Eskdale Mill
Holmrook, Cumbria
About Eskdale Mill
This unique historic gem is a must-see for all families visiting the western Lake District.
Just a 10 minute walk from Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway's Dalegarth station, this family-friendly attraction hosts interactive exhibitions and multi-sensory experiences as well as a learning environment.
It hosts original working cornmilling machinery, double overshot waterwheels, original historic spaces with interesting, traditional local artefacts from pre-1930's and a modern hydro-electric waterwheel.
The interactive displays consist of a range of child-friendly activities and summer trail challenge.
There are scenic picnic areas within the wooded grounds, beckside garden and open meadow area.
Other family activities include a nature trail and interactive model waterwheels activity.
Pre-booking isn't necessary but is available during summer holidays on the website.
Appropriate footwear is encouraged due to the rocky terrain.
Bring waterproofs in case of adverse weather which can be unpredictable.
Well behaved dogs are welcome. Please keep under control at all times.
Disabled toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
Access is limited to the ground floor for wheelchair users where a virtual touchscreen tour is also available.
Car parking is available at Dalegarth station, 10 mins walk away. Cycling and walking to the mill is encouraged.
Bring your own picnic and enjoy the scenic views and natural atmosphere.
A small gift shop selling flour, gifts and cards is available.
Local refreshments (ice-cream, hot/cold drinks) are also available.
Local facilities include choice of pubs, scenic walks, cycle trails, campsites, adventure sports, gift shop, and a range of holiday accomodation.
The last remaining working watermill in Lake District
Learn how oats, barley and wheat was milled in the picturesque Boot village from 1500's until the 1930's and find out more about the history of Eskdale valley. Eskdale Mill is the oldest working, water powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park. Dating back to the 1500's, this unique gem consists of Grade 2* listed buildings with double overshot waterwheels and original milling machinery as well as award-winning interactive exhibitions, a modern hydro-electric waterwheel and scenic picnic spots. Situated alongside Whillan Beck and its cascades, this makes for a fascinating, inspirational, multi-sensory and relaxing visit for all of the family.
Open to the public since 1976
This underwent a major restoration from 2017-2019 and hosts fully working machinery, award-winning interactive exhibitions and scenic grounds.
The last remaining water cornmill in the Lake District.
Complete with original working cornmilling machinery this mill showcases rural life upto 1930's when the mill closed and ceased production of milled grain for the local population and its livestock.
Step inside and experience a life before electricity, running water, cars, the internet when times were simple and folk were resourceful ....
Facilities
Toilets
Gift Shop
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Dog Friendly
Card Payments Accepted
Opening Times
- Monday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Tuesday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Wednesday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Thursday, 10:30 - 16:30
- Friday, Closed
- Saturday, Closed
- Sunday, 10:30 - 16:30
Last admission is at 4pm.
The mill is open 5 days per week from April to end of October.
Winter opening times are in operaton from 1st November - 31st March; normally open after Xmas and during Feb half-term, 11am-3.30pm.
Pricing & Tickets
- Child (0-16) : Free
- Adult (17-18+) : £7.00
Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Adult ticket becomes an annual pass.
Gift Aid scheme for UK tax payers is in operation at no extra charge.
Well behaved dogs go free
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
Find other attractions similar to Eskdale Mill by visiting our attraction tickets section.
Plan Your Visit
Typical visit time 1 - 2 hours
Suitable for Kids and Adults too
Food & Drink Options
Basic refreshments
Local handmade ice cream tubs
Hot/cold drinks and snacks
FAQs
Parking
Toilets
Family Friendly Options
Food & Drink
Accessibility Information
Tickets & Bookings
Private Hire & Birthday Parties
Public Transport
Contact Details
Eskdale Mill
Boot
Holmrook
Cumbria
CA19 1TG
England
There is patchy mobile phone reception in Eskdale, so plan your journey before setting off. You can use the 'Laal ratty' steam train to get to us from Ravenglass. Ask for 'Dalegarth for Boot' station, which is the end of the line. This takes you through 7 miles of scenic landscape from the west Cumbrian coast to the mountainous region of Eskdale. See their website 'Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway' for details. If driving, we encourage use of maps as Sat-Nav may bring you over the mountainous Hardknott Pass and Wrynose Pass from Ambleside. There are much less terrifying routes from the south over Birker Fell on A595 and from north via Gosforth and Whitehaven on A595. Take care driving on the narrow roads within the valley. Car parking is located at Dalegarth station, 10 mins walk away. Boot village is small and limited for cars. Eskdale Mill is located at the end of the village across the narrow packhorse bridge. We encourage all sustainable forms of transport such as cycling and walking. You will find Eskdale consists of numerous walking and cycling routes.
Tel: 01946723335
Visit WebsiteTransport Information
Ravenglass & Eskdale Railway steam train
Get off at Dalegarth for Boot station, 10 minutes walk away
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