Winchester City Mill

Winchester City Mill has stood on the River Itchen in the centre of King Alfred's old capital since at least Saxon times, a rare urban corn mill and one of the oldest watermills in the country. Rebuilt in 1744 and in National Trust care since the late 1920s, it milled stoneground wholemeal flour before its waterwheel was decommissioned in early 2023. The mill race and island garden are closed while the wheel is replaced, but the mill room, cafe and second-hand bookshop stay open and entry is free. Inside, videos and volunteer talks explain the milling process, the island garden is a spot for kingfishers and water voles, and cameras follow the city's otters. Reviewers praise the knowledgeable volunteer guides and the riverside cafe, with the tiny garden a favourite spot when open. One tip from regular visitors: there is no parking on site, so use Chesil Street car park or the park and ride.