Brindley's Mill and the James Brindley Museum
Restored 1752 water-powered corn mill in Leek built by James Brindley, with a small museum on the canal engineer.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Brindley's Mill in Leek is a water-powered corn mill dating from 1752. It is the only corn mill known to have been built by James Brindley, the millwright and canal engineer who became known as the father of British canals. The mill stands beside the River Churnet on the Leek to Macclesfield road, close to the place where Brindley had his workshop.
The mill ground corn until 1940. After a period of decline it was bought and restored from a derelict state by the Brindley Mill Preservation Trust, which was set up in 1970. The mill was opened to the public in 1974, and the James Brindley Museum was added inside the building in 1980. The building is a Scheduled Monument and a Grade II listed building.
Today the mill still produces flour from grain, although it is no longer a commercial business. Visitors can watch the waterwheel drive the machinery and turn the millstones. The small museum on the upper floors uses information panels and objects to tell the story of Brindley's life and work and the history of milling. The mill is run by volunteer stewards, who offer guided tours at no extra charge.
Highlights
- Working waterwheel turning the millstones
- Only corn mill known to have been built by James Brindley
- Displays on the life and work of the canal pioneer James Brindley
- Free guided tours by volunteer stewards
- Flour milled on site from grain
Permanent exhibition
- James Brindley Museum – Information panels and objects on the life and work of James Brindley, the history of milling and the working corn mill.
- Founded
- 1974
- Operated by
- Brindley Mill Preservation Trust
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £5 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £1free up to age 4 · Ages 5 to 18 pay £1.00; children under 5 are free. |
| School children, per pupil | £1Teachers and helpers are free. |
| Other children’s groups, per child | £1Group leaders and helpers are free. |
| Private party, per person | £5 |
Free admission: Heritage Open Days (12 and 13 September 2026) and National Mills Weekend (10 May 2026)
Members of the Brindley Mill Preservation Trust enter free. Annual membership costs £5 (student or retired), £8 (adult) or £12 (family). The mill is a charity and relies on admission charges and donations.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
The mill has three floors, each reached by steep steps, and visitors are advised to take care. There are no toilets at the mill.
Kids & families
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
|---|
School groups and children’s groups are welcome by prior appointment. Children aged 5 to 18 pay a reduced entry price.
Getting there & parking
By car
No on-site parking at the museum.
There is no parking at the mill. Free parking is available a few yards away in Abbey Green Road and at the Sainsbury’s supermarket on Churnet Way, which has a 3-hour limit. There is also some on-street parking.
The mill is on the A523 Leek to Macclesfield road, about half a mile from the marketplace in the centre of Leek. Use the postcode ST13 8FA for satellite navigation.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Museum shop
The mill sells some printed material and small gifts. There are no toilets at the mill; toilets are available at the nearby Sainsbury’s supermarket when it is open, and for customers at a nearby McDonald’s and the public house next door.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| School programs | yes |
| Good to know | Volunteer stewards offer guided tours at no extra cost, or visitors can walk round on their own. Schools and groups visit by prior appointment outside the planned opening hours and are not normally taken round during opening times. |
