Eskdale Mill

About

Eskdale Mill is a rare survival of a traditional watermill and drying kiln. It is the last remaining working water-powered corn mill in the Lake District National Park.

The mill is at the centre of a huddle of buildings at the north end of Boot village on the north side of the fast-flowing Whillan Beck, which flows from the moorland on Scafell. The buildings and their setting create an authentic historic atmosphere. Many original features and working parts survive.

The 1500’s Grade 2* listed watermill hosts original working milling machinery, two overshot waterwheels and a modern hydro-electric wheel. There are interactive exhibitions that appeal to people of all ages and adds to this charming place. Historic gardens and grounds are also included where you can appreciate the idyllic, natural setting, play, feel inspired and enjoy a picnic alongside the beck. This multi-sensory experience makes for a really special and memorable outing.

In 2021, we won a national award for our exhibition for the way it engaged people due to its interactive content. The award was granted by the Association of Heritage Interpretation and was in the indoor category.

We’ve signed up to the ‘Kids in Museums’ manifesto - a set of guidelines for museums, heritage sites and cultural organisations, created with children, young people and families; which sets out what they feel makes a heritage site a great place to visit.

Eskdale Mill is dog-friendly.