Mills, forges & mines

We have a variety of mills, forges and mines open for you to explore. These places bring to life some of the most fascinating aspects of our industrial past and heritage

The water wheel at Cotehele Mill, Cornwall
View across mill and Quarry Bank House

Quarry Bank, Cheshire 

Explore Quarry Bank, once the site of one of the largest cotton manufacturing businesses in Britain. Re-opening after a four year transformation project, you can now explore the mill owners’ home, a workers’ cottage, an 19th-century glasshouse as well as the mill itself. The historic cotton mill re-opens from August 25.

Discover more about Quarry Bank
A view of Lode Mill from the Riverside Path

Lode Mill 

The origins of Lode Mill can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Step inside the historic watermill and discover how grain is transformed into wholesome flour. Open Tuesday - Sunday, 10.30am - 3:30pm (Daily during school holidays March - October, except Bank Holidays).

Exterior view of Houghton Mill on the River Ouse

Houghton Mill 

Enjoy walking in this stunning riverside setting on the Great Ouse. You can also pop into the tearoom at the mill for a cup of tea and tasty treats.

The exterior of the mill sitting astride the Tillingbourne river

Shalford Mill 

Vibrant 18th-century watermill with well-preserved machinery plus events and activities around the grounds.

Shalford Mill
View of Bridgestone monument from Ashridge
Walking trail

Bridgewater Monument to Pitstone Windmill circular 

A great circular walk passing the Bridgewater Monument and Pitstone Windmill with views across the Chilterns and the Vale of Aylesbury.

Circular walk to Bridgewater Monument
Forges
Branscombe Forge is believed to be the oldest thatched working forge in the country

Branscombe 

Explore Branscombe to discover a restored mill and working forge in this quaint village.

Visit Branscombe
Walkers resting at a bench looking over the Branscombe valley Play Video
Video

Discover Branscombe

Explore the history and delights of Branscombe with our rangers, as we follow them for a day.

Finch Foundry, Devon

Finch Foundry 

Explore the last working water-powered forge in England.

Visit Finch Foundry

Mines

Family enjoy a day at Dolaucothi

Dolaucothi Gold Mines  

Experience one of our more unusual places by exploring these gold mines that were in use from Roman times to the 20th century.

East Pool Mine at Pool, near Redruth, Cornwall

East Pool Mine 

A Cornish Mining World Heritage Site, East Pool Mine is a reminder of Cornwall's days as a world-famous centre of industry, engineering and innovation.

A view of Michell's engine house at Levant Mine

Levant Mine and Beam Engine 

One of Cornwall's unique steam-powered Cornish beam engine in action. Learn about Cornwall's industrial heritage and discover the great beam engines.

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