Entertainment and events

Bromham Mill

Bromham MillBromham Mill

Set on the River Great Ouse, Bromham Mill is a 17th century restored Watermill. Flour milling and baking take place regularly, along with lots of other craft and countryside activities. Two galleries show contemporary art and craftwork including textiles, ceramics and glass. Refreshments are served overlooking the river and the surrounding water meadow is ideal for a picnic. For information on school visits, exhibitions, activities and events, please telephone (01234) 824330.
 
Bromham Mill and Gallery - History

There was a mill on the site of Bromham Mill since before the domesday survey in 1086. For centuries, the enormous wheel was turned only by the water of The River Great Ouse.

In the 1920’s a steam engine was installed to provide extra power but by then, Water Mill technology had become obsolete. It has since been renovated and visitors can once again watch flour milling at close quarters.

In the early years, the mill was a self-sufficient community. The river not only powered the machinery but was also full of eels and other wildlife.

There was a blacksmith’s shop next door and pigs were reared on apples from the orchard and sweepings of grain, and flour.

Traditionally, millers made gear teeth out of apple wood which was always available from the orchard.

Today, the Mill once again grinds flour, much as it used to. Millers tell the same tall stories and the machinery creaks, groans and splashes away.

Since its restoration, the Mill has become a hub of activity where you can join artists and crafts people to learn a new skill.

Whether you choose to be creative or quiet, the setting is inspirational and always has something to offer.

Crafty Things, Messy Things, Edible Things and lots of Fun Things!

The Galleries on the first and ground floors of the Mill show varied programmes of art and craft work, one of which is usually fabric-based. A selection of some of the best contemporary British craft and design is on sale on the ground floor.

Fresh coffee and cakes are served overlooking the River and our shop sells gifts, toys and books. More substantial snacks and meals can be had at local pubs or further afield at the tea room in Harrold-Odell Country Park.

Beside the Mill
Bromham Mill is set in seven acres of water meadows, rich in bird and plant life. The river and mill provide an ideal setting for a picnic. The enormous 26 arch Bromham Bridge spans the river alongside the Mill.

Further Afield
As the car park and toilets are open each day, the site is ideal as a starting point for walks into the surrounding Parkland and further afield, via a system of waymarked circular routes. For walks around the Ouse Valley Villages, taking in some of the best views in Bedfordshire, a leaflet is available from the Mill and libraries.

Mill Fans
A free leaflet is available listing other mills in the region. Stevington Postmill is close by and, for those interested in mill buildings or local history, is worth a visit.

Opening Times
Bromham Mill is open on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays 1 - 5 pm from April to October.

The Mill is available for groups at any time and we give guided tours, baking lessons and craft activities on request. Meadow and picnic area are open all day every day till dusk.

The 16th Bromham Mill Apple Day is on October 14th 2007.

A day out for the entire family with a local food fayre, apple identification, storytelling, puppet shows, local beer and cider, morris dancing, the big draw with Bedford Arts Forum, apple bobbing, bedfordshire clangers, calvados, honey and more. See you there!

Admission during opening hours is free and the cafe sells fresh coffee and home made cakes.

Call the Mill on (01234) 824330 Email: bromham.mill@bedscc.gov.uk 

Admission Prices
Admission is free, although a charge is made for special group or school visits. 

All groups are welcome, given a little notice! Schools, particularly, are encouraged to discuss their requirements with staff beforehand as Bromham Mill has lots to offer. Group rates, information packs and booking forms are available on request.

For information please call (01234) 824330.  Email: bromham.mill@bedscc.gov.uk

Access
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the building, access for people with limited mobility is very restricted. The first floor is only accessible by a flight of stairs, although staff will gladly ensure access to the full extent of the ground floor. If you would like more information, please telephone during open hours.

Where to find us

One mile from Bedford at the west end of Bromham Bridge, signposted from the A428 Bedford to Northampton road.

Bromham Mill
Bridge End
Bromham
Bedford
MK43 8LP

Telephone: (01234) 824330
Email: bromham.mill@bedscc.gov.uk .



SERVICES A-Z

Heritage


RELATED PAGES

Elstow Moot Hall
Past Mayors of Bedford
Local Attractions
Stevington Windmill
The Swiss Garden
Bedford Local Attractions Maps
Visitor Attractions
Woburn Abbey
Woburn Safari Park
The Shuttleworth Collection
RSPB Nature Reserve
Culture and Creativity
St. Pauls Church, Bedford
Abbey Church of St. Helena, Elstow
Heritage
Bunyan Meeting Free Church
Cardington Village
Harrold Lockup and Buttermarket
Bushmead Priory
Butterfly Bridge