Mapledurham, Reading, RG4 7TP, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
Mapledurham Watermill
Mill
Place photograph
5.5
Wildland
Under 1 hour, 1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.5A working mill on the Thames where centuries of grain-milling history meet modern hydroelectric power. Its present building includes a 15th-century core, and the site is also known for appearing on the cover of Black Sabbath’s 1970 debut album.
Mapledurham Watermill earns its place through the uncommon meeting of a working historic mill and a modern hydroelectric turbine beside the Thames. Its industrial story is tangible in the machinery, but visits depend on tour dates, so plan ahead rather than treating it as an always-open attraction.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapMapledurham, Reading, RG4 7TP, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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Know this place a little better?
The experience
On a scheduled visit, explore the historic mill and see its machinery in operation. The supplied research describes access as part of pre-booked tours; confirm current dates, arrangements and admission with the site.
Things to do
Explore the historic mill
Visit the mill on an opening day and explore its main floors. The supplied research says the mill is preserved in operational condition and normally works on opening days.
Check tour details
See the waterwheel and turbine story
Look for the historic waterwheel machinery and learn how the site combines traditional milling with a modern Archimedes’ screw turbine used to generate electricity.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
See the historic mill
- 01
Visit on a confirmed opening or tour date.
- 02
Explore the mill and, if operating during your visit, watch its machinery at work.
Half day · 1–2 hours
Mill and house tour
- 01
Book a tour that includes Mapledurham House and Watermill, if available.
- 02
Explore the mill and its machinery as part of the visit.
Verified history
A mill existed at Mapledurham by the time of the Domesday Book. The central section of the present building dates to the 15th century; it was enlarged in the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. A second waterwheel was added after a leat was built in the 1670s, and that wheel is described as still in use. The mill remained in operation until just after the Second World War, was restored and returned to use in 1980, and later gained a hydroelectric turbine. The building is Grade II* listed. It also appeared on the cover of Black Sabbath’s 1970 debut album.
Hidden details
A mill with a Domesday-era predecessor — A mill was already recorded at Mapledurham in the Domesday Book, although the central section of the surviving building dates from the 15th century.
From grain to electricity — The site’s story extends beyond milling: a modern Archimedes’ screw turbine generates electricity, alongside the historic mill machinery.
When to go
· Plan around the confirmed tour schedule; no preferred time of day is established by the supplied research.
The supplied research does not establish a seasonal advantage. Tour availability is the practical factor to check.
No site-specific weather or surface information is available in the supplied research. Check conditions and visit arrangements before travelling.
What to look for
Look for the mill’s working machinery and the contrast between traditional milling equipment and the modern Archimedes’ screw turbine. The supplied research does not verify further visitor details to look for.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Check tour dates before choosing a season; the supplied research does not establish a best season.
Choose a published tour date and check arrangements with the site before setting out. The supplied research does not establish seasonal or time-of-day advantages.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour, 1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Visitor access is described as charged and, in the supplied research, available through pre-booked tours on specified opening dates. Opening arrangements can change; check the official website before travelling. The Google pin marks the main place, not an entrance.
Check before visiting
Parking
The source row reports paid parking, but this is not independently confirmed in the supplied research. Check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Step-free access and other accessibility details are not established by the supplied research. Check with the site before visiting.
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Cost
Paid
Water
River
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Mapledurham Watermill
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
