Gower Heritage Centre

About the museum

A corn mill stood on this site in the 12th century, as part of the estate of the Le Breos family, who were granted Gower by King John in 1203. The first written mentions of the mill date from about 1300. It was a toll mill: local farmers had to bring their grain to be ground and pay dues to the estate, and the mill probably formed part of the nearby Parc Le Breos deer park.

In the early 19th century the site also housed the Parkmill Woollen Manufactory, set up by John Grant, who is thought to have come from western Scotland. It was working by 1807 and made red flannel blankets for the military during the Napoleonic Wars. The business declined after a cargo of uninsured stock was lost at sea in 1815 and the military contract ended; Grant stayed in Parkmill until his death in 1845.

Today the Gower Heritage Centre keeps the old water wheel and grinding stones working and mills stoneground flour on site. Visitors can take a guided tour of the watermill, look at displays on the rural history of Gower, and see weaving and spinning demonstrations and a cider press. The old buildings also house craft workshops, shops and a bakery, and the grounds include a poultry park, a tea garden and play areas.

Highlights

• 12th-century water mill still producing stoneground flour
• Free daily guided tours of the watermill with entry
• Rural history displays about farming in Gower
• Weaving and spinning demonstrations recalling the woollen mill
• Poultry park, tea garden and indoor and outdoor play areas

Permanent exhibitions

• The 12th-century watermill – A working water-powered flour mill whose wheel and stones are demonstrated on guided tours.
• Rural history of Gower – Displays on farming and country life on the Gower peninsula, including a cider press and old farm machinery.

Admission & discounts

The adult ticket (10 pounds) includes parking for one car. Children under 2 enter free. Tickets are sold at the Heritage Centre shop; outside opening hours a payment can be left in the collection box on the entrance door.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The centre is a group of old buildings with rough and uneven ground in places, but about 95 per cent of it can be reached easily by wheelchair. Several disabled parking spaces are in the car park and vehicles may drive to the front entrance to unload. A couple of wheelchairs can be borrowed. Self-guided tours of the mill are available through an app. No Braille material is available. Dogs are welcome on a lead except in the poultry park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

Younger visitors can use mini tractors, diggers and a small soft play area under cover, and a larger sand pit with swing, slides and play castle in the grounds. A poultry park is on site. Family art sessions, story sessions and seasonal events run in the InspireU studio, usually with pre-booking.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in Parkmill on the A4118, at the end of the village on the right, 300 metres past the Shepherds shop and signposted with brown tourist signs. It is about 13 miles from junction 42 of the M4.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

There is a tea garden, and the mill shop sells coffee, snacks, cider, flour and logs. Gower Gourmet Kitchen serves pre-booked afternoon teas on Sundays and on event days. Craft shops and a bakery are on site, and electric car charging points are available.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit