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Eskdale Mill
About
Eskdale Mill is a rare survival of a traditional watermill and drying kiln. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park.
The mill is at the centre of a huddle of buildings at the north end of Boot village on the north side of the fast-flowing Whillan Beck, which flows from the moorland on Scafell. The buildings and their setting create an authentic historic atmosphere. Many original features and working parts survive.
The 1500’s Grade 2* listed watermill hosts original working milling machinery, two overshot waterwheels and a modern hydro-electric wheel. There are interactive exhibitions that appeal to people of all ages and adds to this charming place. Historic gardens and grounds are also included where you can appreciate the idyllic, natural setting, play, feel inspired and enjoy a picnic alongside the beck. This multi-sensory experience makes for a really special and memorable outing.
In 2021, we won a national award for our exhibition for the way it engaged people due to its interactive content. The award was granted by the Association of Heritage Interpretation and was in the indoor category.
We’ve signed up to the ‘Kids in Museums’ manifesto - a set of guidelines for museums, heritage sites and cultural organisations, created with children, young people and families; which sets out what they feel makes a heritage site a great place to visit.
Eskdale Mill is dog-friendly.
Book Tickets
Opening Times
| Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024) |
|---|
* Eskdale Mill’s opening times are seasonally dependent and during visitor season is mainly open from Sundays to Thursdays, 10.30am-4.30pm. Winter opening times are 11am-3.30pm during holiday periods only. Please check www.eskdalemill.co.uk before your visit for more details. Online bookings are advised to secure your exclusive slot but ad-hoc visits are possible during quiet periods. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Facilities
Accessibility
- Disabled toilets
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- Picnic site
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Guided tours for groups
Property Facilities
- Dogs Accepted
- Gift shop
- Guided tours for individuals
- Smoking not allowed
Site Features
- Welcome Host
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
Tripadvisor
Awards
- Cumbria Awards
Member of Cumbria Tourism 2016
Map & Directions
Road Directions
The best way to visit the mill is to use the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. The mill is a short (10 minute) walk from the station – just follow the signs.If you choose to use a car, please plan your route carefully using a road map. Don’t rely on your SatNav directions which will suggest routes over the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes from Ambleside. These are very difficult even in good conditions. Equally scenic – but less terrifying routes – can be found via Ulpha and Seathwaite (from the South) or Egremont (from the North). Roads over the fells may be closed too, so please make sure you check local travel updates. If you are using a car, there are a limited number of pay and display parking spaces at Dalegarth Station on the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. There is also a free car park at Trough House Bridge to the south of Boot, a 20 minute walk away. To find us from the Trough House Bridge car park retrace your steps north along the road. Cross over the River Esk bridge and turn right at the T-junction. Follow the road east past Dalegarth Station on your left. Follow the signs to the mill and after 500m turn left at the Brook House Inn.
Public Transport Directions
The best way to visit the mill is to use the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway. The mill is a short (10 minute) walk from the station – just follow the signs.
What's Nearby
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