Holgate Windmill: York’s Historic 18th-Century Working Mill
York’s last working 18th-century windmill, grinding flour atop a suburban hill with historic charm and panoramic city views.
Holgate Windmill, York’s last surviving windmill, is a fully restored 18th-century brick tower mill that still produces traditional stone-ground flour. Built in 1770 by George Waud, it stands 90 feet tall on a roundabout in the Holgate suburb and offers unique views of York Minster. Operated by dedicated volunteers, the mill is open select mornings and Saturdays for visitors to explore its historic machinery and shop for freshly milled flour.
A brief summary to Holgate Windmill
- Windmill Rise, York, Holgate, YO26 4TX, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Wednesday 10 am-12 pm
- Friday 10 am-12 pm
- Saturday 10 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Visit on Wednesdays or Fridays mornings for live milling demonstrations and Saturdays for extended visiting hours.
- Wear sturdy footwear and avoid loose clothing due to steep ladders and narrow stairways inside the mill.
- Support the mill by purchasing freshly milled flour and souvenirs from the shop on the ground floor.
- Check the official website for seasonal opening days and special events before planning your visit.
- Photography is allowed; capture unique views of York Minster from the upper floors and the mill’s historic machinery.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Bus
Take York’s local bus routes 4 or 12 from the city center to the Holgate area; the journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day with fares around £2-£3 one way. From the bus stop, it is a 5-10 minute walk to the windmill through residential streets.
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Walking
A pleasant 30-minute walk from York city center to Holgate Windmill follows mostly flat terrain through residential neighborhoods. Suitable for most fitness levels but not wheelchair accessible due to the mill’s interior structure.
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Car
Driving from central York takes about 10 minutes. Limited street parking is available nearby, but be mindful of residential parking restrictions. There is no dedicated parking lot for the mill.
Holgate Windmill location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Holgate Windmill
A Living Relic of York’s Milling Heritage
Holgate Windmill was built in 1770 by George Waud, a miller from Selby, who purchased the land in 1768 and established the mill on open countryside overlooking the hamlet of Holgate. It originally operated with wooden machinery and was one of many mills surrounding York, serving local farms by grinding grain into high-quality flour. The mill was continuously run by the Waud family for three generations until 1851, when it changed hands and underwent significant upgrades.Transformations and Technological Advances
In the mid-19th century, under owner Joseph Peart, the mill was raised by nearly nine feet and fitted with a steam engine and cast-iron machinery, marking a major modernization. This allowed it to operate more efficiently and continue production well into the early 20th century. Despite damage to its sails in 1930 and the rise of large roller mills, Holgate Windmill remained operational until 1933, making it the last working windmill in York before ceasing production.Preservation and Revival through Community Effort
After decades of neglect amid post-war housing developments, the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society was formed in 2001. Through volunteer dedication and fundraising, the mill was restored over nearly a decade and reopened in 2012 as a fully functional windmill. Today, it grinds flour using traditional wind power, preserving the milling craft and educating visitors about this historic industry.Visitor Experience and Unique Setting
Situated on a roundabout in a suburban housing estate, the 90-foot tower offers panoramic views including York Minster’s iconic silhouette. Visitors can explore the mill’s interior via steep ladders to see the working gears and stone grinding stones in action during milling sessions held on Wednesday and Friday mornings, with public visiting hours on Saturdays. The ground floor houses a shop selling flour milled on site and mill-themed souvenirs.Challenges and Accessibility
Due to the mill’s historic structure, access between floors requires climbing steep ladders, limiting disabled access. Visitors are advised to wear sensible footwear and clothing. The mill operates mainly on volunteer efforts and relies on donations and shop sales for upkeep, reflecting a strong community spirit dedicated to heritage preservation.Legacy and Cultural Significance
Holgate Windmill stands as a rare surviving example of a five-sailed brick tower mill, a design once common in East Yorkshire but now nearly extinct. It symbolizes York’s industrial past and the evolution of milling technology. The mill not only produces flour but also serves as a cultural landmark, connecting modern visitors with centuries of local agricultural and industrial history.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Ouse Bridge
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Bootham Bar
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Skeldergate Bridge & Bishopgate St
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Roman Bath
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Unmissable attractions to see
York Cold War Bunker
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Miniature Railway
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National Railway Museum York
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York's Tansy Beetle Mural
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The Ghost Bus Tours York
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Micklegate Bar
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A Very Magical Adventure
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Dame Judi Dench Walk
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A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
Barker Tower
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Hooting Owl Distillery York
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St Olave's Church York
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York Observatory
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Museum Gardens
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All Saints North Street, York - The Shrine and Parish Church
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Yorkshire Museum
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Essential places to dine
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Partisan
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Skosh
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Roots York
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Kapadokya
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Casa Brazilian Rodizio
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The Star Inn The City
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The Whippet Inn
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Tomahawk Steakhouse York
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Melton's Restaurant
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Brew & Brownie
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Bill's York Restaurant
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The Ivy St Helen's Square York
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Corner Grill House
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Greybear
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The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
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The Imaginarium
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York Souvenir's
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Käthe Wohlfahrt
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Rookscroft
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The Antiques Centre York
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Paper Doll
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The Cat Gallery
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- 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
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
