Upminster Windmill
A beautifully restored 1803 smock windmill, offering a glimpse into milling history with working sails and engaging volunteers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sails turn, full access
Upminster Windmill
Best Time
Sails turn, full access
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored 1803 smock windmill, offering a glimpse into milling history with working sails and engaging volunteers.
"Stunning windmill, especially when the sails are unleashed – a rare and impressive sight!"
🎯 Check Opening Schedule
Always verify open days/times online before visiting.
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Park for free when the windmill is open. Limited nearby parking otherwise.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Working Smock Mill
Main Windmill Structure
Witness a beautifully restored smock mill in operation, a rare sight outside the Netherlands.
Historical Restoration
Visitor Centre & Mill Interior
Explore the fascinating history and extensive restoration efforts that saved this 1803 landmark.
Enthusiastic Volunteers
Throughout the Site
Engage with knowledgeable and friendly volunteers eager to share insights about the mill's past.
Scenic Views
Top of the Windmill
On clear days, enjoy panoramic views that can stretch to the London skyline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Days
Parking & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Opening Schedule
Always verify open days/times online before visiting.
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Park for free when the windmill is open. Limited nearby parking otherwise.
☕ Enjoy a Cuppa
Grab a traditional cuppa and relax in the lovely garden area.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Look for hidden mice and enjoy lawn games – great for families!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Opening Schedule
Always verify open days/times online before visiting.
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Park for free when the windmill is open. Limited nearby parking otherwise.
☕ Enjoy a Cuppa
Grab a traditional cuppa and relax in the lovely garden area.
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Friendly Fun
Look for hidden mice and enjoy lawn games – great for families!
📸 Capture the Sails
Visit when the sails are turning for a truly impressive sight.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Upminster Windmill for its stunning restoration and the opportunity to see a working smock mill, a rare sight. The enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers are frequently highlighted as a key part of the positive experience, making it an engaging visit for all ages. While access is limited to specific open days, the chance to explore the mill's history and enjoy the scenic views makes it a worthwhile destination.
"Heritage lottery money well spent. See this wonderful piece of local history while you can - it's glorious and was so nearly lost to time.
The new visitor centre has fantastic facilities, craft stall, cafe, beautiful gardens, accessible toilets. Lots of parking nearby too, or right next to a bus stop - easily walkable from Upminster to station.
The windmill is wonderfully and fittingly restored to working glory. You really get an understanding of the importance of this forgotten industry and what it meant to the local area. The mill has wonderful views right into London too, from the wraparound balcony. Mind your head, the stairwell are historically steep and have low headroom, but there were abundant knowledgeable, friendly and wise guides to help you arou d and make local history come alive.
Check opening hours. We visited on an open day."
Richard Williams
"Stunning windmill, especially when the sails are unleashed -
Stopped off to see the windmill on Tuesday, 05th August 2025. Past this windmill for years, when it was closed and sail-less. Appears to be open more now that it's been restored, and the site includes plenty of parking and the buildings around the windmill are part of the museum. The stunning aspect of my visit was witnessing the sails unleashed, which, tbh, I had never seen before at windmill visits outside the Netherlands. Check the Website/Facebook site for opening days and times, as otherwise, though you can walk to the site, you won't be able to park next to it. When open parking is free. Very limited parking opportunities nearby if not open."
Jeffrey Soley
"A beautifully restored smock mill staffed by a very enthusiastic group of voIt's well worth a visit, especially if you're bringing the kids along."
Richard Sharp
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Upminster Windmill is located in Upminster, Essex. While public transport options exist to reach Upminster town, driving is often the most convenient way to access the windmill directly, especially on open days when on-site parking is available.
Yes, there is free on-site parking available when the windmill is open to the public. If you plan to visit when it's closed, parking opportunities nearby are very limited.
