Houghton Mill

Houghton Mill is a 17th-century water mill that was rebuilt and extended in the 18th and 19th centuries. It stands three storeys tall with attics and is constructed of gault brick, red brick, and two-inch brick. Some parts are timber-framed and weather-boarded, topped with a plain tile roof and gabled gantries. The mill features pivot hung windows with glazing bars and has a modern external wooden fire staircase with two landing stages. There is an open passage to the right of the centre, with footbridges on either side of the mill that span two weirs. The three original breast-driven wheels were removed in 1931 and replaced by modern sluices.

Inside, there are three pairs of grinding stones still in place on the grinding floor, along with other mill machinery intact. Storage bins and shoots are located at the first and second-floor levels, and the original staircase, floors, and trap-doors remain.

Mills have been recorded on this site since 974. The current mill replaces one that was burnt down in the 17th century. It ceased operations in 1930 and became a Youth Hostel in 1934. In 1939, it was given to the National Trust. Houghton Mill is now the only surviving watermill on the River Ouse in the old county of Huntingdonshire and is known for its picturesque setting, attracting landscape artists.