Acorn Bank Watermill (2025)
Cumbria
Eskdale Mill 2025
Possibly the oldest working watermill in England. Original machinery driven by two wheels still in daily operation. The mill has reopened following a £1million restoration project. This Grade II* Listed building is the only working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park and it tells the story of the millers and their role in the local community of Eskdale.
Contacts
Operator: Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust
Address: Boot Eskdale Holmrook Cumbria CA19 1TG
- Telephone: 01946 723 335
- Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
- Website: View website
Open Days & Times
Feb half term 1100-1530. Apr-Oct Sun-Thu 1030-1630. Visit website for more details.
Travel
- By Rail: Eskdale (R&ER) / 0.50 miles
Facilities
- Part disabled access
A rare survivor of a traditional watermill and drying kiln, and is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park.
It is at the centre of an intimate huddle of buildings on the north side of the fast-flowing Whillan Beck where it meets the moorland at the edge of Boot. The buildings and their setting create an authentic historic atmosphere with many original features and working parts that survive. Alterations and improvements in technology over time are reflected in how the mill developed.
It is Grade II* Listed. The stables and stone packhorse bridge over the Whillan Beck are both separately Grade II-Listed, which also includes the 18th-century miller’s cottage, which is on the other side of the track onto the fells.
