A little about us.
Discover the Shelsley Water Mill Society
Turning back time since 2006
The Shelsley Water Mill Society was founded in early 2006 with a clear mission: to breathe new life into the historic Shelsley Watermill and restore it to full working order. But this project is about more than just machinery—it's about heritage, education, and community.
Today, the restored watermill stands as a living example of traditional engineering, open to the public on selected dates and by appointment. It offers a unique, hands-on educational experience for visitors of all ages.
The restoration hasn’t just revived the mill itself. By rejuvenating the surrounding mill pools, we’ve created a haven for wildlife—moorhens now nest here, and muntjac deer and other animals regularly visit the area.
Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this waterwheel powered equipment in nearby farm buildings and ground grain for the local community. We’ve successfully restored this vital part of local history, preserving it for future generations.
The Society is powered by a dedicated team of around 20 members, with a dozen actively involved in ongoing restoration and operations. Our volunteers bring a wealth of expertise—from engineering and building to education and IT.
The mill sits on the historic Winnington Estate and is located on land leased to the Midland Automobile Club, making it a unique blend of heritage and horsepower.
Come see history in motion!
Opening Times 2026:
The mill is normally open to the public at a number of events throughout the year and the opening times for these events are included in the calendar below. There is no fixed charge for admission but donations are requested to meet on going repair and maintenance costs. Visits at other times can be arranged by contacting us via the code below.
Note 1 Admission charges apply for all MAC Hill Climb Events. For safety reasons the mill is only open during the lunch break in competition and exact times depend on the progress of the event. For more information on their events please visit the Mac Website: www.shelsleywalsh.com. Note 2 The mill will be open for tours on both days. More details here, once confirmed. If you would like to visit the mill on a different opening time to those shown above, we are happy to make an appointment. Please complete our booking form, via the code below, and we will get in touch to confirm your requirements. There is no fixed admission charge but donations are requested. See below, on how to find us. The mill is a Grade II listed building on a steeply sloping site and wheelchair access is very limited. Our volunteers will make every effort to assist wheelchair users but some parts of the mill will not be accessible.
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