Heage Windmill - Derby Days Out

Discover Heage Windmill - Historic Icon & Working Landmark in Derbyshire, UK

Looking for memorable things to see and do in Derby and Derbyshire? Heage Windmill is one of the county’s most distinctive historic attractions - a beautifully restored and working six-sailed stone windmill set atop a hill with panoramic countryside views. With its fascinating history, guided tours, flour milling, special events and scenic setting near the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, it’s a must-visit for families, history lovers and outdoor explorers.

🏰 England’s Only Working Six-Sailed Stone Tower Mill

Heage Windmill stands out as the only working six-sailed stone tower windmill in England, originally built in 1797 and lovingly restored to full working order in 2002.
This Grade II* listed building has a rich heritage stretching back over 200 years and offers a rare opportunity to see traditional milling machinery in action.

🧑‍🏫 Guided Tours & Milling Demonstrations

When open to the public, knowledgeable guides lead visitors on guided tours that typically last around 40 minutes, taking you through the windmill’s history, the role of the miller and traditional stoneground flour milling methods.
Tours also include access to an interpretation area beneath the mill where you can watch a computer presentation explaining the mechanics and history of the windmill.

🌾 Purchase Stoneground Flour & Souvenirs

Part of the Heage Windmill experience is sampling or taking home a taste of history. The on-site shop sells Heage Windmill stoneground flour (when available), as well as snacks, hot and cold drinks, and souvenirs so you can remember your visit.

📆 Opening Times & Visits

Heage Windmill opens to visitors on weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays from April through the end of October, typically 11 am–4 pm, with the last tour starting at 3:30 pm.
Outside the main season, the windmill still mills flour and is open for flour sales on selected winter Saturdays, usually the second Saturday of each month.

📍 Location, Views & Accessibility

Situated off Chesterfield Road, just north of the Derbyshire village of Heage, the windmill sits prominently on a hilltop with spectacular views near the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and wider countryside.
There is free parking on site, and while access to the upper parts of the mill is via steep stairs, ground-level access around the mill and countryside views are available for all visitors.

🐾 Family Fun & Special Activities

Heage Windmill often hosts events throughout the year, from seasonal celebrations and vintage tractor days to heritage days and community gatherings - check the official site for current timings and details.

Whether you’re taking a guided tour or enjoying a scenic picnic with windmill views, this historic attraction blends education, heritage and pure Derbyshire charm in one unforgettable visit.

📍 Why Visit Heage Windmill?

If you’re searching for top attractions near Derby, historic sites in Derbyshire, or unique outdoor and cultural things to do in the UK, Heage Windmill ticks all the boxes. From its rare working six-sail mechanism and traditional milling demonstrations to its dramatic hilltop setting and welcoming community atmosphere, it’s an ideal choice for families, walkers, history fans and travellers exploring the East Midlands.

Plan your visit to Heage Windmill - where Derbyshire history, heritage and countryside views come alive!

ℹ️ For the most up-to-date information, visit their official website.