Visiting Houghton Mill

How to book 

Between April and October, Houghton Mill offers two tours of the historic watermill; pre-booked guided tours on Wednesdays or self-led visits on Saturdays. We can accommodate a limited number of walk-ups on tour days, but to guarantee entry on a Wednesday please book online in advance (this is possible up to two weeks in advance).

• All visitors need to book a place on a guided tour in advance, including members. You can book a time slot for the day you want to visit up until 1 hour before.

• There's no need to pre-book tickets for Sundays. 

• Entry is free for members, but please bring your membership card with you. Non-members will need to pay admission.
• Please book one ticket per person, inlcuding children over 5 years old. 
• To allow tours to start promptly, please keep to the 10 minute arrival time slot you have booked.Please allow enough time for parking and a comfort break.
• Bookings are for your use only and are not available for resale.
• We'll send your booking confirmation by email. Please make sure you fill in your correct email address when you book to ensure you receive your confirmation email.
• Tickets are released every Thursday morning, for two weeks in advance, with one additional week going on sale each time. 

Guided tours

Pre-booked guided tours run on Wednesdays subject to volunteer availability. Knowledgeable tour guides will guide you through the journey of the grain, from where it was once hoisted up to the top floor from the barges below, right through to where the stoneground flour still comes fresh off the millstones today.

As your tour guide leads you through three floors of the mill, you will discover the story of the old youth hostel, witness the mighty Victorian machinery, and learn the centuries long history of this unique building.

Self-led visits to the Mill

Between April and October, enjoy a self-led exploration of the mill every Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Simply turn up during these hours and make your way around the mill.

Our room guide volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions and share Houghton Mill’s fascinating history.

We also aim to have the stones turning for milling whenever possible on Saturdays, so you can see the historic watermill in action. Please note that this depends on river levels and volunteer availability.

• There’s no need to pre-book tickets for Sundays.

Book your visit 

Check availability and book your visit to Houghton Mill

 

Changing your booking 

If you set up an account when you made your booking, you will be able to amend the date/time of your booking online up to 24 hours before the date of your visit, or by calling 0344 249 1895

If you are a member and can no longer attend, please let us know by giving us a call on 0344 249 1895

 

When you arrive

There is no need to pre-book a car parking space at Houghton Mill. Car parking is free for National Trust members or £3.50 for 3 hours or £7 for longer for non members. 

Please note the car park is limited in size and during busy periods such as school holidays, we advise using alternative modes of transport. Various car parks are available in the nearby town of St Ives, from here you can get one of the many buses which stop near to Houghton Mill (the closest bus stop is an approximate 5 minute walk). 

Find the admission desk for the Mill through the left hand door of the passageway through the building (as you approach from Houghton village / car park side) to check in prior to your tour or self-led visit.