Houghton Mill 2026

Set in an idyllic village location on an island on the Great Ouse River, Houghton Mill has inspired artists and photographers for generations. Come and experience the sound and atmosphere of a traditional working mill. The mill was a regional powerhouse at the height of the Victorian era, producing flour on an industrial scale.

Contacts

Operator: National Trust

Address: Mill Street Houghton Nr Huntingdon Cambridgeshire PE28 2AZ

Telephone: 01480 301 494
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

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Open Days & Times

Wed 8 Apr-21 Oct. Pre-booked guided tours only. Sat 11 Apr-24 Oct 1100-1600. Visit website or facebook for more details and advance booking.

Travel

By Bus: various
By Rail: Huntingdon / 4 miles

Facilities

Parking
Refreshments
Souvenir Shop
Part disabled access

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During the 18th century there was a rapid development in mill technology, and this marked the start of a very prosperous period for Houghton Mill. Along this central 70-mile stretch of the River Great Ouse there would potentially have been around 120 watermills.

Grain arrived from far and wide using barges on the river. The course of the River Great Ouse around Houghton Mill had to be diverted to maximise the amount of waterpower needed to enlarge the mill. At peak production there were three working waterwheels and 10 pairs of millstones operated by a team of 18 people.

Houghton Mill reached the height of its prosperity around 1850 under the management of successive members of the Brown and Goodman families. At this point the mill was producing a tonne of top-quality flour per hour, which was sold as far away as London and Leicester.