Hampshire Cultural Trust will withdraw from the operation of Bursledon Windmill with effect from 1 April 2024. The mill is closed as usual for the winter season and will not re-open to the public for visits or special events for the remainder of Hampshire Cultural Trust’s operational responsibility. More information is available on the below link.

The future of Bursledon Windmill


Discover Bursledon Windmill, a fascinating glimpse into the county’s milling history.

Built in 1814, after a period of dereliction it was restored and reopened in the 1990s as a working windmill and heritage attraction.

Other buildings on site include the Chineham Barn, which now houses the ticket office and other facilities, and the Hiltingbury Granary, an 18th century farm building. The pond that used to water the farmer’s horses has been re-dug in its original location. Much of Bursledon Windmill is an outdoor site, so suitable clothing and footwear are strongly advised.

Things to do

There is plenty for the whole family to do at Bursledon Windmill:

  • A guided tour of the site 
  • Take a walk through Windmill Wood and try the brass rubbing nature trail
  • Watch a documentary on the history of the windmill
  • Learn about grinding flour by hand 
  • Browse the shop’s range of gift items

The workings of the mill

The boat-shaped cap - so called because it looks like the inverted hull of a boat - turns on the top of the windmill tower to keep the sails facing into the wind. The sails have canvas cloths spread over them to catch the wind: hardly any canvas is required in a strong wind, whereas full cloths are needed in a light breeze. The reefing stage around the mill provides access to the sails.

Inside the mill, the ground floor was used for the temporary storage of newly-delivered grain and for bagging the milled meal and flour. Further up are the stone floor, the bin floor and the dust floor, known as such because it easily became very dusty and dirty during milling. Here, you can see each element of the mill mechanism and learn from our guides how each piece worked together to grind the flour.

History of the mill

The windmill was built in 1814 and was in operation until the late 1880s. Between 1978 and 1991, the derelict mill was restored by the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust. The sails were replaced in 1990 and the mill opened to the public in May 1991. In 2012, a major two year restoration to the windmill began, supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant, before the mill reopened once again under the care of Hampshire Cultural Trust in 2014.

Before you visit the mill, please be aware:

To take part in the mill tour, please be advised that:

  • You must be able to climb and descend steep ladders without assistance
  • The tour is not suitable for visitors with vertigo, claustrophobia or similar health conditions
  • You must wear appropriate, flat footwear

During your tour, please:

  • Supervise children at all times
  • Mind your head on the low beams and doorframes
  • Take care on the steep ladders

If you have any questions before or during your tour of the mill, please ask a member of our team - they will be happy to help you.

Your visit

Café and picnics

Drinks and snacks are available to buy at Bursledon Windmill and picnics are welcome.

Bring your own cup

Get 30p off your next hot drink in the museum café when you bring your own reusable cup! Simply present your cup to a member of staff to claim your discount.

Admission

Pay once, visit all year*! With your ticket, you can enjoy unlimited visits to Bursledon Windmill and return as many times as you like for a whole year!

Ticket Price: Pay Once, Visit All Year!  
Adult £5.00  
Children £2.50  
Concession £4.00  
Under 5s Free  
Family Ticket (up to 5 people, max. 2 adults) £14.00  

*Excludes special events which are charged separately. Please see What's On for details. 

Prices effective 13 August 2020.

Find out more about our concession and discounted tickets.

Learn about the history of the Windmill, Chineham Barn and Granary building on a site guided tour. Please note internal tours of the windmill are currently not available. If you are travelling a long way to visit the mill, it is worthwhile calling ahead to check whether the tours are busy. 

Hampshire Cultural Trust is a charity and so, with your help, we’re able to benefit from the UK government’s Gift Aid scheme. Find out more about Gift Aid.

Accessibility

Bursledon Windmill offers disabled parking and accessible toilet facilities. The barn, grounds and ground floor of the windmill are wheelchair accessible and an interactive tour of the mill is available for those unable to reach the upper floors. Dogs and assistance dogs are permitted in the grounds only.

How to get here

By car: Bursledon Windmill is signposted from Junction 8 of the M27. Follow the signs from the motorway to the roundabout and take the first left onto the A27. Windmill Lane is the first turning on the left. Free parking is available on site.

Group and school visits

To arrange a group booking please call 02380 404999.

What is the nature of your enquiry?
  • Bursledon windmill was built in 1819 and went into decline and since has been fully restored to a working windmill that is a pleasure to visit. Very picturesque setting and windmill and truly a hidden gem off the beaten track.

    Rayrest
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