Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot

Picturesque mill on the banks of the River Tyne – waterwheel, millpond, doocot and Outlander set

Overview

Alert warning

The mill and toilets are open (Thurs–Mon). Please see the Planning Your Visit section for more information.

Preston Mill with the mill pond in foreground

Overview

Step back in time and immerse yourself in the peaceful surroundings at this picturesque mill.
The mill features in the popular TV series Outlander.
See and hear the mill mechanisms in action and learn about the millers who worked here.
Keep an eye out for otters, kingfishers and herons on the walk beside the river down to the doocot.

Today’s Opening Hours

Mill & shop: 12.00–17.00

See full opening times

Entry prices

Adult: £7.00
Concession: £5.00
Family: £17.00
One adult family: £12.00

See all entry prices

Membership

At all Trust places, admission is free for members.

Join from £4.65 / month

Preston Mill on a summer’s day
A close-up of the water wheel in action at Preston Mill
Poppies in the fields surrounding Preston Mill
A heron stands in the field at Preston Mill.

About this place

When you first see Preston Mill you might think you’ve taken a step back in time. With its curious Dutch-style conical roof, the mill is an architectural oddity that will beguile visitors as much as it delights painters and photographers.

Preston Mill was used commercially until 1959 and was the region’s last working watermill. Guided tours reveal the gruelling nature of the miller’s work, from heavy lifting to dealing with floods, mice and dust.

Just across the River Tyne lies the unusual structure of Phantassie Doocot, built in the 16th century to house 500 pigeons.

Nestled within an idyllic location, the grounds surrounding Preston Mill offer access to several tranquil walks.

Open