Welcome to Acorn Bank Watermill

Spring 2025

The Mill will be open but not running during February and early March weekends from 11.00-2.00, when Acorn Bank is open for viewing of snowdrops. We will begin milling on 15th March 2025 and will then be open and running at weekends from 11.00-3.00.

Work completed during the winter

Progress was made with the second wheel project, with the new pit wheel being successfully inserted onto the axle of the second wheel. Pictures and information about this can be found on the Second Wheel Internal Gearing page

The existing wheel was closely inspected at the start of the winter shutdown and this identified that some repairs were needed. Some of the planks have been replaced.

The area at the back of the mill is in the process of being cobbled and a new spillway is being constructed to take water from the dump valve back to the river.

If you want to buy our Acorn Bank Stoneground Wholemeal Flour when we are closed it is available from the visitor welcome hut at Acorn Bank and from our local shops - Nature's Health in Penrith, Kirkby Thore Post Office and Stores, Stainton Village Shop and Alston Wholefoods.

The Acorn Bank Watermill Trust

The watermill at Acorn Bank has been restored into a working state by a group of National Trust volunteers over the last thirteen years. In 2019 the mill was running regularly every weekend and grinding flour which was sold to visitors. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the National Trust to re-evaluate the operation of many of its properties including Acorn Bank.

The Acorn Bank Watermill Trust has been set up by the mill volunteers to continue to maintain and run the mill and keep it open for visitors to Acorn Bank. The mill buildings will be open to visit on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays when the Acorn Bank garden is open. Entry to the mill is free but access is through the National Trust Acorn Bank garden for which charges apply. Opening times for Acorn Bank can be found from the National Trust website, use the National Trust link on this page to find out when Acorn Bank is open. Find out about the progress we are making towards reopening the mill and when we are milling again by checking our Facebook page. The blog records the work that has been carried out over the years by a small group of dedicated volunteers.