Visitor information

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

Opening schedule

April- end of October – Sunday-Thursday, 10.30am-4.30pm (Closed Fridays and Saturdays)

November- end of March – selected days only 11am-3.30pm (OPEN 1st & 2nd Nov, 27th-31st Dec and 18th – 23rd February)

Self-guided tours

Due to the small internal spaces, we operate staggered visits for up to 10 people with approximately 10 minute intervals. Groups of more than 10 persons (or more than 2 family groups) will be able to take up 2 consecutive slots to maintain quality visits for all.

On days when volunteers are in attendance, demonstrations of the mill machinery and explanations of the history of the mill are available.

As there is an abundance of educational opportunity, schools, community and group bookings are most welcome. Please do contact our reception to arrange for groups of over 10 persons. Discounts are available for schools and large groups.

The internal spaces

The small huddle of historic buildings contained the main working environments for the various milling processes and lifestyle needs of the millers and their families.

The award-winning modern displays take you through the mill and provide interactive explanations and fun activities for all ages.

You will be able to follow the journey of the grain through these spaces to find out more about how the grain went from field to bagged flour.

The grounds

Part of your visit will be spent outside. We host wooded grounds, open meadow and landscaped gardens which form a variety of atmospheric and scenic spaces for you to enjoy. There, you will find picnic benches and seating where you will be able to relax in the natural settings and take in the views. You will also be able to view the cascades, follow our nature trail and even play with the interactive model waterwheel.

Sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing is recommended.

Let’s hope the weather is favourable for you!

Getting to us

Make sure you check local travel updates before setting out.

To add to your unique experience at the mill, consider using the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway to get to us. Eskdale Mill is a short (10 minute) walk from Dalegarth for Boot station, at the end of the line  – just follow the signposts to Boot village.

Please see their website for timetables and cost details.

We encourage sustainable transportation such as cycling and walking. Bicycles can be stored securely during your visit. The newly upgraded EskTrail runs alongside the River Esk from Ravenglass and upto Dalegarth in Eskdale.

If you choose to use a car, plan your route carefully using a road map. Don’t rely on your SatNav directions which will suggest routes over the Wrynose and Hardknott Passes from Ambleside. These are very difficult even in good conditions.

Equally scenic, but less terrifying routes can be found via Ulpha and Birker Fell (from the South) or Gosforth and Holmrook (from the North).

Take extra care driving on the narrow roads within the valley!

Parking facilities

Please note there is no public car park at the mill or in Boot village. We are situated across a narrow packhorse bridge which was built with horses and people in mind, but not cars!

You can use car parking facilities at Dalegarth station, which is only a scenic 10 minutes walk away.

There is also a free car park at Trough House Bridge to the south of Boot on the way to Dalegarth Hall; this is a 20 minute walk away.

For large groups, prior arrangement for mini-buses can be discussed further at time of booking with the Mill Manager.

Accessibility & welfare

If you have mobility issues you may find it challenging to get around. This is due to the topographical setting of the site, granite bedrock and steep steps within and outside the mill. The ground-floor exhibition room contains a touchscreen virtual tour for our disabled visitors. We are able to provide alternative routes for those with walking aids and have provided handrails, where possible.

Please do email the manager if you wish to discuss further.

There is a disabled toilet and baby changing facilites – please just ask for the key at reception.

Please feel free to bring your own refreshments. We offer picnic seating in various locations throughout our grounds, including our newly restored gardens and meadow. Perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream!

Gift Aided admissions

If you are a UK tax payer, please consider participating in our Gift Aid scheme as this is a massive boost to us as a small heritage charity. This results in us being able to make a subsequent claim to HMRC and further increase our core income.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring my dog? Friendly, well-behaved dogs are welcome at no extra cost. We ask that you keep them under control in all areas and clean up after them.

Should I book beforehand? It’s not necessary to make a reservation but you may find there’s a short wait during a busy period. We operate a first come, first served system. You can always spend time in the garden area whilst waiting.

During the busy summer period, it is advised that you book online if you want to secure your preferred time slot.

Phone reservations on 019467 23335 are possible all year round.

How long does my ticket last? All tickets provide a year’s free admission to the original ticket holder.

Can I get about with a wheelchair or pushchair? Due to the hilly location, there are some steep steps and uneven ground to navigate around the complex.

You’re welcome to leave your pushchair at our reception where it will be safely looked after.

Do you sell refreshments? We sell local handmade ice-cream and also now offer hot and cold drinks and pre-packed snacks.

Do you have a gift shop? Yes, we operate a small gift shop where you can purchase our guidebook, Cumbrian stoneground flour, local artist cards & prints, Eskdale Mill branded items, heritage toys and watermill games.

OUR VISITOR CHARTER:

• We endeavour to ensure your safety at all times whilst visiting our complex.
• We apply limits on numbers of people visiting each small space at any one time.
• We have adapted all areas to encourage a one-way flow throughout the internal spaces.
• We keep our gates, doors and windows open for your convenience to ensure good ventilation.
• Our team is trained to incorporate these measures into our operations.
• All hard surfaces are cleaned regularly.
• We have installed hand sanitiser stations at appropriate points in the mill.

We ask that:

• You co-operate with our safety measures and respect each other’s space.
• You don’t visit if you feel unwell.
• You use our signage to guide you around our one-way system.
• You use the hand sanitisers provided to help protect yourself, our teams and the local residents.
• You don’t touch our shop items unless you intend to buy something.
• You take your litter away with you.
• You keep your children and dogs under reasonable control
• You follow the Countryside Code whilst visiting the area.

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