Winchester City Mill provides a unique opportunity to study an historic 18th-century town mill on a site where milling was well established at the time of the Domesday survey of 1086.

Visitors can experience the power of the River Itchen driving the mill machinery every day, and see stoneground flour produced in the traditional way on demonstration days.

Our partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust gives insight into the geography and ecology of a chalk stream of European importance. There are also opportunities to visit the nearby Winnal Moors nature reserves.

Demonstrations
The mill machinery has been restored to full working order and weekend flour milling demonstrations are given at least monthly from March to December (please check dates by calling 01962 870057). At other times when the mill is open the waterwheel and mill machinery will normally be turning.

Experienced millers are often on hand to talk about the history and technology of water mills, describe the materials used and explain the principles of milling flour.

Talks and tours
Groups visiting the mill may pre-book talks and guided tours of the mill in advance. It is sometimes possible to arrange short flour milling demonstrations if sufficient notice is given.

Staff and volunteers from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust lead Sunday morning guided walks for adults and older children (sorry no dogs) to the nearby Winnal Moors nature reserves once a month. Please call the mill on 01962 870057 to check dates.

School visits
The mill is an ideal venue for school visits and is able to provide enjoyment and inspiration to a wide range of ages and abilities.

It is an ideal resource for many aspects of the curriculum including history and local studies, river studies and the environment, alternative energy sources and technology and food science. A range of resources is available and there is seating and table space for up to 40 students.

• The impressive millrace, waterwheel and machinery illustrate the harnessing of natural energy sources to produce man’s most essential foodstuff.

• Flour milling demonstrations can be provided for school visits if booked in advance.

• The watermill is an example of Roman engineering and Winchester City Mill’s fascinating history begins with the Anglo-Saxons and embraces the medieval period, the Tudors and the Victorians.

• The River Itchen is a classic chalk stream of European importance. It is home to otters, water voles and many other important species. The Itchen Navigation once formed Winchester’s trade link with the sea.

• Educational resources include a selection of quiz trails, a video presentation and hands-on activities including milling using stone querns.

• Packed lunches may be eaten at the tables in the mill room (max. 40 people).