We love Heritage Open Days which is England’s largest festival of history and culture where places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It is sometimes your only chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences or venues which would charge a fee normally. This event takes place every year around September for two weeks and it’s all FREE.
This year we decided to visit Brindley’s Mill which is a working water-powered corn mill, built by James Brindley in 1752 in the town of Leek, Staffordshire. The mill building also houses a museum that showcases the life and times of James Brindley with lots of displays illustrating the life and work of James Brindley and the history of milling, while preserving the atmosphere of a working mill.
The mill is located on the River Churnet in the market town of Leek and is a working mill that grinds corn into flour the old fashioned way with millstones powered by a waterwheel. The current structure was built on the site of previous corn-grinding mills in 1752 by James Brindley.
Currently owned by the Brindley Mill Preservation Trust, it has been restored and is now maintained and operated as a working museum.
Brindley’s Mill is indeed a hidden gem and has all the charm associated with a building of the eighteen century period and illustrates James Brindley’s trademark design. If you are wondering, James Brindley was a millwright and canal engineer renowned as the pioneer of the canal system in Great Britain.
My children were fascinated with the narrow steps (which may not be suitable for some), rickety floors as well as finding out more about how the mill worked while I was intrigued with the history of the place.
The mill has been restored from a derelict state by the Brindley Mill Preservation Trust and is the only known corn mill attributable as the work of James Brindley.
We were also lucky to join the guided tour by an informative and experienced steward on the day as we learned more about the place after which we sat down by the bench enjoying the scenic riverside garden and the sounds of a moving waterwheel.
How much is the entrance fee?
Brindley Mill is only open during certain times of the year, it is best to check on their website when it is open. Members and Under 5s enter for free. There is a small fee of £1 for those aged 5 to 18 and a fee os £3 for adults. English Heritage Members are given half-price discounts. There are also other concessions for school children, teachers, helpers etc. So do speak to them directly.
Where is Brindley’s Mill?
The mill on the A523 Leek to Macclesfield road and is located on the River Churnet in the town of Leek. Parking is available in nearby Abbey Green Road, or at Sainsbury’s supermarket. Please be aware that Sainsbury’s car park has a 3-hour parking limit in place. Set your Sat-Nav to ST13 8FA.
Brindley’s Mill
Mill Street
Leek
Staffordshire
ST13 8FA
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14 comments
I think my boys would really enjoy this as well. My older son especially loves learning how things work, so would be fascinated watching the old mills at work.
Such an interesting day out for kids who are curious
Sounds like such a fun family activity!
It absolutely was a fun day out for us
The museum is amazing!!! I love going to museums and old mills, very interesting…
It sure is very interesting and so much to learn as well
This is a great museum. I enjoy taking my girls to museums.
I hope you get a chance to visit the Mill one day
I love museums..looks like such a fun and interesting stop! They always fascinate me and a great place for the whole family to get together and enjoy!
It absolutely is, and a great way to teach children about history
What an interesting place to visit. Lots of fascinating history and lots to check out. I hadn’t heard of this before and it would be fun to check out.
It is such a lovely place to visit with so much of history to it
Oh this looks like a lovely family day out. We love pottering around museums especially as the weather gets colder.
Such a lovely day out indeed