21/02/2021
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Mountnessing Windmill

4.6
·189 reviews·, United Kingdom

A beautifully restored historic windmill in Essex, offering a glimpse into the past with picturesque surroundings and a charming village cricket groun...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

3rd Sunday of Summer Months

Mill is open to public

CrowdMedium
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21/02/2021

Mountnessing Windmill

Best Time

3rd Sunday of Summer Months

Mill is open to public

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully restored historic windmill in Essex, offering a glimpse into the past with picturesque surroundings and a charming village cricket ground.

4.6
(189 reviews)

"Lovely windmill, impressive and right beside a cricket field."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Opening Times

The windmill is typically only open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of summer months. Always verify dates!

👟 Steep Interior Stairs

Be ready for steep stairs inside; facing them while descending is recommended. Even kids manage!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Windmill

The Historic Windmill

Interior

Explore the beautifully restored interior and learn its fascinating history from knowledgeable guides.

Picturesque Surroundings

Picturesque Surroundings

Exterior

Admire the windmill's rustic charm set against a scenic village cricket ground.

Panoramic Views

Panoramic Views

Top of the windmill

Enjoy lovely views of the surrounding Essex countryside from the upper levels.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

Mountnessing Windmill is often open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of the summer months. Check local listings for exact dates and times to avoid disappointment. The surrounding park and cricket field are accessible even when the windmill is closed.

Accessibility & Navigation

Be prepared for steep stairs inside the windmill if you plan to explore its interior. While manageable for most, it's a good idea to be aware of this before ascending. Free parking is available nearby, often adjacent to a park and cricket ground.

Best Times

When
3rd Sunday of Summer Months
Why
Mill is open to public
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays (exterior view)
Why
Peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Marti Pellow - Love Is All Around #r2inthepark @BBC Radio 2 #chelmsford #martipellow #wetwetwet #fyp
@holly_berrie5
151.8K likes • 4.9M views

🎯 Check Opening Times

The windmill is typically only open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of summer months. Always verify dates! Reddit

👟 Steep Interior Stairs

Be ready for steep stairs inside; facing them while descending is recommended. Even kids manage! Reddit

A busy day to say the least but we’re always ready to restock! #flowers24_7 #flowervendingmachine #eastham #chelmsford #florist #freshflowers
@milamei2g
89.4K likes • 1M views
A quick long exposure #olympus #olympusuk #olympusem1mark3 #olympus12100f4 #koodinternational #zomeifilter #zomei #omsystem #windmill #windmillphotography #longexposure #longexposureoftheday #longexposurephotography #essex #essexphotographer #essexphotography #exploringessex #mountnessing
gavtakesphotos
26 likes • 401 views

🚗 Free Parking Available

Enjoy convenient free parking, often located next to a park and cricket field. Reddit

📸 Great for Photography

Capture stunning shots, especially with long exposure techniques or drone footage. Instagram+1

Mountnessing Windmill, Essex . . #windmill #windmills #holland #nature #sunset #landscape #ig #travel #photography #hle #netherlands #molen #windm #sky #landscapephotography #wind #travelphotography #naturephotography #m #dutch #windmolen #nederland #clouds #mill #photooftheday #windturbine #amsterdam #greece #instagood #windpower
swathikrishnan17
47 likes • 790 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Opening Times

The windmill is typically only open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of summer months. Always verify dates! Reddit

👟 Steep Interior Stairs

Be ready for steep stairs inside; facing them while descending is recommended. Even kids manage! Reddit

🚗 Free Parking Available

Enjoy convenient free parking, often located next to a park and cricket field. Reddit

📸 Great for Photography

Capture stunning shots, especially with long exposure techniques or drone footage. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Grounds

Even if closed, the exterior is impressive, and the adjacent cricket field offers a lovely walk. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(189 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Mountnessing Windmill a lovely and interesting place, appreciating its beautifully restored interior and the historical facts shared by knowledgeable individuals. The picturesque setting with the cricket ground is a highlight, though the steep internal stairs are a notable feature. It's considered a worthwhile stop, especially when open to the public.

"The present mill was built in 1807
It has four floors, four spring sails and two pairs of millstones. It is in full working order and occasionally mills flour. The mill can be turned to the wind by pushing its long tail pole well worth a visit. When I took the photo of this Mill there was no charge to go in you could only view it from the outside."

Douglas Ballard

"Very interesting place . Several people tell the story of this mill inside. A lot of interesting facts. Very steep stairs, you have to go down facing the stairs :) But it's everything ok. My daughter (7y old) did it :) We was end of July 2025 and man said that mill will be paint soon for new colour :)"

Anna Lis

"Lovely place with nice view and free parking with a park."

James Freshwater

What People Like

Beautifully restored interior
Interesting historical facts
Picturesque setting

What People Dislike

Steep interior stairs

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mountnessing Windmill is located in Essex. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is a common method. Free parking is available on-site, often adjacent to a park and cricket field, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available at Mountnessing Windmill. This is a significant plus for visitors, especially those coming by car. Reddit

Information on direct public transport routes to Mountnessing Windmill is limited. It's advisable to check local bus and train schedules for routes serving the general Chelmsford or Brentwood areas and then consider a taxi or a longer walk. TikTok

The windmill is situated near a village cricket ground, offering a pleasant setting for a walk. The surrounding area of Essex provides opportunities for exploring local villages and countryside. Reddit

