Visitor information

YOUR VISIT

We operate exclusive staggered visits for up to 8 people with 10-15 minute intervals. Individuals will be able to visit in their exclusive slot in the same way that a group of 8 can. Groups of more than 8 persons (or more than 2 family groups) will be able take up 2 consecutive slots to maintain reliable social distancing from others.

Your visit isn’t timed during the latter part of your visit as this will be spent outside. Once outside, we expect you to continue to respect others’ enjoyment and maintain safe distancing.

There are toilet and baby changing facilites.

There are a variety of scenic spaces to enjoy a picnic. Let’s hope the weather is favourable for you!

Schools and group bookings are welcome. Please do contact our reception to arrange. Discounts are available.

If you are a UK tax payer, please consider participating in our Gift Aid scheme. This is a massive boost to us as a small heritage charity. A small extra donation on your admission fee means we can make a subsequent claim to HMRC and further increase our core income.

Due to the historic setting of this site and number of steps involved during your visit, people with mobility issues may find it challenging to get around. We can provide support and are able to provide alternative routes for those with walking aids. Do contact manager@eskdalemill.co.uk if you wish to discuss further.

During the main visitor season, it is advised that you book online to secure your preferred time slot. During the quieter winter months booking isn’t needed, although you may have a short wait if there are others before you. Phone reservations are possible all year round.

Parking

Please note there is no 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, only a scenic 10 minutes walk away.
• There is also a free car park at Trough House Bridge to the south of Boot, a 20 minute walk away. To find us from the Trough House Bridge car park, retrace your steps north along the road. Cross over the River Esk and turn right at the T-junction. Follow the road east past Dalegarth Station on your left. Follow the signs to the mill and at the next crossroads, turn left at the Brook House Inn. Keep going and we are just past The Boot Inn and over the packhorse bridge.

If you choose to use a car, please 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 or Holmrook (from the North). Roads over the fells may be closed too, so please make sure you check local travel updates.

Please take extra care driving on the narrow roads within the valley!

SAFETY MEASURES

• Public Health England guidelines state that face coverings should be worn when spending time in public internal spaces. Children under 11 years and those who struggle to breathe properly are exempt from this.
• Safe distancing must be maintained for the duration of your visit.
• Please use the hand sanitiser provided at entrance and exit
• We support the NHS Test and Trace system. You will be able to check-in using the  QR code scanner app or we will take your contact details and store for 21 days only.

OUR VISITOR CHARTER:

• We endeavour to ensure your safety at all times whilst visiting our complex.
• We have applied safe distancing measures.
• We use an online booking system to help manage our visitor numbers.
• We have changed the route of your journey around the mill to make it easy for you to maintain safe distancing.
• We have adapted all areas to encourage a one-way flow throughout the internal spaces.
• We have temporarily removed some of our hands-on displays and now keep our gates, doors and windows open for your convenience and to ensure good ventilation.
• Our team has been trained to incorporate these new measures into our operations.
• All hard surfaces are cleaned regularly.
• We have installed hand sanitiser stations at our entrance and exit.

We ask that:

• You co-operate with our safety measures and respect each other’s space.
• You don’t visit if you display any of the COVID-19 symptoms.
• 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 pay by contactless card, if possible.
• You don’t touch our shop items unless you intend to buy.
• You take your litter away with you.
• You follow the Countryside Code whilst visiting the area.

View our Terms & Conditions 

See our Privacy Policy

Countryside Code can be viewed here countryside-code-poster.pdf