Coleshill Mill and River Cole Tour
Learn more about the watermill at Coleshill and the river that powers it. If water levels allow, see the centuries old machinery working and producing flour.
- Booking essential
Discover the intertwined histories of Coleshill mill and the river that powers it on this guided walk.
As part of the tour discover how the power of the river is used to drive centuries old machinery and produce flour. Learn more about the lives of millers, and the many milling terms that have become part of our everyday language. If water levels allow the mill will operate, allowing you to see the machinery in motion and witness the mill come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of traditional milling.
Coleshill has been home to a watermill since the doomsday book, with the current structure and machinery dating from 1790, representing some of the oldest mill machinery in the country still capable of performing its original job. Whilst the 20th century marked the decline of milling at Coleshill, in the 1920s and 30s Coleshill mill was also home to two influential studio potters, Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie and Norah Braden who lived and worked at the mill together as partners.
The river Cole has its own interesting history, having provided the power behind the mill for centuries, with diversions, neglect and restoration all playing key parts in its history. As part of the tour, learn more about the National Trust’s restoration work and future ambitions for the river, including wetland creation and plans to further naturalise the river.
Mill & River tours take place on the 10th of May, 1st of July and 10th of October.
Times
Prices
| Ticket type | Ticket category |
|---|---|
| Adult | £9.00 |
| Child | £4.50 |
The basics
- Booking details
Call 0344 249 1895
- Suitability
Recommended for those aged 7 & over. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Meeting point
Meet in the main visitor car park at Coleshill, in front of the Granary.
- What to bring and wear
Please wear sturdy shoes and clothes appropriate for the weather. The river section of the walk is partly through long grass, so trousers are advisable.
- Accessibility
The event involves a walk of approximately 2 miles, this terrain is level, but in uneven in places. The first floor of the mill can only be accessed by a single flight of modern stairs.
Upcoming events
Second World War Walk
Monthly from March to November: discover Coleshill's hidden Second World War history on this informative guided walk through village, woods and parkland at the home of the top-secret Auxiliary Units.
Natures Estate: Dawn Chorus Walk
Join one of our Rangers for an early morning guided walk around Badbury Wood listening to the dawn chorus.
Guided Tours: Secrets of Coleshill
Monthly from March to October: find out more about some of the lesser-known chapters of the estate’s history and look behind the scenes of the Heritage and Rural Skills Centre.
The Big Book Sale
Looking for your next best read? Have a browse through our pop-up book sale and see what bargains you can find.