The Old Mill, Lower Slaughter: A Historic Riverside Landmark
Historic 19th-century watermill on the River Eye offering museum exhibits, local crafts, and riverside café in charming Lower Slaughter.
The Old Mill in Lower Slaughter, Cheltenham, is a picturesque 19th-century watermill on the River Eye, with a rich history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Once a working flour mill until 1958, it now houses a museum, gift shop, and café, offering visitors a charming glimpse into rural English heritage amid the idyllic Cotswold setting.
A brief summary to The Old Mill
- Mill Ln, Cheltenham, Lower Slaughter, GL54 2HX, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Friday 10 am-4 pm
- Saturday 9 am-4 pm
- Sunday 9 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit during spring to autumn for full access and pleasant weather, as the mill and café operate mainly in these months.
- Explore the riverside paths around the mill for picturesque views and peaceful walks through Lower Slaughter.
- Try the organic ice cream at the café, featuring unique local flavours like garden mint chocolate and brown bread.
- Check ahead for the mill’s reopening dates, as it has been temporarily closed for renovations.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take the Stagecoach bus service from Cheltenham town centre to Bourton-on-the-Water, then a local taxi or a 20-minute walk to Lower Slaughter; total travel time approximately 1 to 1.5 hours; buses run hourly with fares around £5-£8.
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Car
Drive from Cheltenham via A40 and B4066 to Lower Slaughter, about 30 minutes; limited parking available near the village; parking may be restricted during peak seasons.
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Train and Taxi
Take a train from Cheltenham Spa to Moreton-in-Marsh (around 30 minutes), then a taxi for approximately 15 minutes to Lower Slaughter; taxi fares typically £20-£30.
The Old Mill 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 The Old Mill
A Mill Through the Ages
The Old Mill at Lower Slaughter boasts a heritage stretching over 900 years, first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. Originally known as Slaughter Mill by the 14th century, the current structure dates from the 19th century, featuring a large, still-functioning waterwheel that harnessed the flow of the River Eye to grind grain into flour. This mill was a vital part of the local economy, operated by the Wilkins family for four generations until 1958, marking the end of its active milling era.Transformation and Preservation
After ceasing flour production, the mill was partially converted into a post office and shop by the Collett family in 1959, who ran a bakery business here until 1992. Following a brief closure, The Old Mill was reborn as a museum in 1995, allowing visitors to explore the milling machinery and the building’s industrial heritage. Although the museum closed temporarily in 2023 for renovations, plans are underway to reopen with a renewed focus on its cultural and historical significance.A Hub for Local Crafts and Cuisine
Today, The Old Mill also features a charming gift and craft shop offering local souvenirs, Cotswold stoneware, walking guides, and artisanal products. The riverside café complements this with simple, locally sourced dishes, homemade scones, and an acclaimed organic ice-cream parlour featuring unique flavours such as garden mint chocolate and brown bread. This blend of history, craftsmanship, and culinary delight makes the mill a beloved destination.Setting in the Heart of Lower Slaughter
Nestled in the quintessential Cotswold village of Lower Slaughter, the mill sits beside the gently flowing River Eye, surrounded by honey-coloured limestone cottages and quaint footbridges. The village itself is steeped in history, with origins tracing back to the Saxon period and a name derived from the Old English word for muddy place, reflecting the river’s wetlands. The Old Mill stands out as a vibrant symbol of this enduring rural heritage.Visitor Experience and Atmosphere
Visitors to The Old Mill enjoy a tranquil riverside setting perfect for leisurely walks and photography. The sound of the waterwheel and the sight of the historic mill building evoke a sense of timelessness. The combination of museum exhibits, local crafts, and food offerings provides a multi-sensory experience that celebrates both the past and present community spirit.Future Prospects and Community Role
Although temporarily closed for refurbishment, The Old Mill remains a cornerstone of Lower Slaughter’s cultural landscape. Its reopening is highly anticipated, promising enhanced visitor facilities and renewed engagement with the village’s rich milling legacy. The mill continues to support local artisans and contribute to the preservation of Cotswold traditions, ensuring its place as a cherished landmark for generations to come.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
National Trust - Chedworth Roman Villa
14.3 km
Explore the remarkable Chedworth Roman Villa, a historic site showcasing the grandeur of Roman architecture and lifestyle in stunning Cotswold scenery.
