Caudwell’s Mill at Rowsley is a unique, Grade II* listed historic flour mill, set in the beautiful Wye Valley in the glorious Peak District National Park, with Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and the Peak Rail Station nearby. It is situated on the A6 between Bakewell and Matlock in the village of Rowsley. The mill is powered by water from the River Wye and a mill has stood on this site for at least 400 years. The present mill was built in 1874 by John Caudwell and run as a family business for over a century.

At Caudwell’s, the grain was milled using the same process as that used at the giant modern mills which provide most of the flour for our bread today, but here production was on a scale and at a speed which was both easier to understand and which did not damage the flour.

The mill is a complete fascinating automatic “machine” on four floors and runs daily (water levels permitting), although flour is no longer milled on the premises. Most of the machinery is pre-1914 and is still driven by belts (often leather) and pulleys from line shafts. Elevators and Archimedean Screws abound.

The mill is powered by two water turbines, the larger installed in 1914 to drive the flour mill and the smaller installed in 1898, for the provender mill and which today generates electricity used at the mill.

There are numerous displays, descriptions and hands-on models throughout the mill to make your visit enjoyable and informative. It is ideal to show children those fascinating mechanical features not to be seen elsewhere and to explore how wheat is turned into flour. Pre-booked parties are welcome at any time and are guided by our knowledgeable staff who can bring out the details of the mill design. More details are available from the Mill Manager.

The Mill Shop

• The mill shop sells a great range of flours supplied by carefully selected British millers. This includes :
• Strong White – Strong Wholemeal – Strong Malted Flake
• Organic Strong Wholemeal – Organic Strong White
• White Self Raising –  Plain White – Pizza Base
• French Stick – Pastry Special – 8 Grain
• Golden Brown – Multi seed and Flake – Light Rye – Dark Rye
• Gluten Free White and Brown

Other products include :

• Oatmeal – Pinhead – Medium – Fine – Groats
• Oat Flour – Spelt Flour – Barley Flour – Cornflour
• Quick Oats – Jumbo Oats – Buckwheat – Supreme Muesli

The flour and other products are available in a variety of sizes – from 1kg – 25kg bags.

Our flours are also available from many trade outlets including Chatsworth farm shop, bakery and restaurants and others throughout the county, including craft bakers, hotels, top restaurants, food halls and delicatessens – further details of which are available from the mill.

Opening Days and Times

 

Mill Shop: open daily between 9.00am and 5.00pm.

Mill: open for visitors from 10.00am to 4.45pm, last admission at 4.15pm. Buy tickets at the craft shop.

Closed Christmas day, Boxing day and New Year’s day bank holidays. For detailed Christmas and New Year opening times please contact the mill on 01629 734374.

Free car and coach parking is available in our car park on Woodhouse Road, Rowsley.

The following bus services stop in Rowsley, near the mill

• Derby – Belper – Matlock – Bakewell (Trent)
• Nottingham – Derby – Buxton – Manchester (Transpeak)
• Sheffield – Matlock (TM Travel 214 & 215)

Other, independent attractions in the mill yard

 Local craftsmen, a craft shop and a cafe now occupy the stables, cart sheds and stores around the courtyard