4 Mills to Visit in the Southwest of England this National Mills Weekend
4 Mills to Visit in the Southwest of England this National Mills Weekend
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, hundreds of windmills and watermills will open their doors as part of National Mills Weekend – our annual celebration of the heritage and history of mills, and the people who care for them today.
We’ve rounded up four of the most unmissable National Mills Weekend events in the Southwest of England.
Find your nearest participating mills and get involved with the fun! Remember to share your photos with us @spabmills #NationalMillsWeekend.
Bridge Mill Devon NMW © Martin Watts
1. St Marys Mill, Chalford, Gloucestershire
This beautifully situated 19th-century textile mill houses a large waterwheel and a powerful Tangye turning steam engine. Book your place on a guided tour to explore the mill, see the steam engine in action, and learn about the finishing of West of England broadcloth.
Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May.
2. Saltford Brass Mill, Bath
Visit this Grade II* listed water mill this National Mills Weekend for displays, models, mock-ups and a local amateur radio society set up in the garden. Saltford Brass Mill is a working 19th century mill with its 18-foot iron waterwheel driving an early 20th century dynamo.
Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 10am - 4pm.
3. Cann Mills, Dorset
Learn all about the milling process at this commercial watermill from Michael and Ollie Stoate who produce stoneground organic flour right here on site. Paul Merry from Panary will also be on hand, demonstrating how to bake bread in wood-fired ovens. Light refreshments will be available.
Open on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 10am - 4pm. Free entry.
4. The Bridge Mill, Devon
Visit this working watermill and organic smallholding, spread across 16 beautiful acres on the River Tamar. Grab a refreshment from one of the many stalls and watch water-powered flour milling in action! There’ll also be Morris dancers, plant sales and the opportunity to explore the site’s lakes, millponds and riverside meadows.
Open Sunday 12 May, 11am - 4pm. Adults £5, children go free.
Other mills to visit in the Southwest of England
Hele Corne Mill © Kathy Jones CC By SA 2.0
Coleshill Mill, Wiltshire. Check out the original 18th and 19th century milling equipment at this small mill. Visitors can also see a replica WWII bunker and a model farm. Open Sunday 12 May, 2 - 5pm. Combined entry for mill, farm and bunker, £7.50.
Wilton Windmill, Wiltshire. Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 2 - 5pm. Free entry.
Sturminster Newton Mill, Dorset. Guided tours available. Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 11am - 5pm. Adults £5, children £1.
Ashton Windmill, Somerset. Visit one of the best-preserved mills in Somerset. Open Sunday 12 May, 2.30 - 4.30pm. Free entry.
Walkham Mill, Devon. Visit this Grade II listed wheelwright's mill which was involved in producing carriage wheels for the Tower of London and Fort Nelson. Open Sunday 12 May, 12 - 3pm. Free entry, donations to the village hall welcome.
Hele Corn Mill, Ilfracombe, Devon. 16th century working watermill with an 18’ wheel. Tearoom serving food made with flour from the mill. Open Sunday 12 May, 11am - 5pm. Free entry.
Sidbury Mill, Devon. Guided tours available. Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 2pm - 5pm. Tours available at 11am, 12.15pm and 2.30pm. Free entry, donations welcome. Children over 10 years only. Please email sidburymill@btinternet.com to book a tour and for more information.