Bourn Windmill: England’s Oldest Surviving Post Mill
Discover England’s oldest surviving windmill, a beautifully restored 16th-century post mill nestled in Cambridgeshire’s tranquil countryside.
Bourn Windmill, located in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside, is the oldest surviving windmill in England, dating back to at least 1636. This rare open trestle post mill, supported by a massive central oak post felled around 1513-1549, offers a unique glimpse into early industrial history and traditional milling techniques. Owned and cared for by Cambridge Past, Present & Future, the mill recently underwent essential restoration to preserve its structure and heritage. Visitors can explore the exterior year-round and enter during special open days from May to September.
A brief summary to Bourn Windmill
- Caxton Rd, Cambridge, Bourn, Caxton, CB23 2SU, GB
- +441223243830
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Saturday 2 pm-4:30 pm
- Sunday 2 pm-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during the five open Sundays from May to September to see inside and experience the mill in action.
- Wear sturdy shoes as access inside involves climbing steep ladders and about 30 steps.
- Explore nearby footpaths linking Bourn village and Cambourne for scenic countryside walks.
- Check the official website or local listings for special talks and events about milling history.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach bus service from Cambridge city center to Bourn village, with a journey time of approximately 40 to 50 minutes. Services run several times daily but check the latest timetable as frequency is limited on weekends. From Bourn village, it is a 20-minute walk along a grass footpath to the windmill.
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Car
Driving from Cambridge, expect a 20-30 minute journey via local roads to Caxton Road near Bourn. Parking is available near the mill, but spaces are limited, especially on open days. Note that the access path to the mill is grassy and may be uneven after rain.
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Walking
For those staying in Bourn or Cambourne, walking to the windmill is a pleasant option. From Bourn village center, the walk is about 20 minutes over a grass path with some gentle slopes. From Cambourne, the walk is longer, approximately 45 minutes, following marked footpaths through the countryside.
Bourn Windmill location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Bourn Windmill
A Testament to Early English Milling Heritage
Bourn Windmill stands as a remarkable relic of England’s industrial past, widely recognized as the oldest surviving windmill in the country. The mill’s earliest documented record dates to 1636, though dendrochronological studies indicate that the central oak post was cut between 1513 and 1549, suggesting the mill’s origins may reach back to the early 16th century. This open trestle post mill design, where the entire mill body pivots on a central post supported by a wooden trestle atop brick piers, has remained largely unchanged since medieval times, preserving a rare example of traditional milling technology.Architectural and Mechanical Features
The mill’s construction is notable for its simplicity and ingenuity. The massive oak post, the heart of the structure, supports the entire weight of the mill’s body, which can be manually rotated to face the sails into the wind—a task requiring two to three people but executed with dramatic effect. The mill originally operated solely by wind power until 1924, when an auxiliary oil engine was installed, and it ceased commercial operation in 1927. Its wooden gears and sails reflect centuries of craftsmanship, with the risk of fire from friction carefully managed by millers during high winds.Changing Landscape and Ownership Through Centuries
Situated on high ground overlooking the evolving Cambridgeshire countryside, Bourn Windmill has witnessed significant landscape changes, from medieval open fields to the enclosed hedged fields created in the early 19th century. The mill changed hands multiple times, with notable owners including the Cook and Bishop families, who ran it for generations. The last miller, George Papworth, saw the mill’s commercial use end in the 1920s. In 1932, the mill was preserved by the Cambridge Preservation Society, ensuring its survival as a heritage monument.Recent Restoration and Conservation Efforts
After decades of weathering and structural challenges, including extensive timber decay discovered in 2020, Bourn Windmill underwent a major restoration project completed in 2023. This involved replacing the trestle with seasoned oak and repairing the sails to secure the mill’s future. The restoration was supported by Historic England, local volunteers, and charitable organizations, highlighting the community’s commitment to preserving this rare piece of industrial heritage. The mill is now a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Ancient Monument.Visitor Experience and Access
Visitors can admire the mill’s exterior at any time, enjoying its scenic rural setting and the surrounding footpaths linking Bourn village and Cambourne. Interior access is available on five Sundays each summer from May to September, when the mill is operated and open for tours. Visitors can experience the mill in action and even try turning it to face the wind. Access inside involves climbing steep ladders, making it a more adventurous visit. Facilities during open days include an eco-toilet and light refreshments.Community and Cultural Significance
Bourn Windmill is more than a historical structure; it is a symbol of local identity and industrial heritage. The mill’s preservation is driven by Cambridge Past, Present & Future, supported by volunteers and patrons dedicated to safeguarding Cambridgeshire’s cultural landmarks. Educational talks, events, and restoration fundraising continue to engage the public, ensuring that Bourn Windmill remains a living monument connecting past and present.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
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- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
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- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
