Sarehole Mill

About this place

Sarehole Mill is one of the last two water mills still operational on Birmingham. This museum is not only a privileged place for bird watching but also the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the famous author of Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien. The latter lived in the neighbouring hamlet of Sarehole between the ages of 4 and 8 years, the mill and surroundings having constituted a major influence in his novels for the creation of the idyllic landscapes of La Comte. The tranquillity of the place is particularly suitable for fishing and bird watching. If the building as it stands today dates from 1768, the first traces of a mill on the site date back to 1542. Tourists will be able to enter the bowels of the mill to discover centuries old machines, notably the steam engine installed to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the mill.