It can be quite easy to miss if you're not actively looking for it, so keep an eye out for signage. The rustic setting with the cricket ground nearby can serve as a landmark. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Mountnessing Windmill is typically open to the public on the 3rd Sunday of the summer months. It's crucial to check local listings or the windmill's official channels for exact dates and opening hours before your visit. Reddit

When open to the public, there may be an admission fee or donation requested. It's best to confirm ticketing details closer to your visit date. Reddit

Opening hours are generally limited to specific days, primarily the 3rd Sunday of the summer months. Specific times should be verified through local event listings or the windmill's caretakers. Reddit

Yes, you can still admire the impressive exterior of Mountnessing Windmill and explore the surrounding grounds, including the adjacent cricket field, even when the interior is closed to visitors. Reddit

While specific pricing can vary, it's common for historic sites like Mountnessing Windmill to have a small entrance fee or suggest donations when open to the public. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography & Views

The windmill itself offers great photographic opportunities from various angles, especially with its rustic charm. The adjacent cricket field provides a unique foreground. Long exposure photography and drone shots have also been captured here. Instagram+1

Drone footage of Mountnessing Windmill has been captured, showcasing its setting from above. Always ensure you comply with local drone regulations and privacy considerations. Instagram

From the upper levels of the windmill, you can expect lovely views of the surrounding Essex countryside. The setting is picturesque, especially with the village cricket ground nearby. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is welcomed. However, for commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to inquire beforehand. Drone usage should always adhere to local regulations. Instagram+1

The windmill's scenic location and open surroundings could make it a good spot for sunset photography, though specific lighting conditions would depend on the season and weather. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

Inside, the windmill is beautifully restored and offers a glimpse into its history. Visitors can learn interesting facts from guides. Be prepared for very steep stairs to navigate between levels. Reddit

Yes, children can visit. While the stairs are steep, a 7-year-old has successfully navigated them. It's a good opportunity for kids to learn about local history in an engaging way. Reddit

The area around the windmill is generally flat and pleasant, especially with the adjacent park and cricket field. The main challenge is the steep internal staircase if you choose to go inside. Reddit

When open to the public, there are often people inside who can share the story and interesting facts about the mill, acting as informal guides. Reddit

Several people inside the windmill share its story and interesting facts, providing a good historical context for your visit. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mountnessing Windmill offers a unique historical outing for families. While the steep interior stairs require supervision, children as young as 7 have managed them, making it an achievable adventure. Reddit The opportunity to learn about how windmills worked can be engaging for curious young minds. The adjacent park and cricket field provide space for kids to run around and enjoy the outdoors, especially if the windmill itself is closed. Reddit

Consider visiting on a day when the windmill is open to the public to maximize the experience. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities might be limited. The novelty of exploring an old structure can be more exciting than a typical museum visit, offering a hands-on glimpse into the past. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Mountnessing Windmill a charming subject. The windmill's rustic architecture, set against the backdrop of a village cricket ground, offers excellent framing opportunities. Long exposure shots are particularly effective here, capturing the movement of the sky or surrounding elements. Instagram+1

For a broader perspective, drone photography can reveal the windmill's integration into the Essex landscape. Instagram+1 Whether you're interested in architectural details, landscape shots, or capturing the changing seasons, Mountnessing Windmill provides a picturesque and accessible location for a photo session. Remember to check opening times if you wish to photograph the interior.

🚶‍♂️ History Buffs & Explorers

For those interested in local history and heritage, Mountnessing Windmill offers a tangible connection to Essex's past. Learning about its function and restoration from on-site guides provides valuable insights. Reddit The experience of climbing its steep internal stairs is part of understanding the practicalities of historical structures. Reddit

Even when the windmill is closed, exploring the exterior and the surrounding village cricket ground offers a sense of place and history. It's a chance to appreciate the preservation efforts and imagine the windmill in its working prime. The surrounding area of Chelmsford and Brentwood also offers further historical exploration opportunities. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Restoration of Mountnessing Windmill

Mountnessing Windmill stands as a testament to Essex's agricultural past. While specific historical details about its construction and original use are best learned on-site, its presence signifies a time when windmills were vital for grinding grain and powering local industries. The fact that it has been beautifully restored indicates a community effort to preserve this piece of heritage for future generations. Reddit

Visitors often remark on the interesting facts shared by those present when the mill is open. This suggests that the restoration not only preserved the structure but also the knowledge associated with its operation. The steep stairs inside are a common feature of many historic windmills, designed for efficiency in a compact space, and are part of the authentic experience. Reddit

Recent social media content hints at ongoing maintenance, with one visitor noting in late July 2025 that the mill was scheduled to be painted soon for a new color. This ongoing care ensures the windmill remains a prominent and well-maintained landmark. Reddit

Photography Opportunities

Mountnessing Windmill is a photographer's delight, offering a blend of rustic architecture and scenic surroundings. Long exposure photography enthusiasts can capture the movement of clouds or water (if any is nearby) against the static windmill, creating dramatic effects. The windmill's silhouette against the sky, especially during sunrise or sunset, can yield stunning results. Instagram+1

For those with a drone, aerial shots provide a unique perspective, showcasing the windmill's placement within the landscape and its relationship with the adjacent cricket field. Instagram+1 The surrounding greenery and open skies of Essex offer a picturesque backdrop, making it ideal for landscape and travel photography. Capturing the windmill in different seasons, from the lush greens of summer to the muted tones of winter, can offer varied visual narratives. Instagram

When the windmill is open, the interior also presents photographic opportunities, though lighting might be more challenging. The textures of old wood and machinery can be fascinating subjects. Remember to always be mindful of any restrictions and respect the site while capturing your shots. Instagram

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