Mill Green Museum and Working Mill

About the museum

Milling has gone on at Mill Green for at least a thousand years. The Domesday Book records mills owned by the Bishop of Ely near Hatfield, and two mills stood on the site by the thirteenth century. The present watermill is an eighteenth-century building that uses the River Lea to drive its wheels and grind grain into flour.

The mill stopped working commercially in the twentieth century. It was restored to full working order in 1986, and in 2026 the museum marks forty years since that restoration with a special exhibition. A museum opened in 1979 in the old miller's house next to the mill, and the site is managed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council as part of Welwyn Hatfield Museums.

The collection covers the archaeology and history of the borough. It ranges from milling equipment and tools to children's toys, furniture and clothing, and it includes objects from local industries such as Shredded Wheat, Murphy Radio, British Aerospace and ICI. The art collection includes works by local artists such as Eileen and George Soper. A miller is usually on site during opening hours to explain how the mill works, and the shop sells organic flour ground in the mill.

Highlights

• Working 18th-century watermill driven by the River Lea
• Miller on site to explain how the wheels, cogs and millstones work
• Galleries of local history, archaeology and art
• Objects from local industries such as Shredded Wheat and Murphy Radio
• Organic flour ground at the mill sold in the shop

Permanent exhibition

• Mill and museum galleries – The working watermill and galleries on the archaeology, industry, everyday life and art of the Welwyn Hatfield area.

Founded

1979

Operated by

Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Admission & discounts

General admission includes the mill tour, the museum galleries and exhibition entry. The site is cashless and accepts cards only. Museums Association members receive a concession.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: no information
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

There are four public toilets, two of them accessible. The car park has one disabled space. There is no buggy access to the first floor of the mill. Assistance dogs are welcome.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

There are family events in school holidays, including craft sessions for young children and seasonal Halloween and Christmas events. Baby changing facilities are in the public toilets, but there is no buggy access to the first floor of the mill.

Getting there & parking

The museum is just off the A414 between Hatfield and Hertford and is on several cycle routes. Welwyn Roman Baths is a 15-minute drive away, linked by the 301 bus.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The Miller's Tea Room is a small café open during museum hours and serves scones and tea. The Miller's Shop sells gifts, souvenirs and organic flour ground at the mill. Dogs on a lead are allowed in the gardens but not in the mill or No. 6 cottage.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The gardens can be hired exclusively for special occasions, including marquees, tables and chairs. The Pumphouse room has tables, chairs, a sink and toilets.

Plan your visit