Preston Mill: Guided Tour
Discover the industrial and social history of the last water powered mill in the Lothians and its working machinery with our expert guides.
Location
Preston Mill
Preston Road East Linton EH40 3DS United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- In person
Refund Policy
About this event
Preston Mill is managed by the National Trust for Scotland. It is one of the oldest mills in Scotland and was used as a location for the television show Outlander. It was still producing oatmeal comercially as recently as 1959 and was the last working watermill in the Lothians. There is a countryside walk to the nearby Phantassie Doocot.
Our tours give an insight into the working life of the miller and his mill, and show how his water powered machines were used for moving, grinding and dressing the oats which kept the local commuity fed. the tour also shows the development of pre-industrial technology and how water was harnessed as a power source.
Guided tours run most days when we are open. Tours start promptly so please make sure you give yourself plenty of time. On arrival, please go to the visitor centre to check in.
Tickets can be purchased on the day, but we cannot guarantee entry, Please book in advance to confirm your spaces on the tour.
Because of the historic nature of the mill building, tours may not be suitable for everyone. There are steps inside the mill and some uneven floors. The walk to the doocot involves steps to the bridge over the river Tyne.
If noise or moving machinery might be an issue, please note we also run tours once a month (Quiet Days) when the machinery is not running.
Please speak to a staff member if you have any concerns and we will do what we can to facilitate your visit.
Frequently asked questions
The guided tour lasts about 45-60 minutes depending on how many visitors are on it and how many questions are asked.
Because the mill interior is quite small and on different levels, we limit tours to 10 people and a guide.
Yes. Even when we are closed, the carpark and mill grounds are open to the public. Visitors are welcome to walk in the grounds or visit the exhibition which briefly tells the mill story. We do recommend joining a tour to see inside the mill and get the full experience.
There is a disabled parking space close to the mill. There are gravel paths from the car-park. Our visitor centre shop, exhibition and toilet are accessible and parts of the mill are accessible but there are stairs in the building.
Yes. There is a change table in the washroom. If you need hot water for heating baby food please ask at reception.
Well behaved dogs are very welcome! Our shop and exhibition are dog friendly as are the mill grounds. Dogs are not permitted inside the mill as there is moving machinery. There is a water bowl near the mill shop and dog treats on the counter for good dogs. We also sell dog ice cream.
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