Broadway Tower
14.5 km
Experience breathtaking views and rich history at Broadway Tower, a stunning monument in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Belas Knap Long Barrow
14.5 km
A 5,000-year-old Neolithic mystery carved in stone, where ancient rituals and timeless Cotswolds views converge.
Bliss Tweed Mill
14.6 km
A striking Victorian tweed mill in Chipping Norton, blending industrial heritage with elegant architecture and scenic Cotswold views.
Whittington Court
15.1 km
Explore the enchanting Whittington Court, a historical landmark in Cheltenham, offering stunning architecture and serene gardens perfect for a leisurely visit.
The Rollright Stones
15.6 km
Explore the ancient mysteries of the Rollright Stones, a captivating historical site in the heart of the Cotswolds, rich in folklore and stunning scenery.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens
16.2 km
Discover Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens, a beautiful sanctuary for wildlife enthusiasts, families, and nature lovers in the heart of the Cotswolds.
Chipping Campden
16.5 km
Discover the enchanting beauty of Chipping Campden, a historic market town in the Cotswolds, with stunning architecture and scenic landscapes.
Bridge and footpath to Arlington Row
16.6 km
Uncover the beauty of Bibury's hiking trails leading to Arlington Row, where historic charm meets breathtaking scenery in the Cotswolds.
National Trust - Bibury
16.7 km
Discover the timeless beauty of Bibury, a picturesque village in the Cotswolds known for its enchanting cottages, serene landscapes, and rich history.
Arlington Row
16.7 km
Explore the enchanting Arlington Row in Bibury, a historic gem showcasing Cotswold architecture and serene river views for an unforgettable experience.
West Banqueting House
16.7 km
Experience the grandeur of Jacobean England in West Banqueting House, a beautifully preserved historic retreat in the heart of Chipping Campden.
Cleeve Hill
16.7 km
Explore Cleeve Hill, the highest peak in the Cotswolds, offering breathtaking views, enchanting trails, and a rich tapestry of wildlife.
Old Campden House
16.7 km
Explore the evocative ruins and Jacobean heritage of Old Campden House, a grand 17th-century mansion touched by history and time.
National Trust - Dover's Hill
17.3 km
Discover the breathtaking views and diverse wildlife at Dover's Hill, a hidden gem in the heart of the Cotswolds, perfect for hiking and exploration.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lower Slaughter Museum
0.0 km
Historic Old Mill museum in a tranquil Cotswold village, showcasing rural milling heritage beside the scenic River Eye.
Lower Slaughter
0.2 km
Discover Lower Slaughter, a serene Cotswold village where historic charm meets riverside tranquility and timeless English beauty.
Upper Slaughter
1.0 km
Discover Upper Slaughter, a serene Cotswold village where history, nature, and timeless English charm converge along the tranquil River Eye.
Bourton-on-the-Water
1.7 km
Experience the charm of Bourton-on-the-Water, the 'Venice of the Cotswolds,' with its scenic river, historic bridges, and family-friendly attractions.
Cotswold Motoring Museum & Toy Collection
1.9 km
Step back in time with vintage vehicles, nostalgic toys, and the beloved Brum in the heart of picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water.
Greystones Farm Nature Reserve
1.9 km
Explore ancient history and vibrant wildlife in the tranquil meadows and rivers of Greystones Farm Nature Reserve.
Once Upon A Candy Shop
2.0 km
A charming boutique sweet shop in Bourton-on-the-Water offering nostalgic treats with a premium twist amidst the scenic Cotswold village.
Cotswold Antiques & Tea Room
2.1 km
Discover timeless antiques and enjoy traditional tea in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water’s charming Cotswold village.
The Model Village
2.1 km
Step into a charming miniature world with the Grade II listed Model Village, a detailed 1:9 scale replica capturing Bourton-on-the-Water’s timeless Cotswold charm.
