Cricklepit Mill

At more than 800 years of age, Cricklepit Mill is Exeter's last working watermill. Surrounded by a unique urban wildlife garden, Cricklepit Mill also serves as Devon Wildlife Trust's headquarters.

Location

Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill
Commercial Road

Exeter

Devon

EX2 4AB

OS Map Reference

SX 919 922

Know before you go

Entry fee

Parking information

No parking

Grazing animals

Walking trails

Links in to Exeter quay, riverside walks and Valley Park

Access

Access to the visitor centre and viewing area is suitable for all visitors. Parts of the garden are also fully accessible.

Dogs

On a lead

Facilities

Visitor centre

Toilets

Picnic area

Disabled toilet

When to visit

Opening times

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (closed Bank Holidays)

Best time to visit

All year round

About the reserve

Cricklepit Mill offers you a place to escape from it all in the very heart of the busy city of Exeter.

The 18th century watermill sits in an extensive wildlife garden. The place has a secretive feel - many long term Exeter residents tell us they never knew it existed!

Species

Contact us

Devon Wildlife Trust

Contact number: 01392 279244

Contact email: contactus@devonwildlifetrust.org

Location map

White tailed bumblebee resting on a blackberry flower — White tailed bumblebee. Photo, Chris Lawrence

Urban wildlife up close

Bee-friendly borders, bug homes, a sensory section and seating are all features of a space cared for by a team of volunteer gardeners. The garden is a great place to come and relax or to eat your picnic.

The garden is also the place to see wildlife. Otters, grey wagtails, kingfishers and sparrowhawks are all regularly spotted here. A bird feeding station is busy in winter, while in summer the garden's borders and mini-meadows attract a good range of moths and butterflies.

Inside the mill interactive displays and a printed guide let you explore Cricklepit's fascinating history. Milling open days are also held each month providing the chance to see the watermill in operation and grinding flour in the old-fashioned way.

Cricklepit Mill's restoration was supported by Heritage Lottery Fund and Devon Historic Buildings Trust.

Cricklepit Mill leat at sunrise — Cricklepit Mill leat

Explore Exeter from here

The mill is the perfect place to begin to discover Exeter. Start here and then explore on foot or by bike. Exeter's historic Quayside is only five minutes away by foot, while the beautiful Valley Parks are within a pleasant 20 minute stroll.

For the more adventurous a River Exe Wild Walk takes you on a six-mile exploration of the local landscape including Devon Wildlife Trust's Old Sludge Bed and Exe Reed Bed nature reserves.

Cricklepit Mill is the home of Devon Wildlife Trust.

Millers using the hoist at Cricklepit Mill — Peter Watson and Nigel Fitzhugh using the hoist at Cricklepit Mill.

Take a journey back in time

Cricklepit Mill's history goes back to 1220 and it truly is a fascinating part of Exeter's heritage.

Every second Friday of the month, from 10am until 12 noon, Cricklepit Mill is open to the public for special milling demonstrations. Witness our ancient waterwheel turn grain into flour in the traditional method.

Events throughout the year

Cricklepit Mill is also home to various events throughout the year. In 2017 we hosted a National Mills Weekend event, a wild bee family fun day and even a 'Harry Otter' themed Halloween event. Please check our 'What's on' pages to find out about any milling days and Cricklepit Mill events.