Name: Clyston Mill
Rating: 5.0

Clyston Mill

National Trust - Clyston Mill, Broadclyst, Exeter, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

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Description

Clyston Mill From harvest through to the following spring, the mill would have been a busy, noisy place, with grain arriving by the waggon load and prices being argued over with local farmers.

Get a feel for life on Killerton's wider estate at Clyston Mill, one of the South West's last remaining watermills. Step back in time to discover how the mill harnessed the power of water to grind the farmer's grain. The waterwheel is in need of conservation care and currently is unable to turn.

Price starts from £3.00 for Adults(18 years and over) and £3.00 for Children(5-17 years & under 5s free). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

Educational Day Out: Engage with history as you explore the original machinery and learn how the mill functioned.
Historic Interiors: Step inside a relatively complete 19th-century building featuring its original floors and layout.
Scenic Riverside Walks: Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the River Clyst, ideal for family bird-watching or light walks.
Informative Exhibits: Use the provided information cards to guide your exploration of the milling process and the mill's social history.

What to See

The Undershot Waterwheel: View the impressive 14.5-foot wheel from the side of the building; it was installed in 1880 to drive the machinery.
French Burr Millstones: See the stones used for grinding fine flour and discover how they were "dressed" for cutting grain.
The Steam Engine: Located at the west end, this historic engine represents the 1859 upgrade that allowed the mill to run even during droughts.
The Old Pumphouse Display: Explore the collection of cider presses, barrels, and apple crushers that tell the story of the mill’s varied 20th-century uses.
The Second Floor Exhibition: Climb the stairs to find the main milling machinery and a small exhibition area covering the lives of the families who worked here.

Facilities

Toilets: No toilets are available on-site at the mill. The nearest facilities are in the Victory Hall car park in Broadclyst village.
Accessibility: The ground floor offers step-free access. The upper floors are only accessible via steep stairs with restricted headroom.
Picnic Area: There is a picnic area near the mill with tables available for visitor use.
Food Options: No on-site cafe. Nearby village cafes or the Killerton estate facilities are recommended.

Pro-Tips for Families

Parking: Do not follow SatNav directions to the mill, as they often lead down a narrow, difficult-to-navigate farm track. Park at the Victory Hall car park in Broadclyst and follow the footpaths.
Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes, as the path from the churchyard to the mill crosses fields and can be uneven.
Timing: The mill is open seasonally and on specific days. Always check the official National Trust website for current opening times before travelling.

Targeted FAQs

Is it worth it for toddlers? The mill is better suited for older children who are interested in history or engineering, though the walk through the fields and the picnic area can be enjoyable for younger ones.
How long does a visit take? Most visitors find that one hour is sufficient to explore the mill, view the machinery, and enjoy the surrounding riverside path.
Where is the best place to park? Park in the Victory Hall car park in Broadclyst village. Do not drive to the mill itself, as the local lanes are narrow and parking is extremely limited.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The "hidden gem" feel provides a quiet and authentic experience away from busier tourist spots.
The historical significance of the machinery and the chance to learn about traditional village industries.
The beautiful, short walk from the village church through the fields is a hit with families.

What Visitors Don't Like

The lack of on-site toilets and food facilities requires planning ahead for younger children.
The limited opening hours can make it difficult to fit into a schedule without prior checking.
The steep, narrow stairs can be tricky for younger children or those with mobility concerns.

What to see

Detailed Inventory

The mill houses a variety of items that document its working past:
French Burr Millstones: Used specifically for human-grade flour production.
Coarse Meal Stones: A pair used for animal feed production.
1880 Taylor and Bodley Waterwheel: A key piece of industrial heritage.
19th-Century Steam Engine: An auxiliary power source for the mill.
Historic Apple Crusher: Remnant of the mill's apple-pressing era (post-1915).
Traditional Cider Press: On display in the pumphouse area.
Grain Hoppers: Original equipment found on the first floor.
Milling Manuals & Records: Archival material often referenced in the exhibition area.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Clyston Mill is part of the broader Killerton estate, which offers plenty more to see:
Killerton House and Gardens: A major National Trust property just a short drive away with expansive parkland.
Broadclyst Village: Wander through the historic village, which features traditional architecture and a local church.
Ashclyst Forest: Known for its ancient woodland and seasonal butterfly trails, perfect for active families.

New for 2026

Check the National Trust events calendar for seasonal "Milling Days," which provide rare opportunities to see the machinery in action and purchase fresh-ground flour. Enhancements for the 2026 season include:
Live Milling Demonstrations: Watch the water-powered machinery return to work, showing exactly how grain was transformed into flour.
Flour Sales: Purchase bags of freshly milled flour produced on-site during designated event days to take home and use in your own kitchen.
Heritage Milling Workshops: Join small group talks led by volunteers to learn about the traditional skills required to maintain the millstones and gear systems.
Seasonal Estate Tours: Take advantage of guided walks linking the mill's history to the wider agricultural heritage of the surrounding Killerton estate.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult (18+): £3.00
Child (5-17) under 5s free: £3.00

Pricing URL: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/clyston-mill#place-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The mill does not currently offer commercial birthday party packages. For information regarding educational group visits or private inquiries, please contact the site directly. Inquiry Email: [email protected]

Clyston Mill: 13:00 - 16:00

Address: National Trust - Clyston Mill, Broadclyst, Exeter, UK

Post Code: EX5 3DX

Council: East Devon

County: Devon

By road: From Killerton, take the B3181 to Broadclyst (3.4miles). Park in Victory Hall car park. Then follow walking route - head towards the church and follow signs to the mill. Limited accessible parking only at the mill. Do not follow SatNav directions if this is not required, as they will lead vehicles down a narrow farm track, and turning around at the mill is difficult.
On foot: Follow the trail map from Killerton to Broadclyst Village. The route passes by the mill. It's a leisurely 6 mile walk that follows the cycle path.
By train: Pinhoe, 4½ miles; Whimple, 6 miles; Exeter Central and St David's, both 7 miles. From Exeter by bus.
By bus: Services from Exeter to Tiverton, alight at Broadclyst, head towards the church and follow signs to the mill. More information at: www.stagecoachbus.com
Cycling: The cycle path runs from Killerton to Broadclyst Village and passes Clyston Mill. It's a 6 mile round trip that avoids the main road.
Parking: From Killerton, take the B3181 to Broadclyst (3.4miles). Park in Victory Hall car park. Then follow walking route - head towards the church and follow signs to the mill. Limited accessible parking only at the mill.