National Mills Weekend
The National Mills Weekend is an annual celebration promoted by the Mills Section of SPAB. Across the country, hundreds of mills – including some not normally open to the public – will be taking part. The next National Mills Weekend will take place on Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th May 2026.
With their elegant turning sails or distinctive waterwheels, it’s not surprising that windmills and watermills appear so frequently in paintings and photographs, posters and postcards. These instantly recognisable buildings feature in some of Britain’s most popular works of art: in a BBC poll, John Constable’s The Hay Wain, featuring Flatford Mill in Suffolk, was voted the nation’s second best-loved painting.
To celebrate the 2025 theme 'Mills in Time', Martyn Taylor has made a film especially for the National Mills Weekend. To watch the film, click here
For a list of regional mill groups and their websites please have a look on the useful contact's page.
For images from the 2025 event see #NationalMillsWeekend Facebook hashtag.
If you own or manage a mill, this is the perfect opportunity to engage local people, reach new audiences, and inspire the next generation of mill enthusiasts. We've put together some guidance on how to plan your event and tips on how to promote your event.
See some handy templates from the 2025 event below:
A press release template can be downloaded here
A poster for you to customise can be downloaded here