We open to the public for the first time on Saturday 30th March 2024. Come along and take a tour of the lovingly restored and working windmill, before sitting back and relaxing over a delicious homemade tea and cake in Mrs. Cobbs’ Kitchen. We look forward to seeing you there!
Our 2024 Summer Season runs from 30th March to 27th October when we are open every Saturday and Sunday afternoon and Bank Holiday Mondays 2.00 to 5.00 During July and August we are also open on Wednesday afternoons 2.00 to 5.00. See our EVENTS page for special events taking place during the year.
During the winter months (November through to the end of March) the mill is closed for tours but the Barn – which can be heated – is available for hire for meetings, receptions, parties and workshops. and Weddings can be booked throughout the whole of the year. The Barn includes use of a self-contained kitchen.
We cannot turn the sweeps every weekend but will try to have them turning as much as possible. We do, of course, need to have some wind, and we also need to have Brian and John on site to perform the necessary operations to enable the sweeps to turn. If you see the sweeps turning during the week or on a Saturday morning, this means that we are making flour. It is a superstition amongst millers that it is unlucky to make flour on a Sunday, but this was possibly the only way the miller could get a day off! The flour we make is a strong wholemeal bread flour – nothing taken out – nothing put in. This is on sale in the Barn at the mill and through some other local outlets. We are closer now to producing a ‘refined wholemeal’ (similar to a white) by using our new bolter and as soon as this is possible it will also be on sale.
Children are always welcome to the mill – they can make their own flour on the quern stones and take home a small quantity of flour and a Miller’s Certificate while Mums’ can enjoy a quiet cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. There are also many activity days aimed at children.
School Visits can be organised when children will be taken around the mill by experienced guides and can learn how the mill works, what the miller’s life was like, how the Victorians lived by visiting the Victorian Cottage and much more – how the wind affects the mill – how the machinery was designed and put into use – how the mill is run from an engine when the wind is not blowing. We always enjoy school visits and if your school would like to visit during the year please get in touch and we will give you details.
We are happy to open during the week by appointment for Club, Coach or School Visits. For information on booking a wedding or hiring The Barn please write or e-mail info@willesboroughwindmill.co.uk
Support the Mill by becoming a Friend of Willesborough Windmill – email for information.