The Town Mill Heritage

The Town Mill sits on a bend in the River Lim, where a watermill has existed since 1340. Largely neglected for the last seventy years, it is now a thriving attraction run by over 100 local volunteers, who work to maintain the heritage of this ancient site for us all.

The Town Mill lies at the heart of Lyme Regis, over a footbridge link to Broad Street.
There is a simple but large and powerful, hand-built series of wheels, shafts and cogs, and children especially enjoy the rhythmic rumble as they see the most basic of our foodstuffs made – the process of turning kernels of locally grown organic wheat into sweet-smelling stone-ground wholemeal flour

In contrast to the ancient water-driven technology, a state-of-the-art, German turbine drives a micro-hydro-electric system, and generates eco-friendly energy for the mill and the National Grid.

The Mill complex of buildings was saved from dereliction and development by a group of dedicated volunteers. Restoration, with the help of outside funding, and the expertise of the Society for the Preservation of Ancient Buildings was completed in 2001, again with the time, energy and enthusiasm of volunteers. Today, the Mill still runs with the power of volunteers and the River Lim.

Seven reasons to visit Lyme's Town Mill:

HAND-GRIND organic wheat yourself then watch the giant waterwheel power the millstones for grinding grain as it’s been done for over 1000 years;
DISCOVER how our state-of-the-art hydro-electric system generates eco-friendly energy for the mill and the National Grid;
SHOP for toys, freshly milled flour and local food;
TASTE the freshly baked bread or have a coffee, snack or meal in the Bistro or outside in the cobbled courtyard;
VISIT our two art galleries which exhibit varied work of artists based mainly in the southwest;
WANDER into our pottery, framer and resident artist’s studio, or simply
ENJOY the tranquility of our 17th Century garden.

Opening Times

Throughout the year with seasonally variable hours

Costs

Small entry fee for a tour of the working watermill. All other areas free of charge.

Directions

Centre of the town in Mill Lane, just off Coombe Street. Footbridge access from Broad Street via Drake's Way. More detailed info on the website

Additional Information

Parking: There are several pay and display car parks within easy walking distance.

Events: Arts Festival events, Courses, see website for current information.

Cafe/Restaurant Bistro details on website.

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