Despite literally being in Zone 2, a trip to Brixton Windmill feels like a countryside escape. The now grade II* listed structure was built in 1816, when this part of South London was mostly fields, and it has retained a lot of the country charm. Officially known as Ashby’s Mill, after the family who milled here way back when, Brixton Windmill survived several years of ups and downs until milling ceased in 1934. After a series of false starts, and a proper restoration project, the windmill reopened to the public back in 2011.
Brixton Windmill, whilst not as prolific as it used to be, is still a working mill. In fact, it’s London’s last working windmill, and the flour they mill here is available to buy on open days and from local retailers. Between March and October, on the second weekend of every month, the windmill opens for guided tours. Lucky visitors who book in advance will get to go up inside the mill and learn all about the inner workings, checking out two sets of millstones: both the original wind-powered machinery, and the smaller stones installed by the Ashby family in 1902 that were driven by steam. Nowadays, the millstones both run on electricity and are used by volunteers to produce Brixton Windmill flour.
Not to be confused with The Windmill pub, also in Brixton, Brixton Windmill can also be a good place for a pint if you pick your days right. It’s home to the annual Beer and Bread festival, which attracts micro-brewers and artisan bakers for a celebration of all things wheat. Other special events include weekly, drop-in tai chi classes in the Windmill Gardens, and walks around the Brixton Hill area led by a Blue Badge Guide.
📍 Location: Blenheim Gardens, Brixton, SW2 5EU. Nearest station is Brixton. See it on Google Maps.
🕙 Opening hours: Brixton Windmill opens on the second weekend of each month, from March to October.
💷 Entry: tours cost £5 and last around 30 minutes. Shorter tours (around 20 minutes) are available for those who haven’t booked in advance, but entry isn’t guaranteed and you may have to wait.
👉 More information: from their website.