Upminster is served by the District Line on the London Underground and National Rail services. From Upminster station, you would likely need to take a bus or a taxi to reach the windmill itself. Checking local bus routes is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Upminster Windmill is not open daily. It operates on specific open days. It's crucial to check their official website or Facebook page for the most up-to-date schedule before planning your visit.
Admission fees are typically £6 for adults and £2 for children on open days. However, it's always best to confirm current pricing on their official channels.
While not always explicitly stated, booking in advance for popular open days might be advisable, especially if you want to guarantee entry or if specific events are being held. Check their website for any booking requirements.
You can view the exterior of the windmill from the outside at any time, but access to the interior and the opportunity to see the sails turning is only available on designated open days.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors can explore the restored mill, learn about its history from knowledgeable volunteers, enjoy the garden, and on open days, see the sails in motion. There are often activities for children, like finding hidden mice.
Absolutely! Children often enjoy the interactive elements like the hidden mice, lawn games, and learning about the mill's workings. The volunteers are great at engaging younger visitors.
Yes, during open days, you can typically tour the multiple floors of the windmill and learn about each level's function. Climbing to the top offers great views.
On a clear day, the views from the upper levels of the windmill can be quite extensive, offering glimpses of the London skyline, including landmarks like The Shard.
Yes, on open days, there is usually a visitor centre that offers refreshments, including a 'good old fashioned cuppa,' and likely restroom facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful for photographing the windmill. Capturing it with the sails turning is a particularly dynamic shot.
Drone usage is generally restricted at heritage sites to protect the structure and ensure visitor safety. It's best to check with the Friends of Upminster Windmill directly before flying a drone in the vicinity.
Its distinctive smock mill design, the historic architecture, the surrounding greenery, and the iconic turning sails make it a very photogenic subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The garden is also a lovely spot for a break. With affordable entry fees for children and the unique experience of seeing a working windmill, it's a great alternative to typical tourist spots. It offers a chance for kids to learn about local history and engineering in an interactive and memorable way.
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Enthusiasts
The detailed restoration project, which began in 2016, has brought the mill back to working order, allowing visitors to explore its multiple floors and understand the mechanics of traditional milling. The knowledgeable volunteers are a treasure trove of information, eager to share the mill's past and the intricacies of its restoration.
📸 Photographers & Art Lovers
+1 The best light for capturing its charm is often during the early morning or late afternoon. Beyond the mill itself, the surrounding landscape and the potential for distant city views on clear days add further photographic interest.
It's a location that appeals to those who appreciate historic architecture and the beauty of rural or semi-rural settings. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Restoration Journey
+1 The project involved meticulous work on the structure, sails, and internal machinery, ensuring that this piece of local history could be preserved and shared with the public. Visitors can learn about the challenges and triumphs of this restoration firsthand by exploring the mill's interior. The volunteers are often eager to share details about the process, highlighting the craftsmanship and dedication involved. Seeing the mill operational again is a testament to the community's commitment to preserving its heritage.
This dedication means that on open days, you can witness the sails turning, a truly impressive sight that showcases the mill's functionality. It's a chance to connect with a bygone era and appreciate the engineering marvels of the past.
A Family-Friendly Day Out
The site also features a pleasant garden area perfect for a stroll or a picnic, and on open days, lawn games are often available, providing active entertainment. The volunteers are particularly good at making the visit educational and enjoyable for kids, explaining the mill's workings in an accessible way.
With affordable admission prices for children and the opportunity to see a working windmill, it's a fantastic alternative to more conventional attractions. It provides a blend of history, outdoor activity, and discovery that makes for a memorable family outing.
Photography Opportunities
+1 Capturing the mill during the 'golden hours' of sunrise or sunset can yield dramatic and beautiful shots, highlighting its textures and form. When the windmill is open and its sails are turning, it provides a dynamic element for photography. This is a rare and captivating sight that many visitors come specifically to witness and photograph.
Remember to check the opening times to ensure you can access the site and potentially see the sails working. Respecting the site and any posted photography guidelines is also important to preserve the experience for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit