Take time out to visit one of Birmingham’s last surviving water mills that inspired the Lord of the Rings author, J.R.R. Tolkien.
There has been a mill on this site since 1542. However, the mill as it stands today dates back to 1768. Inside the building, you can learn how the water wheel, gears and mill stones were used to produce flour, and watch a bread-baking demonstration.br />Outside, you’ll discover a tranquil mill pond which is teeming with wildlife. At the water’s edge, you may spot herons, ducks and even the occasional kingfisher. The Mill also hosts an exhibition called Signposts To Middle Earth, which is spread over three floors and explores the world of Tolkien and all that inspired him. On the ground floor, a short film is screened that gives a background to the writer’s life and works. On the second floor, you’ll find a storyboard illustrating the history of the mill and there is also a series of Tolkien’s illustrations. Upstairs is given over to a model entrance to a hobbit’s house! If you want to delve deeper still into the world of the writer, there is a Tolkien Trail Map that can be downloaded from the Sarehole Mill website. In May each year, the site plays host to the Middle Earth Festival, a weekend festival inspired by Tolkien, that draws visitors from all over the world.Sarehole Mill is situated in the suburb of Hall Green, approximately 15 minutes south of Birmingham city centre. The area is well served by buses and the nearest railway station, Hall Green, is a ten-minute walk away. Free parking is available on site.In the summer, the mill is open from Tuesday to Saturday. Check the website for opening times. There is an entrance fee to access the mill, although it is worth noting that the entry fee is waived on the first Sunday of every month.
