About
Pin Mill is a riverside hamlet on the River Orwell near Ipswich, where the National Trust cares for the woodland and heathland on the wooded cliffs above the shore. Known to east-coast sailors for the 17th-century Butt and Oyster pub, it sets the opening chapters of Arthur Ransome's We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea and Secret Water, and was a backdrop for the Lovejoy television series. The two-mile Pin Mill nature walk climbs through the woods to heathland re-sown with Dunwich Heath wildflower seed after the 1987 storms, then drops from the cliff-top path to the foreshore, past houseboats and the wrecks of old sailing cargo vessels. Reviewers single out the views over the moored boats and the shortage of parking: the small council car park, where members pay too, is often full, and the pub gets very busy. At high tide the foreshore path by the pub can be impassable. Dogs are welcome under control.
Check today’s timesSee all times
- CountrysideDawn to dusk
Opening times may change at short notice.
The countryside is open from dawn to dusk on the National Trust calendar.
Public toilets are on the waterfront near the Butt and Oyster pub (not National Trust).
Footpaths only: no cycling or horse-riding. Terrain is steep, uneven and muddy in places.
At high tide the foreshore in front of the pub can be impassable; the nature walk has an alternative higher path.
PricingFreeFree for all visitors
Free entry for everyone
Entry
Free for everyone
Pricing details
The woodland and heathland footpaths are free to access for everyone. Council parking charges apply separately, to members as well.
ParkingPay to park
Small Babergh District Council pay and display car park in the village; National Trust members also pay. Not a Trust car park, so membership does not cover it.
Parking details
Parking is only in the Babergh District Council car park in Pin Mill village (IP9 1JJ, 23 spaces). The National Trust says the charge applies even to members.
Council tariff: up to 2 hours £1.00, up to 3 hours £1.50, up to 4 hours £2.00, all day £2.50; charges apply Monday to Saturday 8am to 6pm, excluding bank holidays. Pay by card, contactless, coins or the MiPermit app (location code 747001).
Pin Mill gets very busy at peak times; the National Trust asks visitors not to park on the road.
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Walking routes1 route
Pin Mill nature walk(opens the full route on the National Trust site)
WalkeasyDog friendly3.2 km distance1hr30 to walk
