Holgate Windmill

One of York's more unusual sights is this 18th century windmill, unique in Britain for having five sails, which sits rather conspicuously in the middle - literally - of a very ordinary residential street. After falling into disuse in the 1930s, the mill was painstakingly restored to working condition by volunteers between 2001 and 2012. On open days, you can see the sails moving, then go inside the mill and understand how the power of wind is harnessed to turn the millstone and grind wheat and spelt into flour. The same volunteers are on hand to answer your questions and sell you some of their freshly-ground flour!.

Address

Windmill Rise, YO26 4TX

Getting there

1½ miles (2.4 km) west of centre. Park on Acomb Road (YO24 4AE) or at Carlton Tavern (YO24 4HA). Bus: 1, 5, 5A, P+R Turquoise

Hours

Mill open for tours on irregular weekends 11AM-4PM, very frequently in summer, but seldom in winter. Mill shop every Sat 10AM-noon. Full calendar here

Price

Adult £3, child (5-18 years) £1

Website

holgatewindmill.org (opens in a new tab)