Acorn Bank Garden & Watermill

Acorn Bank is a historic house with a working watermill in Temple Sowerby, surrounded by a large herb garden enclosed by stone walls and mature oak trees. The mill sits beside a flowing stream that once powered its machinery, while the grounds contain hundreds of different plants arranged in organized beds.

The site's origins trace back to medieval times when a mill operated here under monastic influence. The building later passed through different hands and was adapted for industrial purposes as local industries evolved.

The herb garden represents how people once blended daily cooking and healing practices together in one space. Stone walls and organized plant beds show gardening traditions that shaped rural life in this region.

The location sits along a stream with walking paths that connect to the nearby village, offering different route options for visitors. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore both the mill building and the surrounding grounds.

The mill preserves a clever network of water channels carved into the hillside that direct flow to the machinery below. This hidden engineering system shows how earlier builders solved practical problems with careful observation of natural water movement.

Location: Temple Sowerby

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/acorn-bank

GPS coordinates: 54.64886,-2.59912

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:26