West Blatchington Windmill

I came here with a group of international students as part of an «educational excursion». The kids in question were all aged between 15 and 18, so I can honestly say that this was their worst nightmare.
The windmill is impressive and does provide an insight in to a very different time, but for me, it doesn’t do much more than that.
If you are coming here on a whim, make sure you’ve thought it through, certainly if you’re bringing kids. Also check the opening times, as the mill isn’t open particularly often.

From May to September this wonderful milling museum is open to the public. Featuring many interesting artifacts and facilities it’s a great place to visit for the family or enthusiast. Having undergone massive restoration work the mill itself is in great shape giving you a fascinating look into our industrial heritage. It’s hidden away near Hove Park but I certainly recommend finding it as it makes a great Sunday adventure.

Built around 1820, West Blatchington Wind Mill is a great insight into our industrial past. Following major renovations in 1979 and 1999 it’s now a milling museum featuring milling artefacts from around Sussex. With a gift shop, tearoom and various hands-​on facilities it’s a great spot for history enthusiasts, families and tourists alike. It’s open from 2.30−5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays between May and September.

Built around 1820, West Blatchington Windmill is a sight to behold. You can see it when you approach Hove from Devils Dyke by car and I always think that its amazing its still there surrounded by modern houses.
This ‘Smock’ windmill was famously painted in water colours by John Constable in 1825 and is an ideal venue for all age groups to come and visit. Its only open to the public on Sundays and bank holiday Mondays but for schools and large groups they can make an exception.
This mill has been quoted as being one of the finest windmills in the country so definitely worth a trip!

Visitors driving along Holmes Avenue through modern suburban West Blatchington could be forgiven for doing a double-​take as they approach the crest of the hill: somewhat ignominiously stranded between its two carriageways is a fine early 19^th Century windmill, a reminder of the proud tradition of Sussex windmills that once dotted the landscape around the South Downs.
West Blatchington mill was built around 1820 to provide flour and animal feed to the tiny village that has existed here since mediaeval times. The mill is unusual in that it was attached to a barn, and the ‘A’ frame which supports the sail mechanism inside was built from rescued ships’ timbers. Milling stopped in 1897 and, although no longer operational, much of the interior mechanism survives in good condition. The building is listed at Grade II+.
The mill is a ‘smock mill’, so named because the octagonal, wooden structure with its sloping weather boarded sides resembles a linen smock. The cap at the top of the mill could rotate to face the wind, driven around by a small fantail rotor (rather like a modern helicopter’s rear rotor) on the opposite side of the cap from the main sails.
Inside, the ground and first floors comprise an exhibition of the local area and country life in general, with several examples of early agricultural machinery, many of which are still in working order, together with some fine models of windmills. Higher galleries allow access to the milling floor and the bagging floor, and offer fine views over the surrounding countryside. The adjacent barn is now used as a seminar and meeting room, and light teas are available when the mill is open. There is also a small souvenir shop by the entrance.
Entry (2008)
Adults £1.00
Children 50p
Wheelchair Access
There is level access to the ground floor (although it is slightly uneven in places). There is also a disabled access toilet. The upper floors are reached by a series of very steep, open-​tread steps.