The parish of Pakenham is unique in Britain in having both a working water mill and a working windmill.

The 18th century water mill, owned by the Suffolk Building Preservation Trust, is on a Domesday site. Here, for almost 1000 years, millers have been using the simple technology of water power to produce stone-ground wholemeal flour from locally-grown wheat. The mill is maintained and operated by a team of volunteers who continue the tradition.

Water from Pakenham Fen collects in the mill pond to turn the 16 foot high iron water-wheel which drives the mill-stones which turn the wheat into flour. The friendly guide will show you how the mill works, how to hoist sacks of wheat to the top of the mill, what the damsel does, the 1904 Blackstone oil engine, and much more besides.

In the former miller's house next door you can see the 18th C. brewing vat and bread oven in the kitchen, and can buy wholemeal flour ground at the mill, souvenirs, etc in the shop.

There is a picnic area with pleasant walks beside the mill-pond, a beautiful setting with excellent opportunities for photography, sketching and painting - or just to enjoy the view!

Events: 2010
National Mills Weekend & Food Event Sunday 9 May
Vintage Power Day Sunday 20 June
Heritage Weekend Sunday 12 September
Harvest Festival Sunday 26 September
Father Christmas Sunday 5 December