Postmill Close, Croydon, Surrey CR0 5DY
Shirley Windmill
Industrial heritage
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2Built in 1854 to replace an earlier post-mill destroyed by fire, Shirley Windmill stopped working around 1890. Much of its original machinery, including two pairs of millstones, remains in place.
A rare chance to step inside a near-complete Victorian tower mill in Greater London. Its surviving machinery makes the story of flour milling tangible, but visits depend on scheduled openings, so check ahead.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapPostmill Close, Croydon, Surrey CR0 5DY
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Plan around a scheduled opening. The main experience is a 45–60-minute guided tour of the windmill’s history, operation and principal features; allow additional time for the Visitor Centre and its refreshments if available.
Things to do
Take a guided tour inside the tower
Hear about the mill’s history and operation, and see its principal features. The tour takes 45–60 minutes, depending on the group.
45–60 minutes
Look for the surviving millstones
The official website says that two pairs of millstones and much of the original machinery remain in place. Ask your guide to explain how the equipment worked.
Pause at the Visitor Centre
The adjacent Visitor Centre has informative displays and offers refreshments and souvenirs on visiting days, according to the official website.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 1–2 hours
Quick visit: take the mill tour
- 01
Check the official open-days page for a confirmed date and any changes.
- 02
Arrive early enough to join a guided tour; the final tour starts at 4pm.
- 03
Allow 45–60 minutes for the tour of the mill’s history, operation and principal features.
- 04
If open, spend a little extra time at the Visitor Centre.
Verified history
A timber post-mill stood on this site from 1808 and was lost in a fire. Richard Alwen built the present tower mill in 1854. It ceased working around 1890, but much of its original machinery, including two pairs of millstones, remains. The Friends of Shirley Windmill say the mill is owned, maintained and repaired by Croydon Council, while volunteers staff and manage open days.
Hidden details
Two pairs of millstones remain — The official site specifically notes that both pairs of millstones are still in place, alongside much of the mill’s original machinery.
A mill on the site predates the tower — The present 1854 tower replaced a timber post-mill built in 1808 and later lost to fire.
When to go
June · July · August · September · October · Arrive early on an open day; the last guided tour starts at 4pm.
The official website describes regular visitor opening in summer and lists open days from June to October for 2026. Check the current schedule, as dates can change.
Check before visiting; no weather-specific access guidance is supplied.
What to look for
Inside, look for the two pairs of millstones and other surviving original machinery. The official site describes the mill as virtually complete and notes that machinery has been restored.
The story
Industrial heritage; Victorian milling
Best time to go
Scheduled open days are generally in summer and early autumn; check the official calendar before visiting.
Visit on a published open day and arrive early: the last guided tour starts at 4pm, and the organisers advise coming early to avoid disappointment. Check for changes before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
History lovers · Families
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
The windmill is open to visitors on scheduled open days, usually from June to October, with group visits by arrangement. Check the official open-days page before travelling; dates and arrangements can change.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; parking information is not established by the supplied sources.
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Toilets
Check before visiting.
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Food & drink
The official website says refreshments are available at the Visitor Centre on open days.
Dogs
Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The guided tour takes visitors through the mill. Access requirements and internal accessibility are not specified; check with the organisers before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
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Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Shirley Windmill
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
