Holgate Windmill

Holgate Windmill is a five-sailed tower mill with white walls rising several stories in York and containing traditional wooden milling machinery inside. The building displays the classic construction of an English mill with thick stone walls and a fully functional drive system.

The mill was built in 1770 and worked for over 160 years, switching between wind, steam, and electric power as technology advanced. These shifts show how traditional trades adapted to new methods while keeping the old buildings in use.

The mill sits at the heart of local heritage efforts, with volunteers explaining how the five sails power the grinding stones and sharing stories of milling traditions. People come here to connect with the region's working past and to understand how wheat became bread.

The mill is open to visitors on specific days when you can watch the milling in progress and purchase freshly ground flour. It is worth checking ahead since opening times can change depending on the season and volunteer availability.

The mill still grinds wheat and spelt regularly using traditional stone methods, with production varying by season. Many visitors are surprised to learn that such an old operation produces real flour for local sale rather than operating just for show.