Heatherslaw Corn Mill on the Ford and Etal Estates in Northumberland is offering free entry this summer as it celebrates 50 years as a working museum. The Grade II listed mill, which boasts more than 700 years of history, still produces stoneground flour from local grains.
The mill, dating back to the 1300s, is one of many attractions on the estate in North Northumberland, alongside a steam railway, two castles, a heavy horse farm, and a chapel adorned with pre-Raphaelite murals. Decommissioned in 1957, it was saved from disrepair by a charitable trust and reopened to the public as a working heritage museum on the banks of the River Till.
Celebrating Half a Century
Ciarán Quigley, head miller, said: "We're proud that our mill has retained its traditional purpose, keeping the craft of milling alive. We'd like to invite one and all to come and have a look around for free this summer as part of our 50th birthday celebrations."
Visitors to Heatherslaw can learn how watermills operate sustainably within their local landscape, exploring tales of trade, culture, and technology. Over the centuries, millers have refined the machinery to streamline the process, and Heatherslaw's flour is still sold to local people, businesses, and visitors.
Looking Forward While Preserving Tradition
Mr. Quigley continued: "We have to look forward, continuously making improvements just as our ancestors did, whilst keeping the traditional craft of milling true to its original processes and techniques. Today we have new environmental challenges to overcome, not least the dryer summers, but milling is always a fascinating business."
He added: "The great thing about Heatherslaw Corn Mill is that it has something for everyone. I hope visitors new and returning, young and old, will enjoy visiting."
Heatherslaw Corn Mill is open daily from 11am to 4pm, with free entry throughout June, July, and August. Usually, adult tickets cost £5, concessions are £4, and children aged 5 to 18 cost £2.
