Stretton Watermill

About the museum

A mill at Stretton is first recorded in 1351, and the mill pond still lies where it did then. The present building was begun in 1630 on the footings of an earlier mill and became the estate mill for nearby Carden Hall. It was a timber-framed building with a thatched roof and a single water wheel at the east end, and a date of 1647 is carved into a beam at the west end.

In 1770 the roof was raised and slated, the frame was covered in weatherboarding and local sandstone, and a second overshot wheel and more millstones were added to meet growing demand. In 1819 the upper floor was extended over the east wheel, and in 1852 that wheel was replaced by a cast-iron breastshot wheel. The extended mill of 1819 is the frontage that visitors see today.

By the end of the 19th century the mill produced animal feed instead of flour for people. During the Second World War small rural mills like Stretton worked day and night to supply the country. The last miller, Albert Gregory, retired in 1959 and the mill stood derelict for more than ten years. Cheshire County Council then bought it, and it was restored as a working museum that opened in 1977. Today it is run by West Cheshire Museums.

Highlights

• Guided tour with a miller from grain to flour
• Old wooden machinery and two water wheels driven by the mill pond
• Chance to try milling grain
• Exhibition with models in a 19th-century stable
• Picnic area beside the pond

Permanent exhibition

• Working watermill and stable exhibition – Guided tours of the working mill and its wooden machinery, with displays and models in a former 19th-century stable.

Founded

1977

Operated by

West Cheshire Museums (Cheshire West and Chester Council)

Admission & discounts

Payment is by cash only; the gift shop is also cash only. Donations are welcome.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• 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

A gentle slope gives wheelchairs and pushchairs access to the upper floor of the mill. Some doorways are narrow (the back door is 64 cm wide), and there are cobbles, some steps and ramps. A narrow wheelchair can be borrowed by visitors. A full access guide was produced by DisabledGo.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly

Children aged 16 and under enter free. Visitors can have a go at milling grain and see miniature working models. A gentle slope gives pushchairs access to the upper floor.

Getting there & parking

The mill is 10 miles from Chester, off the A534 between Broxton and Farndon: turn off at the Cock O' Barton pub and follow the brown tourist signs. Mill Lane shows as an unnamed road on some sat navs; the car park gate is at 53.071491, -2.815255. The mill is on National Cycle Route 70.

Amenities & dining

• Café: not available
• Museum shop

There is no cafe; visitors should bring their own refreshments or picnic to eat in the grounds. The small gift shop takes cash only. The Cock O' Barton bar and restaurant is nearby.

Events & venue rental

• Weddings / ceremonies

The mill and its pond are offered as a backdrop for wedding photographs and themed photo shoots; couples should call at least four weeks before the date. Wedding receptions are held at the nearby Cock O' Barton bar and restaurant.

Plan your visit