Going to the Netherlands to see windmills has always been a must-see tradition for European travellers, but did you know that the UK also has many beautiful windmills, and that the largest number of windmills in Europe, apart from the Netherlands, is in the UK? Traditional windmills used to be very common in the British countryside, but nowadays we seldom see complete windmills, and only a few operational windmills still exist.
Windmills in the UK are not only an important witness to the history of agriculture, but also an indispensable landmark in many picturesque villages and coastlines. I have compiled a list of the top ten good-looking windmill attractions in the UK, each of which is full of unique charm and historical stories, and is a scenic destination worth a visit. Treasure children come together to see if there is a windmill attraction close to them, fire to go to hit it!
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1. Brill Windmill
- Address: South Hls, Brill, Aylesbury HP18 9TQ
- Opening date: Easter to end of September every year
- Opening times: 12:30 – 15:30 (may sometimes be closed due to bad weather or lack of volunteers)
- Price: £5 fee to get inside (children free)
This is probably the most photographed windmill in England? Brill Windmill is owned by Brill Parish Council and is managed, maintained and opened to the public by The Brill Society, a registered charity. Located at the top of a hill, it faces west and is close to the road. A thousand sunsets can be seen from the pub’s deck, and in the background are selfies taken by a dozen sweaty cyclists every day.
The mill was built in the 1780s as a wind-powered corn mill in historic Buckinghamshire, England. It would have been a lovely experience to go there and watch the sunrise or sunset! Not only is it a historical site, but it’s also a great place for locals to relax, making it ideal for a family day out.
2. Pitstone Windmill
- Address: B488, Ivinghoe, Pitstone, Leighton Buzzard
- Open: 10 May – 27 September
Pitstone Windmill is considered to be one of the oldest windmills in the UK, dating back to the 17th century. Located in the village of Pitstone in Buckinghamshire, this timber-framed windmill is small but very historic.
The surrounding idyllic landscape adds to its rural feel and is perfect for a day trip on a leisurely walk.
3. Bembridge Windmill
- Address: High St, Bembridge PO35 5SQ
- Opening days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
- Opening times: 10:30 – 17:00
- Price: Adult £5.85
Bembridge Windmill is the only surviving windmill on the Isle of Wight, built in the 1700s. The windmill is set in the middle of a quiet countryside surrounded by green fields.
Visitors can take a tour of the machinery and equipment inside, climb to the top of the mill and then walk down the four flights of stairs to see how it once operated.
4. Norfolk Windmill Hotel
- Address: The Quay, Cley next the Sea, Holt NR25 7RP
- Restaurant Opening Days: Thursday – Saturday
Cley Windmill in Norfolk has been transformed into a charming hotel. The Windmill overlooks the Cley Marshes Nature Reserve, which is beautifully landscaped and a bird lover’s paradise. Even if you’re not staying here, it’s a great place for photography and enjoying some quiet time.

Cley Windmill has now been sold to private individuals and converted into a super successful local hotel and restaurant. The place is full of tourists every year as well as guests who have their weddings here. Windmill weddings are both beautiful and special.
5. Halnaker Windmill
- Address: Windmill Trail, Chichester PO18 0QS
- Opening days: Daily
- Price: Free
Located on a hilltop in West Sussex, Halnaker Windmill is a picturesque landmark. The walk to the windmill is along a beautiful ‘tree tunnel’ path, with picturesque views along the way. The windmill is surrounded by open fields with great views and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Photographers come from far and wide to get a glimpse of the autumnal beauty of the famous tree tunnel at Harnack, near Chichester. This footpath to the windmill is suitable all year round, with moody views of ruins, vineyards and hilltop windmills along the way.
6. Heckington Windmill
- Address: Hale Road, Heckington, Sleaford
- Open: Friday, Saturday and Sunday
- Opening times: 11:00 – 16:00
- Price: Adult £5
Heckington Windmill is the only eight-sailed windmill still in operation in the world. This small village windmill in Lincolnshire is well preserved and still in use today. Visitors can tour the mill inside the windmill to see how it works and buy flour milled using traditional methods.

There are excellent facilities to sample delicious handmade cakes, savoury snacks, drinks and ice creams made using local produce and stone-ground Heckington Windmill flour, as well as learning about the history of the windmill, the story of electricity and engineering, and a tour of the on-site 8 Sails Brewery.
7. Outwood Post Mill
- Address: Gayhouse Ln, Outwood, Redhill RH1 5PW
- Open: Sundays
- Opening hours: 12:00 – 18:00
- Price: Free
Located in Surrey, Outwood Windmill is one of the oldest surviving windmills in England, built in 1665. The windmill is surrounded by a quiet countryside setting, perfect for relaxing and enjoying a peaceful time. The windmill is still in pristine condition and is a great place to visit for lovers of history and architecture.

According to the UK news in 2014, the oldest windmill post still in use in the UK has been put on the market for £900,000 with a three bedroom house, and it is not known if this windmill now has an owner.
8. Wicken Windpump
- Address: in National Trust – Wicken Fen Nature Reserve
- Opening date: Daily
- Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:00
- Price: Free
The Wicken Fen Windpump is a traditional windpump located at Wicken Fen Nature Reserve in Cambridgeshire. The windpump is used to manage the water levels in the wetland and maintain the ecological balance. The natural landscape is perfect for outdoor activities and the windpump adds a unique historical atmosphere to this reserve.
9. Herne Windmill
- Address: Mill Lane, Herne, Herne Bay CT6 7DR
- Opening dates: from Easter to the end of September
- Opening times: 14:00 – 17:00
- Price: Adult £2.00
Herne Mill is a typical 18th century windmill overlooking the surrounding countryside and sea. The windmill is well preserved and is an important historical site in the area. Climbing to the top of the windmill offers magnificent views over Herne Bay, especially on a clear day.
This is an oil painting by the English artist William Sidney Cooper (1854-1927), based on Herne Mill, which is now preserved in Canterbury Museum and Art Gallery, so you can check it out when you have time.
10. Brixton Windmill
- Address: 100 Blenheim Gardens, London SW2 5DA
- Opening days: Monday – Thursday
- Opening times: 10:00-16:00
- Price: Free; Guided tour £5
Have you ever been to Brixton? Brixton is a diverse and vibrant neighbourhood in South London, and the birthplace of famous rock musician David Bowie. Brixton is known as ‘the worst neighbourhood in London’ due to its large number of people and poor security. It’s hard for me to imagine an old windmill hidden in such a lively and noisy neighbourhood.

Now you can not only visit the 200-year-old windmill, but also participate in baking and milling workshops. Of course, there are also activities for families and children, so remember to book!
Windmills in the UK are not only symbols of agricultural civilisation, but also beautiful spots where nature and history meet. Each windmill has its own unique historical story and landscape features, making them unmissable destinations for landscape photography, historical exploration or countryside walks. Grab your camera and embark on a windmill journey through Britain’s idyllic landscapes and rich history!