Thwaite Watermill

379 reviews

Thwaite Ln, Leeds LS10 1RP, United Kingdom

museumsandgalleries.leeds.gov.uk

+441133782983

About

Thwaite Watermill is a Museum located at Thwaite Ln, Leeds LS10 1RP, United Kingdom. It has received 379 reviews with an average rating of 4.5 stars.

Photos

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday12-4PM
Friday12-4PM
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

F.A.Q

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The address of Thwaite Watermill: Thwaite Ln, Leeds LS10 1RP, United Kingdom

  • Thwaite Watermill has 4.5 stars from 379 reviews

  • Museum

  • "Would love to have given 5 ⭐️'s because it's such a lovely part of Leeds but I can't because they've stopped fishing on most of this stretch of the canal meaning no more kids or adults fishing the banks keeping the banks clean and clear of weeds etc"

    "Lovely visit for some British industrial history"

    "Kind and helpful staff and a bygone era"

    "Only open to the general public for a few hours on weekends but this place is well worth a visit"

    "Nice place and friendly staff"

Reviews

  • Mark Atkinson

Would love to have given 5 ⭐️'s because it's such a lovely part of Leeds but I can't because they've stopped fishing on most of this stretch of the canal meaning no more kids or adults fishing the banks keeping the banks clean and clear of weeds etc. Used to love coming fishing here as a child but unfortunately they've outlawed fishing on most of the stretch of canal around thwaites mill which is a real shame. And not only is it a shame but no one fishing means no one's keeping on top of clearing weeds like Fisher people do when fishing so the canal is being neglected when it could be well maintained and weeds etc are overtaking all the canal bank on that section of canal.. If you're just coming for a walk up the canal it's still a lovely walk for the most part but again because it's not used / fished from weeds have overtaken a lot of the bank so you can't get near to the water. And even if you could you wouldn't want to be too close because of all the weed etc in the water. Hopefully the powers that be will realise fishing is a good thing for the canal and start allowing people to fish again. When I was a child going fishing it was an amazing experience fishing the canal. Not only was it great fun but we learnt so much being around the canal and children are missing out because fishing has been banned on most of the canal...

  • K C

Lovely visit for some British industrial history. The place features fully working waterwheels, maintained from times gone by. As well as the full sized wheels, smaller models and educational points of interest can be found within the mill itself, with a bunch of extended reading, diagrams and photography. Aside from the main watermill, there is a blacksmith and dock which all demonstrate how waterpower enhanced areas of industry. Finally, A restored and well kept manor house featuring historical documents, homewear and wartime items (gas masks, foodstuffs, etc) is located on site, with a bombshelter just outside. Entry was £5.50 per adult; a well worth cost to keep places of historical value like this up and running. Staff were very polite and welcoming, happily giving us an explanation of the site along with a map to follow. Parking is available just a 2 minute walk away, and is free. The watermill is wheelchair accessible, with lifts available to reach other floors of the Mill. In terms of refreshments, there is a burger van on site selling fairground standard food such as burgers, chips and hotdogs. So if that's not your thing, i'd suggest bringing a packed lunch to eat at one of the numerous available picnic tables.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Charles Bowman

Kind and helpful staff and a bygone era. The water wheels actually work and powers the building. Would have loved to see more moving, not a lot of people know it is here! Me included! All an interesting education. Well worth a visit.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Richard Moore

Only open to the general public for a few hours on weekends but this place is well worth a visit. Fascinating glimpse into Leeds' past in a beautiful canalside setting. The walk along the river is a delight in itself. Lovely little cafe on site and Steve on the door could not have been more helpful and friendly.

