Dotted across the countryside are beacons of the past, sails against the skyline, reminders of when wind powered our food industry and life was pretty darn tough. Some are ruins, others lovingly restored by enthusiasts, and a few have been converted for luxury living.
And what could be more exciting, nostalgic and unusual than a stay in a windmill in the UK? Maybe you have childhood memories of Camberwick Green and hanker to be a Windy Miller? Or you’re just looking for unusual holiday accommodation.
Here’s our selection of the best windmills to stay in, in the UK.
We’ve chosen ones that retain their iconic silhouette and unique mill characteristics, because we think they’re the best.
The Windmill, Suffolk
This is gloriously luxurious. An adults only bolt-hole that promises lazy mornings, gentle walks and al fresco suppers in a secluded garden.
Originally built in 1891, the converted mill has a unique POD living space on the upper floor with panoramic views across the countryside from its own, private veranda.
So many reviewers on Trip Advisor said they didn’t want to leave!
Getting to The Windmill
Situated just a few miles from beautiful Lavenham (with its higgledy-piggledy houses and echoes of Harry Potter), between Sudbury and Bury St Edmunds, there’s plenty to see and do nearby.
It sleeps four and is an adults only accommodation. You can book direct at The Windmill, Suffolk
Things to do near The Windmill in Suffolk
- Visit the Greene King Brewery
- Stroll through the Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds
- See Gainsborough’s House
- Catch a performance at The Quay Theatre, Sudbury or Theatre Royal, Bury St. Edmunds
Melin Newydd cottages, Tynlon, near Rhosneigr, Anglesey, Wales
The cottages are grouped around the mill itself, which was built in 1833.
A ferocious storm in the 1920s damaged it so badly it was closed and became a cattle shelter. And that’s how it stayed until 2006, when its current owner began a painstaking renovation to bring the mill back to life.
Now it stands proud in the surrounding green meadows – a white pillar topped with a black cap and a third floor balcony overlooking the quiet Anglesey countryside.
Getting to Tynlon windmill
You can fly, take the train or drive to Anglesey, but having your owntransport is best for exploring this beautiful island. The mill is a 10-minute drive from the sandy beach at Rhosneigr, the RSPB reserve at South Stack is not far away at Holyhead and the mountains of Snowdonia can be easily reached back on the mainland.
The cottage sleeps 4, in two bedrooms. The Windmill, Tynlon, near Rhosneigr, Anglesey, Wales
Things to do near Tynlon Windmill
- Race around the Anglesey Circuit
- Try your hand at water sports
- Visit Barclodiad y Gawres Burial Mound
- Follow the Caernarfon Spy Mission Treasure Trail
Llancayo Windmill, Monmouthshire, Wales
Left in ruins for many years after a devastating fire, this mill north of the old market town of Usk in Monmouthshire, has recently been restored and turned into the perfect base for discovering the Welsh countryside.
Big enough for a party of 12, it’s been beautifully renovated with 5 bathrooms, a large dining room with a huge table and a snug in the top of the mill.
Usk has a castle, several old houses and is a regular competitor and frequent winner in the Britain in Bloom competitions.
Getting to LLancayo Windmill
Usk is north of Newport, just off the A449.
At five storeys high, guests need to be aware there are a lot of stairs, although there is a twin bedded room and ensuite wet room on the ground floor. You can book direct.
Things to do near Llancayo Windmill:
- Visit the Usk Rural Life Museum
- Try the bouncy castles and trampolines at Raglan Farm Park
- Play golf at Woodlake Park Golf & Country Club
- Discover medieval castles on the Usk Valley walk
The Old Mill, Yarm, Teeside
A cute B&B in Stockton on Tees, this mill dates from around 1750 and has been converted to compliment its original structure.
The building was orginally a seven-storey barley mill on a working farm.
Now the owners live in the mill itself while around it are seven rooms and suites to rent on a room-only basis.
Getting to The Old Mill, Yarm
Not far from Teeside airport, it’s perfectly placed for exploring the wild beauty of the North York Moors or a comfy stop over if you’re heading further north.
The guest rooms are warm and cosy, with some shared facilities although you can pay extra for the granary suite with a private hot tub. The Old Mill Bed and Breakfast, Yarm, Teeside
Things to do near The Old Mill in Yarm:
- Stroll the formal gardens of Ormesby Hall
- Tackle Battlezone Paintball
- Have a live escape room experience at Cluedini or Enigmatology
- Take a pleasure flight with Scenic Air Tours North East
The Windmill, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Now a Grade II listed building, the mill’s been renovated with style, space and some sea views and is located in a quiet cul-de-sac just a few minutes walk from the town centre.
Offering both self-catering and B&B options, the windmill is over 230 years old and is the last remaining one in the area.
Full of originality and unusual artwork, it’s beautifully lit up after dark.
Getting to The Windmill, Scarborough
Just five minutes walk from the town centre and mainline rail services, travelling by train is a good choice. If you do bring a car, the mill is on a small lane that runs between two terraced houses, so you’ll need SatNav!
The balcony suite on the top floor has amazing views, and the self-catering cottage in the lower part is great for families. The Windmill, Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Things to do near The Windmill, Scarborough
- Visit The Scarborough Fair Collection for vintage fairground fun
- Step back in time at Scarborough Castle
- Take the family to Peasholm Park
- Paddle on Scarborough Beach
Rye Windmill, East Sussex
One of the town’s most famous landmarks, the old mill stands on the banks of the River Tillingham just a few minutes walk away from the town’s historic centre.
