East of England - Suffolk

The earliest record of a tide mill on this site by the River Deben is in 1170. By the 1950s it had become the last working tide mill in the country, but in 1957 it finally closed. It was saved in 1968, restored and opened to the public in 1973. Recently, further protection and restoration work has brought it back into use as a fully working tide mill as well being a fascinating and remarkable living example of our industrial and cultural heritage. Heritage Lottery funding is now complete and we respect the importance of the revenue that Group Travel contributes to the Mill’s upkeep.

The Tide Mill is maintained and operated by an enthusiastic group of volunteers so, even when it is closed during the closed season can look after group tours by appointment. We have regular group visits from schools and documentary makers as well as Women’s institutes, Probus, University of the 3rd Age and groups of engineers, history buffs, mill-spotters and others interested in industry, nature and history.

Practical aspects

Although the Mill is located right on the beautiful River Deben, from a practical point of view the Mill was located and constructed at a time when coach parties weren’t anticipated and while drop off outside can be accommodated, the three nearest coach parking spaces are an interesting 200m from the Mill. The Mill is on three floors reached by narrow stairs and, unfortunately, this precludes access to the first and second floor by anyone who cannot climb stairs. There is however a lot to see on the ground floor including a short film on the Mills history. A guided tour of the Mill and the Mill Pond usually takes about an hour and from there it’s a short, pleasant walk into Woodbridge with all its eateries and shops. The Mill has a toilet and there are public conveniences near the coach park. We have an arrangement with the nearby Notcutt’s Garden Centre where a coach party can rendezvous and use their Coffee Shop.

Finally our good friends Choose Woodbridge can work with Group Travel operators to arrange a complementary visit to other local attractions (such as Sutton Hoo and the Suffolk Punch Trust) so that you can make a day of it or longer.

What’s up in 2016

Each year, after extensive maintenance and repair, Woodbridge Tide Mill opens its doors at Easter to welcome visitors from all over the world throughout the summer to September. Tourists of all ages become captivated by the interactive displays, informative exhibits and real life milling demonstrations.

Pop up to a busy season of events

This season we are planning a number of events to attract more visitors to the Tide Mill. One of the first is a repeat of our previous Pop-Up Restaurants. Those who were lucky enough to get a reservation to these sell-out events last year will recall that they are a great way to have a gourmet experience in a truly unique environment.

Local chef, Vernon Blackmore (of the Anchor, The Table and The Old Mariner) will be cooking for the Bubble & Squid Tide Mill Fundraising Supper on 2nd April from 7pm in the charming Tide Mill. A limited clientele of 50 diners will enjoy a fixed menu of seafood delights (meat and vegetarian option available by pre-arrangement) for only £25/head. Diners are asked to book early by calling Vernon or Emma at The Table on 01394 382428.

Also after the success of last year’s Gingerbread Trail in Woodbridge, the Tide Mill has joined up with The Cake Shop Bakery to organise another trail to keep families amused over the Easter holidays. Between 21st March and 15th April, families can buy a trail sheet for £1 at The Cake Shop from 21st March and from The Tide Mill from the 25th March, and follow the trail to find the seven biscuits hidden around Woodbridge town centre.

The trail clues prompt curious kids to seek out some interesting things along the way and if they gather all seven biscuit names they will win an Easter egg shaped biscuit baked by The Cake Shop using Tide Mill flour.

Later in the year the Mill will be busy during National Mills Weekend on the 14-15 May as well as playing a part at the Woodbridge Regatta on the 26 June before the yet-to-be-announced Shuck Festival in October and the Heritage Open Days from 8-11 October.

And don’t forget – we make flour!

Most importantly our well-toned millers will be busy milling over the season. Wheel-turning and milling dates will shortly go up on our website. These volunteer millers grind the grain to make the authentic and delicious Tide Mill flour the same way it was done 800 years ago.

If you like your artisan bread then visit the award winning Cake Shop Bakery, Woodbridge Farmers Market or Honey + Harvey Café in Woodbridge to sample hand-crafted breads and treats made using Tide Mill Flour. The three Co-ops in the Town also stock it for home bakers.

There’s a list of other places to find our flour, milling times and information on the website woodbridgetidemill.org.uk.
Make 2016 the year you visit The Tide Mill Living Museum in Woodbridge.