Sep 2021
The novelty of finding out about such a familiar material that we take for granted - really enjoyed the different aspects that we were told about; our guide was very pleasant.
Written 9 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Astrobadger
5 contributions
Sep 2021
A fascinating overview of the development of industrial paper-making and the huge significance of this quiet, unassuming location in the paper industry.
Andy was a great tour guide, giving a demonstration of how paper is made and talking through the history and workings of this mill.
Check the website for opening hours as they are limited, and admission is a touch on the pricey side - but they do need to generate income so it's all for a good cause. They sell beautiful paper and also excellent beer from the brewery that is located on the site, I highly recommend a visit.
Andy was a great tour guide, giving a demonstration of how paper is made and talking through the history and workings of this mill.
Check the website for opening hours as they are limited, and admission is a touch on the pricey side - but they do need to generate income so it's all for a good cause. They sell beautiful paper and also excellent beer from the brewery that is located on the site, I highly recommend a visit.
Written 5 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela W
Hemel Hempstead, UK62 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Went to the craft event last week with my grandaughter, was well planned and loads of materials to use. Staff were really helpful
and friendly, managed a boat trip too.
Been coming to events for years, amazing place and well worth supporting
and friendly, managed a boat trip too.
Been coming to events for years, amazing place and well worth supporting
Written 23 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna A
1 contribution
Aug 2021
Interesting visit with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Alan was an excellent tour guide and we learnt a lot about the history and current processes of making paper. The paper making equipment, machinery and water mill at the museum were authentic and hugely impressive. I loved the papier-mâché sculptures displayed throughout and I bought some paper with speckles of gold and silver leaf! There was a small gift shop and cafe for a welcome tea or coffee after the tour. My sister enjoyed browsing through the selection of books for sale in the cafe area at knockdown prices. A nearby car park made visiting the museum easy.
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philsexpirence
31 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We went on a open day when local people had stalls with arts and crafts and food . The brewery in the mill produces some very nice beer .
We had a tour ofthemillboth historic and operational .found it intresting and would reccomend it .
We had a tour ofthemillboth historic and operational .found it intresting and would reccomend it .
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wrinklie26
Hertfordshire1 contribution
do you have a set sunday dinner.
MGAfan
London, UK29 contributions
I can recommend the Paper Mill pub - I run an MG Club, and we're having our Christmas lunch there. The menu is good, and I'm fairly certain they have a Sunday lunch. Have a look at their website for details.
If you go during the week, and use the car park, make sure you register your car on the machine on the bar!!