There has been a mill on this site since 1542, but the current building dates from the mid-18th Century. In the 1850s a steam engine was installed and a chimney built, which provides Sarehole Mill with its distinctive silhouette.
The mill has connections with Matthew Boulton, who leased Sarehole Mill between 1756 and 1761 and used it as a ‘flatting mill’, producing sheet metal used for button manufacturing.
Another famous connection is with the author JRR Tolkien, author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy. He lived across the road from the mill. Later in life he stated how the mill and rural surroundings inspired his writings of Middle-earth.
As well as taking in the history of the site, there is also a charming tea room for visitors to enjoy. It offers tea, coffee, delicious cakes, plus a whole host of other treats.
The mill has two waterwheels, one of which has until recently been operational and used to grind wheat. Sarehole wholemeal flour is sold from the mill shop.
Milling takes place most Sunday’s and some weekdays (please ring the mill for information). Visitors can also see the Victorian bakehouse (oven working on event days), stationary steam engine, displays about the history of the mill and a new exhibition about Tolkien’s childhood years in Birmingham. Tearoom serving tea, coffee, cakes. Flour sold from shop. For a full event programme, please visit our website.
Access Information: Wheelchair access, chairs can be provided, disabled toilets, guide dogs welcome.
Free admission. How to Redeem: Present your Max Card on arrival. Terms and Conditions: • Valid for up to 2 adults and 2 children.
• Excluding special events
• Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer.
