Berney Arms Windmill, Drainage windmill in Norfolk, England
Berney Arms is a red brick tower mill with sloping tar-coated walls and four sails, rising about 22 meters (71 feet) above the marshland. Its Norfolk boat-shaped cap reflects local building traditions for managing water drainage in low-lying areas.
Built in 1865 for cement production, the mill shifted to draining marshes starting in 1883 as local needs changed. This shift reflects how the region adapted its industrial focus over time.
This mill represents a time when locals relied on engineering to control water in the marshes and keep the land habitable for farming and settlement.
The windmill sits isolated in the marshes and is easiest to reach by train to the nearby Berney Arms station, which has a short walk to the mill. Visitors can also reach it on foot from nearby villages or by boat, though planning ahead is necessary given the remote location.
The mill contains a large external paddle wheel that lifts water from the surrounding marshes and pushes it into a nearby river. This mechanical system was an impressive engineering feat for its era and remains visible to visitors today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
