Welcome to Acorn Bank Watermill

Spring 2026

The Mill will be open, but not running, between 12.00 midday and 2.00pm during the National Trust "Snowdrop weekends". These start on the weekend of 7th-8th Feb and continue until 14th-15th March. Come along and look round the mill, chat to our volunteers and buy our flour. From 21st March the mill will be open and running from 11.00am to 3.00pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays. We usually have some samples of baking made with our flour for you to try.

Work undertaken this winter

The existing axle and gearing was in serious need of attention by the end of last milling season. Visitors might have noticed the increased creaking noises when it was running. In November the spur wheel and wallower were lifted so that the thrust bearing, which takes the weight of the spur wheel and allows it to turn, could be investigated. The bearing had been leaking oil for some time. We found that the bearing block had holes in it, but was otherwise still usable. The block was taken out and repaired with lead before being re-installed.

Most of the creaking noises were from loose or rotten wedges in the main axle trunnion. These have been replaced and the wheel now turns without creaks. However it still needs to be tested under milling load.

The main sluice, where the leat comes off the Crowdundle Beck, was rotten and in need of replacement. The sluice has been taken out and is being rebuilt.

The second water wheel is now well on the way with the shrouds installed and tie bars fitted to maintain the distance between the two sides of the wheel. When the buckets are installed the tie bars will clamp the wood into the shrouds. The wood (Oak) for the buckets has been provided by the National Trust foresters. It has been dried in a kiln and planed to the correct thickness. We are waiting for it to be cut to size so that we can complete the wheel. More information can be found on the Second Wheel Build page

If you want to buy our Acorn Bank Stoneground Wholemeal Flour when we are closed it is available from the visitor welcome hut at Acorn Bank and from our local shops - Nature's Health in Penrith, Kirkby Thore Post Office and Stores, Stainton Village Shop and Alston Wholefoods.

The Acorn Bank Watermill Trust

The watermill at Acorn Bank has been restored into a working state by a group of National Trust volunteers over the last thirteen years. In 2019 the mill was running regularly every weekend and grinding flour which was sold to visitors. The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the National Trust to re-evaluate the operation of many of its properties including Acorn Bank.

The Acorn Bank Watermill Trust has been set up by the mill volunteers to continue to maintain and run the mill and keep it open for visitors to Acorn Bank. The mill buildings will be open to visit on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays when the Acorn Bank garden is open. Entry to the mill is free but access is through the National Trust Acorn Bank garden for which charges apply. Opening times for Acorn Bank can be found from the National Trust website, use the National Trust link on this page to find out when Acorn Bank is open. Find out about the progress we are making towards reopening the mill and when we are milling again by checking our Facebook page. The blog records the work that has been carried out over the years by a small group of dedicated volunteers.