3 Mills to Visit in Wales this National Mills Weekend
3 Mills to Visit in Wales this National Mills Weekend
On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, over a hundred windmills and watermills will open their doors as part of National Mills Weekend – our annual celebration of the heritage and history of mills, and the people who care for them today.
We’ve rounded up three of the most unmissable National Mills Weekend events in Wales.
Find your nearest participating mills and get involved with the fun! Remember to share your photos with us @spabmills #NationalMillsWeekend.
Trefriw Woollen Mill © Lukassek
1. Mathern Mill, Monmouthshire / Sir Fynwy
Visit this former corn mill which retains most of its original machinery. This machinery was the pinnacle of stone grinding technology when it was installed, before it was eventually superseded by roller mills. It was designed to operate with either the steam engine or a waterwheel, and now Mathern Mill has one of the most complete examples of this type of machinery in the country.
Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 2 - 5pm. Free entry.
2. Trefriw Woollen Mills, Conwy
A family business since it was taken over in 1859, Trefriw weaves traditional Welsh tapestry bedspreads. The machines are powered by electricity generated by a 1940s water-driven turbine. Visit the turbine house, weaving shed and weaver’s garden containing plants connected with the textile industry. While you’re there, you can also enjoy a to the nearby Fairy Falls waterfall.
Open Saturday 11 May, 10am - 5pm. Free entry.
3. Y Felin Rhyd Hir, Efailnewydd, Gwynedd
Go on a free guided tour at this historic watermill complex, especially for National Mills Weekend. The site, with its miller's house and associated outbuildings, has a history dating all the way back to the 13th century. It’s likely to have been the site of one of the earliest known watermills on the Llyn Peninsular and is now one of the most comprehensively repaired overshot water wheels in North Wales.
Open Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May, 10am - 3pm. Free entry.