Birdland Park & Gardens
2.3 km
Meet England's only King Penguin breeding group and 500+ birds across nine acres of Cotswolds woodland.
The Dragonfly Maze
2.4 km
Discover the charming Dragonfly Maze in Bourton-on-the-Water—a playful hedge maze with clever puzzles and a golden prize at its heart.
Lady’s Well
3.4 km
Discover the tranquil Lady’s Well in Lower Swell, a historic holy spring famed for its healing waters and timeless spiritual traditions.
St Edward's Church
4.2 km
Discover the medieval charm and legendary Tolkien Door of St Edward's Church, a historic gem in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
Cotswolds AONB
4.2 km
Explore the Cotswolds AONB: rolling hills, honey-hued villages, and timeless English countryside charm across nearly 800 square miles.
Market Square
4.2 km
Historic Market Square at the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold, where centuries of trade, architecture, and English rural charm converge.
Essential places to dine
The Rose Tree Restaurant
2.0 km
Charming riverside British dining in a historic Cotswold cottage with cozy interiors and scenic garden views.
The Croft Restaurant
2.1 km
A charming riverside restaurant in Bourton-on-the-Water serving fresh, locally sourced English cuisine in a welcoming and scenic setting.
The Old Butchers
4.2 km
Historic charm meets exceptional seafood and charcoal-grilled cuisine in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold’s vibrant dining scene.
The Old Stocks Inn
4.3 km
Charming 17th-century boutique inn with refined British dining, cozy bar, and elegant rooms in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold’s historic market square.
The Halfway at Kineton
7.7 km
A charming 17th-century Cotswold pub blending rustic ambiance with refined seasonal British cuisine and warm hospitality.
The Wild Rabbit
9.6 km
Charming Georgian inn in Kingham offering refined British cuisine, eco-conscious hospitality, and stylish countryside retreats in the heart of the Cotswolds.
The Kingham Plough
9.8 km
A charming Cotswold village inn blending traditional character with modern British cuisine and stylish comfort in the heart of Kingham.
Horse and Groom
10.0 km
Quintessential Cotswolds pub with hearty British fare, cozy rooms, and stunning countryside views in Bourton-on-the-Hill.
The Old Smokery
11.6 km
A lively Cotswolds hub blending rustic dining, vibrant events, and welcoming atmosphere at Far Peak Camping.
The Chequers, Cotswolds
11.9 km
A stylish Cotswold gastropub in Churchill, serving elevated pub classics in a warm, lively atmosphere with a lovely garden and a strong local following.
The Frogmill
14.3 km
A charming historic mill turned cozy hotel with acclaimed British dining and tranquil Cotswolds countryside charm.
5 North St
14.9 km
An intimate French dining experience in Winchcombe, blending innovative cuisine with cozy charm and unpretentious service.
Whistlers Restaurant
15.7 km
Whistlers Restaurant offers vibrant modern British dining with fresh ingredients, lively atmosphere, and a welcoming bar in Chipping Norton.
Buckland Manor
15.7 km
Elegant historic manor hotel with fine dining and tranquil gardens in the heart of the Cotswolds’ charming Broadway village.
The Shed
16.0 km
A relaxed Cotswold bar and restaurant with roaring fires, local food, and a convivial atmosphere, perfect for drinks, light meals, and easygoing evenings.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cotswold Picture Shop
1.4 km
Discover authentic Cotswold art and unique gifts in a charming Bourton-on-the-Water boutique open daily until midnight.
Cotswold China & Cookware
1.9 km
Discover exquisite British chinaware and cookware in a charming boutique nestled in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water.
The Cotswold Shop
1.9 km
Charming boutique offering handcrafted gifts and traditional sweets in one of Bourton-on-the-Water’s oldest buildings.
Chestnuts Fashion Fix
2.0 km
Discover unique vintage-inspired fashion and accessories in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water’s charming High Street.
The Lodestone
2.0 km
Discover dazzling crystals and minerals with expert guidance in the heart of charming Bourton-on-the-Water.
