Acorn Bank

About

Best known for its comprehensive herb collection and traditional fruit orchards, Acorn Bank is a tranquil haven with a fascinating industrial past. Indulge yourself at the tea-room, where culinary herbs and fruit from the garden are used daily in soups, salads and puddings.

Wander along the Crowdundle Beck to the partially restored watermill, enjoying wildlife in the woods on the way, and discover more about the history of gypsum mining on the estate. Enjoy the views across the Eden Valley to the Lake District from the magnificent backdrop of the sandstone house. The unfurnished, 17th-century house is partially open to the public.

The Watermill

Acorn Bank Watermill is situated on the Acorn Bank Estate, home to Temple Sowerby Manor and Acorn Bank Garden. A footpath leads through an ancient oak wood to Crowdundle Beck, the source of power for the mill. A quarter of a mile above the mill is a channel directing water from the beck to drive the waterwheels. The three wheels, each 12 feet each in diameter, turned four pairs of millstones, the second wheel was adapted in the 19th century to power the estate gypsum mines . Two of the wheels were overshot (operated by water falling into buckets from above) and one was a pitchback wheel (buckets were attached to its rim for raising water). Oats was the main product ground at the mill, the mill also powered the estate Gypsum.

Although this mill dates from the early 19th century, there were other mills at the same location from at least the 12th century. Acorn Bank was derelict until the National Trust began restoration in the 1980s. During designated times the mill is in operation for visitors to enjoy.

The Tearoom

Nestling in the foothills of the Pennines in the Eden Valley, this tranquil garden is famous for its herb collection, apple orchards and the annual apple day in October. The tearoom, located in a wing of the sandstone house serves morning coffee, light lunches and afternoon tea. All the cakes and scones are made on site, are made with herbs and fruit from the garden when in season and flour from the mill.

Access to the tearoom is free.