Sarehole Mill is a Grade II listed water mill on the River Cole in Hall Green, Birmingham, England. It is now run as a museum by the Birmingham Museums Trust. It is known for its association with J. R. R.
There has been a mill on this site since 1542, but the current building dates from the mid-18th Century. In the 1850s a steam engine was installed and a chimney built, which provides Sarehole Mill with its distinctive silhouette.
The mill has two waterwheels, one of which is operational and is used to grind wheat every Wednesday and Sunday, water levels permitting. Sare(w)hole meal flour is sold from the mill shop. There is also a charming tea room which offers tea, coffee, delicious cakes, plus a whole host of other treats.
The mill has connections with Matthew Boulton, who leased Sarehole Mill between 1756 and 1761 and used it as a ‘flatting mill’, producing sheet metal used for button manufacturing.
Another famous connection is with the author JRR Tolkien, author of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy. He lived across the road from the mill. Later in life he stated how the mill and rural surroundings inspired his writings of Middle-earth.
Facilities
Access Information
Please download the Access Statement (PDF) for Sarehole Mill to help you to plan for your visit.
The venue
The ground floor of the Mill where the waterwheel gears and flour bins are located, the miller's house, the granary and the bakehouse are fully accessible to visitors with mobility difficulties.
Guide and Assistance dogs are very welcome within the Mill and grounds.
Toilets
There are accessible toilets off the stable block where baby changing facilities can also be found.
Seating
If you require a chair during your visit please ask a member of staff who would be happy to help.
