Lyme Regis Discovery Trail - The Town Mill

This ancient watermill, set in the heart of Lyme Regis, was rescued from dereliction by local volunteers through a 10-year restoration project during the late 1990s.

Today, the story of the Town Mill is recounted by volunteer millers and history guides, who mill stoneground flour every day, and keep this special place open for everyone to enjoy.

The mill is the creative heart of Lyme Regis. Nestling around a cobbled courtyard, these restored mill buildings house a working flour watermill, as well as art galleries, artists’ studios, a café, a silversmith, a seamstress, a pottery and a micro-brewery.

Mill buildings have been on this site for around 700 years. The mill is thought to be one of 5,000 pre-Domesday mills and has a long history of serving Lyme Regis by milling wheat for bread and malt for beer. The present site dates back to at least 1340, when Edward III granted a licence to the Town Mill. During the English Civil War in 1644 the mill was severely damaged. It was rebuilt within four years, and most of the buildings you see today date from this time.

Take a tour to discover even more about this fascinating working mill.

Points of interest 

The Town Mill

The Town Mill is thought to be one of the 5,000 pre-Doomsday mills and has a long history of serving Lyme Regis by milling wheat for bread and malt for beer.

Today it is a hive of activity with galleries, a micro-brewery, mill tours, a café, silversmith, pottery and more occupying its space.

A must visit on your journey through Lyme.

The Lynch

The Lynch is a walkway which divides the River Lim and a leat which drives the Town Mill. The water level is controlled by a gate near to the mill, which allows surplus water to cascade down into the river below.

Do take care when walking down the Lynch as there is a steep fall to one side.

Lepers' Well

Lepers’ Well is positioned in a small garden on the banks of the River Lim. It dates from at least the 14th century and is all that remains of the medieval lepers’ hospital that once stood nearby.

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