Things to see and do at Bembridge Windmill

A visiting family touch the machinery inside Bembridge Windmill, Isle of Wight. Built around 1700, it last operated in 1913 but still has most of its original machinery intact — A visiting family touch the machinery inside Bembridge Windmill | © National Trust Images/John Millar

It might only be small but this little gem – the last surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight – has plenty to keep you occupied. From climbing to the top, to discovering the milling process, to making mud pies in the Mud Bakery; adults and little ones alike will find this place full of engaging history. Discover its highlights here.

Climb to the top

Start your visit by climbing to the top of the windmill's four floors. At the top is the 'bin floor' where grain would be emptied into the bin from which it was fed by gravity to the millstones for grinding.

Here you can also see the wooden roof of the cap, and the wind shaft which comes through the wall from the sails and passes through the centre of the great brake wheel. Then you can follow the milling process as you come back down.

See how the windmill worked

With the help of a short film about milling, you can find out how it worked before it closed in 1913.

If you’d like even more information about the history of the windmill and its working past or just a souvenir of your visit, we also have a guidebook for sale, priced £2.

Family fun

If exploring the windmill isn’t enough to keep children occupied, outside we've a Mud Bakery to make mud pies in. It includes a phone, oven and till, as well as lots of bowls for mixing, and a table and chairs to sit at.

On the bottom floor of the windmill you can try grinding some flour, just as the millers who worked here once did, and as you explore the four floors, look out for the little mice, who will tell you the story of the windmill through their eyes.

Visitors at Bembridge Windmill, Isle of Wight — Visitors at Bembridge Windmill | © National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

Time for some refreshment

If you've worked up an appetite climbing up and down the floors, or need cooling off, there are indulgent ice creams and cold drinks available from Visitor Reception. You're also welcome to enjoy a picnic within the grounds of the windmill where there's plenty of space to lay a blanket, as well as tables to sit at.

Make a day of it

Several footpaths pass the windmill, making it a good place to either start a walk from or to visit as you go by.

The area is small so there’s no danger of getting lost, but it's surprising what you can discover. Little visitors might like to make friends with a bug in the hedgerows around the mill or get to know a tree in the grounds. These are just a few of our '50 things to do before you're 11¾' that you can try. Ask at visitor reception for a free leaflet to help you get started.

Stay for longer

Not far from Bembridge Windmill is St Helens Duver. Here you can choose from two holiday cottages to stay in – The Old Club House and Old Church Lodge – which are close to each other and to the beach.