Things to do at Houghton Mill

Visitors exploring an exhibit inside Houghton Mill, Cambridgeshire. — Visitors exploring Houghton Mill | © National Trust Images/Andrew Montgomery

Discover the story of Houghton Mill and follow the milling process as you explore three floors of traditional machinery. Learn how the mill was one of the most successful in the region, producing flour on an industrial scale and exporting it far and wide. Then why not buy some freshly milled Houghton Mill flour to use at home?

Follow the journey from grain to flour

Book on to a guided tour to discover how flour was milled in the 18th century. Follow 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 French burr stones today.

As you explore the mill you’ll see the huge Victorian machinery, including cogs, wheels and millstones, much of which is still in use. Inside the 18th-century building you’ll also see wooden timbers that have survived from a much earlier time.

See the 18th-century watermill in action

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of this historic watermill just as it would have been over 150 years ago. Volunteer millers bring to life the experience of running a mill amidst the clamour of the giant cogs, shuddering machinery and whirring millstones.

Watch the giant waterwheel turning and the grain pouring into the millstones. Then see the fresh flour falling into sacks to be hoisted off to the flour store or stitched into small bags, ready to be sold.

Bags of flour lined up in a display at Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows, Cambridgeshire. — Bags of flour on display at Houghton Mill | © National Trust Images / Justin Minns

Buy some Houghton Mill flour to take home

Houghton Mill flour is made using organic wheat, which we grind using French burr stones from the Marne Valley in northern France. We don’t add anything to the flour or take anything away, which ensures it has a rich, nutty taste and a rustic texture.

You can buy our freshly milled stoneground wholemeal flour in the mill and tea-room to use at home.

Explore Waterclose Meadows

There are several walking routes along the river, through woods and across meadows from the far side of the mill pond. Enjoy some great cycling by joining National Cycle Network route 51 which takes you to the beautiful city of Cambridge. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife along the way. In the summer the meadows are buzzing with the sound of wildlife and if you're lucky you might spot a visiting seal playing in the mill pond.