The last working water mill in Suffolk! For almost a thousand years millers on this site have been using the simple technology of water power to produce stone-ground wholemeal flour from locally grown wheat. Now owned by the Suffolk Building Preservation Trust, a team of dedicated volunteers continues the tradition.

Pakenham Water Mill, one of Suffolk’s hidden gems, is situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, only 7 miles from Bury St Edmunds. Open to the public, the watermill is easily accessible by road or cycleway. A unique historical landmark, it has proved to be not only a popular attraction for mill enthusiasts, but also a source of fascination and enjoyment for tourists, ramblers. school parties, local artists and families – all looking for a day out with a difference. The area within the Mill Grounds overlooking the Mill Pool is ideal for picnics. There is also a pleasant walk along the river bank with numerous opportunities for sketching and painting. Pond dipping by prior arrangement. Ideal for Key Stage 1, 2 & 3 National Curriculum project.

VISITING, DIRECTIONS, PRODUCE and CATERING

The Water Mill is situated in the village of Pakenham, 6 miles East of Bury St Edmunds. Follow the brown signs from the A143. See map: Google Maps

Opening Hours

Saturday 6th  April until Sunday 29th September 2019.

Mill open: Thurs 10.00 am – 4.00 pm Sat, Sun & Bank Holidays 1.00 pm – 4.30 pm
Tea Room open as per Mill hours. *Milling can be seen on Thursdays 10.00 am – 11.30 am approx. Also on Sunday afternoons during August from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm. These are subject to operational constraints
During the closed season the Mill will be open for flour sales from 9.30 am to 11.00 am on Thursdays.

Admission prices: Free admission to Tea Room, Grounds, Parking (except on Special Event days) .Guided tours (Gift Aid prices) : Adults £5.50, Children £3.00 (5-16 years inc.). Except Saturdays when children are FREE. Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £13

Gift Aid makes a big difference to our charity but if you prefer not to make this contribution then : Adults £5.00, Children £2.50 (5-16 years inc.). Except Saturdays when children are FREE. Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £13.

We accept payment by cash and major credit and debit cards.

Events : A wide range of events and workshops are arranged. More details via this link to the Pakenham Watermill website.

Products and Outlets

We mill high-quality wholemeal wheat flour, spelt flour and rye flour, used by selected chefs and bakers throughout Suffolk; and organic porridge oats.
These can be purchased at the mill on Thursday mornings (9.30 -11.00) throughout the year and at other times when the mill is open in the summer. Flour can also bought at the following outlets:
Rickinghall (2nd Saturday of each month throughout the year).  Wyken Farm Market ( 1st Saturday each month)
Pakenham P.O. Meat Today at the Village Store in Ixworth High Street, Hillcrest Nurseries, Stanton. Bodhi Tree, The Traverse, Bury St. Edmunds.
Palmers, Haughley. Sparling and Faiers, Lavenham. Alder Carr Farm Shop, Needham Market. Infusions for Chefs – Rougham Industrial Estate. East of England Co-op Stores – Bury St Edmunds, Elmswell, Woolpit, Coombs

Shop : Souvenirs, merchandise, ice creams and soft drinks are all available from the Mill Shop.

Catering: We have a range of beverages, including tea, coffee, fruit juice and squash. We also are fully licensed and offer beer, wine and cider. We serve a selection of delicious home baked cakes and scones, using use our own flour and local ingredients where possible. Light lunches available on Thursdays and Saturdays/Sundays during July & August. We offer a Miller’s lunch, soup and tearoom specials.