The Grade II listed building has been the inspiration for artists and photographers throughout the centuries. The first recorded owner of a mill on the site was Thomas Chatterton who built a ‘post mill’ in 1758.
That was soon demolished to make way for a new-fangled Smock Mill where milling continued until 1912 when it became a bakery. Unfortunately, the ovens of the bakery overheated one day in 1930, and destroyed the wooden structure. It was rebuilt, then changed use to become a pottery, but has been a guest house since 1984.
Getting to Rye Windmill
The mill is two minutes walk from the train station, and rail is a great way to see Rye with services to and from London.
Rye Windmill has several rooms including one with a four poster bed and a beautiful suite with panoramic views of the town and the surrounding countryside. Rye Windmill, East Sussex
Things to do near Rye Windmill:
- Explore Rye Nature Reserve
- Sip spirits at the haunted Mermaid Inn
- Climb St Mary’s Church bell tower for the views
- Attend The School of Wizards & Witches
- Read about our day trip in Rye
Stow Windmill, near Mundesley, North Norfolk
Converted especially for couples, this windmill just south of Cromer used to be open to the public as a tourist attraction, but the owners have decided its future is best preserved by turning it into a couples-only holiday let.
With three floors of living space, it provides comfortable accommodation within its unspoilt circular tower. The mill itself has undergone another round of restoration to bring it back to working order.
It’s gloriously wild in winter and perfectly placed for a beach holiday in the summer. North Norfolk has some of the UK’s best beaches all year round and Mundesley is one of our all-time favourites.
Getting to Stow Mill, Mundesley
Cromer is the nearest big town and, as with much of North Norfolk, a car is useful for getting around.
Helical staircases add to the mill’s charm, and it’s beautifully furnished for a romantic stay. Stow Windmill, near Mundesley, North Norfolk
Things to do near Stow Windmill
- Step into the 17th century at Felbrigg Hall
- Learn about lifeboats at RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, Cromer
- Wander East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens
- Go crabbing off Cromer pier
- Discover Nelson’s Norfolk
Cley Windmill, Norfolk
Another Norfolk treasure, one with both self-catering and B&B options, the cottage complex is based around the lovely old windmill.
Built in the early 19th century, the mill was first offered for sale as ‘newly erected’ in the Norfolk Chronicle of 26 June 1819. Nobody bought it, so it stayed with the Farthing family until the last member, Dorothy, died in 1875. It carried on being used as a mill until the early 1900s before undergoing years of sporadic restoration.
Nowadays a stay at Cley Windmill is a unique experience combining character, warmth and comfort.
Getting to Cley Windmill
Cley-next-the-sea is, as the name suggests, on the North Norfolk coast just above the country town of Holt and, once again, a car os best for a trip here.
The ground floor has a magnificent circular sitting room and an open freplace. The beamed dining room was part of the original warehouse and the upstairs rooms and galleries have stunning views over the marshes and the sea. Cley Windmill, Norfolk
Things to do near Cley Windmill
- Go birdwatching on Cley Marshes, the oldest Wildlife Trust nature reserve in the country
- Get all steamed up at the North Norfolk Railway and ride the Poppy Line at Sheringham
- Discover Holkham Hall an 18th century Palladian style stately home
- Enjoy an action packed Family Adventure Day at Hilltop Outdoor Centre, Sheringham
Horning Windmill, Norfolk
We passed this pretty, Grade II listed wooden windmill while taking a paddleboat ride on the River Bure. Built around an old wind pump, it’s the perfect place to sit and watch the world go by, at the gentle pace that life on The Norfolk Broads demands.
It’s small, sleeping just 4, but beautifully laid out with a quirky charm of its own, and everything needed for a comfy stay, including a large, enclosed lawn and BBQ area overlooking the river.
Getting to Horning Windmill
Horning is at the heart of the Norfolk Broads, a few miles north of Norwich. Your own car will make it easier to get around, but if you come by public transport, the village of Horning is within walking distance with plenty of shops, pubs and restaurants.
The master bedroom has river views and you can fish from your own, private deck. Horning Windmill, Norfolk
Things to do near Horning Windmill
- Hire a day boat and explore the Broads or sail aboard the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat
- Learn about the history of Britain’s air defence at the RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, Neatishead
- Visit the seals at Horsey then take tea 1940’s style at Poppylands tea room
- Meet the Twiggles at BeWILDerwood, Hoveton
Boston Flour Mill, Lincolnshire
And finally, here’s an actual working mill you can stay in. The Maud Foster Windmill and its adjoining granary were built in 1819. Still in use today, it produces stoneground flour and rolled oats which you can buy in their shop.
Following a complete refurbishment, couples can now stay in a flat in the granary buildings. Just be prepared for the rumblings from the machinery during daytime working hours, all part of the unique experience.
Getting to the Flour Mill
Boston is well-placed for touring and the Lincolnshire Wolds are 15 miles away with market towns like Horncastle and Louth in easy driving distance.
The mill sleeps 2, with a king-size bedroom and an open plan lounge/dining room. You can book through Host Unusual Boston Flour Mill, Lincolnshire
Things to do near Boston Flour Mill
- Visit The Bubble Car Museum
- Check out the misericords in the choir stalls of St Botolph’s Church
- Go Scalextric Racing in Spalding
- Watch a film at The Kinema in the Woods a quirky 1922 “old world” cinema in Woodhall Spa
Where to next?
• Marvellous Mills
• Lighthouses to stay in
• Shakespeare in the snow