Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum

The earliest known record of a tide mill, at Woodbridge on the River Deben, is from 1170. A tide mill has stood in Woodbridge for over 850 years, using the renewable energy of the tides to drive its waterwheel, and produce stoneground wholemeal flour. The Tide Mill embodies generations of English technological and cultural heritage, from Norman times to the present day. The mill that stands today was built in 1793 and its machinery showcases much of the innovation and technology of the early Industrial Revolution.

When it ceased commercial operation in 1957, it was the last productive tide mill in Britain; now fully restored, Woodbridge Tide Mill is today a unique living museum. Friendly, knowledgeable wardens and volunteers welcome visitors to the Mill’s three floors, featuring audio-visual presentations, computer graphics, interactive working models, and illustrated exhibition panels showing how water, grain and people move through, and interact with, the mill to produce quality wholemeal flour.
Working the Mill depends on the tides, but we turn the machinery as many days as possible. Turning and milling times are advertised on our website, along with dates and times of special events.

The Tide Mill is one of Suffolk’s most iconic buildings and is an essential part of any visit to Woodbridge.