Herringfleet Windmill, Drainage windmill in Somerleyton, England.
Herringfleet Windmill is an octagonal brick tower with three stories designed to pump water from the surrounding wetlands. It has a boat-shaped cap and eight rotating sails that adapted to wind direction to operate the drainage system.
The windmill was built in 1820 and operated as a drainage pump until 1956, serving the local wetland management for more than a century. Its long working life reflects the importance of water control in this low-lying region.
The structure reflects the practical ingenuity that local communities developed to manage wetlands and protect their land from water. Its simple design shows how engineering solutions became part of daily life in the Norfolk marshes.
The windmill opens to visitors on selected dates during spring and summer, with guided tours available on these occasions. You should check opening dates in advance since access is limited to specific times throughout the year.
The structure served as a filming location for two different films made decades apart, appearing in productions from the 1930s and 2010s. This connection to cinema history makes it recognizable to audiences familiar with these films.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