Cotswold Perfumery
2.0 km
Experience bespoke English fragrances, immersive perfume courses, and luxury riverside stays in the historic heart of Bourton-on-the-Water.
Quirky
2.0 km
Discover unique gifts and local artisan treasures in the heart of Bourton-on-the-Water’s charming High Street.
Caboodle
2.1 km
Handcrafted treasures and local artisan finds in the heart of picturesque Bourton-on-the-Water.
The Cotswold Company (Flagship Store)
4.1 km
Step into a beautifully styled Cotswold home at The Cotswold Company’s flagship store in Stow-on-the-Wold, where timeless furniture and homewares come to life.
The Curated Store
4.2 km
Discover unique vintage fashion, artisan homewares, and timeless treasures in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold’s charming market square.
Ella's Emporium
4.2 km
A charming Cotswold gift shop with handmade fudge, unique homewares, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Cotswold Stores
9.5 km
A welcoming convenience store in historic Northleach’s Market Place, offering local treats and everyday essentials daily from 8 AM to 8 PM.
Cotswold Hipster
9.8 km
Handcrafted artisan leather bags and stylish dog accessories blending vintage charm with modern functionality in Chipping Norton.
The Cotswold Snug
10.8 km
Discover authentic Cotswold crafts and gifts in a cozy, welcoming shop nestled in the heart of Moreton-in-Marsh’s historic High Street.
Cotswold Grey
10.8 km
Discover rustic elegance and expert interior design at Cotswold Grey, Moreton-in-Marsh’s premier home furniture and décor destination.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Kingsbridge
2.1 km
A classic riverside pub in Bourton-on-the-Water offering hearty British fare, cask ales, and warm hospitality in a scenic Cotswold village setting.
Sheep on Sheep Street
4.2 km
Historic charm meets modern comfort at The Sheep on Sheep Street, a vibrant inn and pub in the heart of Stow-on-the-Wold.
The Coach & Horses
7.2 km
A cosy, traditional Cotswold pub in Longborough serving hearty fare, local ales, and welcoming guests with charming B&B rooms.
Hollow Bottom
7.6 km
A historic Cotswold pub blending hearty local fare, warm hospitality, and scenic countryside charm in the heart of Guiting Power.
The Fox at Oddington
7.7 km
Historic 16th-century Cotswold pub blending rustic charm with organic cuisine and cozy countryside stays in Lower Oddington.
The Lamb Inn
12.4 km
Historic 17th-century coaching inn in Oxfordshire’s Cotswolds, blending rustic charm, hearty British cuisine, and cozy guest rooms.
Snowshill Arms
13.0 km
Authentic Cotswold pub offering hearty fare, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere in the picturesque village of Snowshill.
The Cotswold Arms
13.5 km
Historic 15th-century pub in Burford blending local ales, homemade food, live music, and a cozy beer garden for all ages.
The Lion Inn
15.0 km
Historic 15th-century coaching inn in Winchcombe offering cozy rooms, hearty British fare, and a warm, inviting atmosphere in the heart of the Cotswolds.
The Bakers Arms
15.2 km
A timeless Cotswold pub offering hearty fare and warm hospitality in the heart of Broad Campden’s historic village.
Broadway
16.1 km
A welcoming Bournemouth pub serving classic fare, live sports, and a vibrant community atmosphere with inclusive dining options.
THE STUMP
16.2 km
A historic Cotswolds coaching inn blending rustic charm, acclaimed wood-fired pizzas, and cozy rooms for a quintessential English countryside experience.
Eight Bells Inn
16.7 km
Historic 14th-century inn with cozy rooms, classic pub fare, and a warm, dog-friendly atmosphere in the heart of Chipping Campden.
The Keepers Arms
18.5 km
Charming Cotswold pub and boutique inn offering warm hospitality, excellent food, and a peaceful village retreat near Cirencester.
The Royal Oak, Prestbury
19.6 km
Historic 16th-century pub in Prestbury offering traditional Cotswold charm, seasonal British fare, award-winning ales, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
