This is where we need your help
All donations go towards the upkeep of this amazing building for future generations!
Winchester City Mill Wheel Restoration Project
For centuries, Winchester City Mill has harnessed the power of the River Itchen to grind grain into flour, preserving one of the country's most important historic milling traditions. Today, we're undertaking a major restoration project to return the Mill's iconic waterwheel to full working order and secure the future of this remarkable heritage site. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters and the dedication of our volunteer team, we have successfully reached our fundraising target and restoration work is now moving forward. We expect the project to be completed in Spring 2027, when visitors will once again be able to see the wheel turning and watch flour being produced on site.
Why does the wheel need restoring?
Like any working piece of machinery, a waterwheel has a limited lifespan. Our current wheel has worked continuously since 2003, powered by the fast-flowing waters of the River Itchen and exposed to changing river conditions, including periods of exceptionally high water levels in recent years.
To keep the Mill operational for future generations, the wheel and associated machinery now require significant restoration. This vital work will allow us to resume milling and continue sharing the fascinating story of how grain is transformed into flour.
Why is this project important?
Winchester City Mill is one of the few places where visitors can experience a working historic watermill. The restoration will help preserve the specialist skills of milling and millwrighting, both of which play an important role in our industrial and agricultural heritage.
By bringing the wheel back into operation, we can continue to:
- Demonstrate traditional flour production.
- Preserve historic milling skills.
- Create opportunities for volunteers to learn and share these crafts.
- Help visitors understand where food comes from and how it was produced for generations.
What will visitors be able to experience?
Once the restoration is complete, visitors will be able to see the waterwheel in action, watch grain being milled into flour, and follow the entire "farm-to-flour" journey inside the Mill.
The project also includes improvements to the milling experience, including a new flour-packing station and interactive interpretation that will help bring the story of the Mill to life for visitors of all ages.
And, of course, you'll be able to take a little piece of the Mill home with you by purchasing flour produced on site, or enjoy freshly baked treats from our café made using Mill flour.
Follow the Project
Visit the Mill to see the latest updates on the restoration project and check our Things to See & Do page for details of talks and demonstrations led by our knowledgeable volunteer millers.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this project. Together, we're ensuring that Winchester's historic watermill continues to tell its story for generations to come.
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Eating at Winchester City Mill
Situated in the heart of the mill, the café at Winchester City Mill is an ideal spot for tucking into delicious baked products and a hot or cold drink while soaking up the atmosphere of the 1,000-year-old watermill. Every bite helps us look after our places and for the mill in particular, will help to restore the wheel.