  • ozzieparky

Nice place and friendly staff. Didn't have a chance to look round this time but I will come back. Lovely cup of tea which was really welcome seeing as it had come on to rain as I was walking there.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Nichola Pemberton

My favourite museum in Leeds. I always try to visit for my birthday. I love the medicinal herb garden. We have been when there was a boat ride to access the museum on the canal - that was great. There are also kids activities. It's a very interesting and relaxed place to be. More

  • Stephan Gardner

First time I had been to this venue. Craven Faults were playing a gig here and have to say, ample parking, great staff and wonderful setting made for a fabulous gig - highly recommended!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Paul Ratcliff

An amazing glimpse and listen into our past. This is one of the last working water mills in the UK. Do go and experience the sound, smells and mechanical wonders of this hidden gem
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • dianne jackson

Fabulous place to visit. Very well cared for surroundings, numerous places to have a picnic and the mill itself has been restored so the waterwheels continue to turn.. Fabulous to hear all the mechanics 'talk' to each other. Would recommend to anyone

  • Karen Richardson

Love this place for kids and adults nice staff and a great experience for you all we went in the morning after the storm just to see how it was as you will see in the pictures but on a day out a good picnic spot and the kids can have fun

  • Dawn Leggott

We really enjoyed our visit to the mill and spent more time there than we’d anticipated. Its island location is stunning, the staff are brilliant, and it was amazing to read about the mill’s history, watch the video about it, see the

  • Ron & Rosemary Meadowcroft

Extremely interesting mill owned by Leeds City. Was used to grind stone to make whitewash and putty. Enthusiastic guides bring place to life.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

  • Gerard Ford

We had our wedding here on Saturday. We were lucky with the weather but fantastic location and helpful, hard working staff. You are not tied to any contractors but can use whoever you want. Good value for wedding venue.

  • Simon Engerer

Highly recommendable. Amazing place to go. Lot's to see and discover indoors, many activities for children (at least during the holidays). The outdoor area is probably best to visit if it is not raining.

  • Stephen Hirst

This mill is really packed with history and you even see the watermill water mill in use, I highly recommend a visit
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Ciara H

Fantastic place to explore the workings of a watermill. The space is great for independent exploring and they have some activities out for kids to do so you can take as little or as long as you like.

  • Marion Gaskell

We had a pleasant and interesting visit here. We were thrilled to see a couple of kingfishers on the River Aire.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • linda holmes

Great place to walk round and history of place is fascinating,plenty of things for children to do too
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Nicola Brooks

I got married here and it’s a wonderful site. Full of history, and beautiful. The staff are an absolute credit, can’t do enough to help and are all brilliant. Would highly recommend a visit!

  • Adam Parkin

This is a great little museum that doesn't overload you with information and nicely presents their exhibits without overly sanitising them. It's also a great wedding venue!

  • Jo G.

We had lovely afternoon in there. Really nice and quiet place with amazing views.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

  • Paula Brown (Ollievision)

I photographed a tipi wedding in the grounds here. There are lots of different spots for wedding photos, plenty of space all around really. It's a very nice venue.

  • Wil “wilinamerica” Wilson

A beautiful place to visit. Perfect as a wedding venue, a day trip or any other event you may want to host! Steeped in History it has a museum open to the public.

  • Bren Tierney

Great space. Canal-side seating in the sunshine plus a tour of the building. Great wedding and reception event space and surrounded by historical artifacts. More

  • Peter

A fascinating mill in working and 1940s house all in working order in a beautiful location. I went to a wedding there which on such a lovely day was wonderful.

  • Keith A

How wonderful to see a mill that is still working. Seeing all the connections to get power to the engineers' shop was great. More

  • R R (Rex)

Staff were amazing, good history there.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

  • Michelle Ahern-Gibson

Nice place to visit for an hour or two. Combine with a walk along the canal. Nice staff including Millie the mill cat.

  • LOUISE BURGIN

Lovely place, people so friendly, went to see for a wedding and reception. Just a beautiful place
Vis…
More

  • James Harper (Mousetrapper)

Very quiet when we visited, even had to go start the wheel! Lots of informative signage and helpful staff. More

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