Howsham Water Mill

There is a brand new "historic attraction" - if that makes sense - that has opened-up to the public; and just a short-drive from Rosella Cottage here in Rosedale Abbey.

It is the Georgian-era water-mill at Howsham which was built for the owners of the nearby Howsham Hall in 1755.

Howsham Mill is a remarkably ornate building and was actually designed as a folly by architect John Carr of York; famous for designing Fairfax House in York, and the extension to Castle Howard stables.

The Mill has been rescued from ruin since 2003 and given a new lease of life as an environmental education centre generating hydro-electricity.

The Mill is of maximum historical interest as a very early example of Gothic Revival style applied to a functional building as a water mill.

The Howsham Mill is located on wooded island in the middle of the River Derwent; about five-miles downstream from Malton.

The River Derwent runs on one side of the Mill; and the navigation channel, cut to allow boats to get around the Mill weir runs on the on the other side.

The Mill sits within the River Derwent Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), designated for its rich diversity of plant and animal life.

Otters have lived around and visited the island since the mid-1980s and can occasionally be spotted from the Mill.

There are also kingfisher's that are often seen.

The island at Howsham mill is always open to the public.

The Howsham Mill itself is only open for viewing on Sundays throughout the year from 11am-4pm (5pm in Summer).

Getting there from Rosedale Abbey

Howsham Mill is located 8-miles South-west of Malton, off the the A64 (postcode = YO60 7PA).

Drive from Rosedale to Pickering via the A170.

From the main roundabout in Pickering, take the A169 (south) towards Malton.

At Malton, take the A64 towards York.

Exit the A64 signposted to Barton-Le-Willows (opposite direction to Castle Howard) and follow the road signs towards Howsham.

Before Howsham village, you'll cross a large stone bridge over the River Derwent.

Parking is available by the bridge, opposite the gates to Howsham Hall.

Continue on foot: The footpath leads you under the bridge along the riverside path to the Mill island.