Skidby Mill and Museum of East Riding Rural Life
Explore a historic working windmill and a charming museum detailing East Yorkshire's rural past, with a delightful cafe on site.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the mill working
Skidby Mill and Museum of East Riding Rural Life
Best Time
See the mill working

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore a historic working windmill and a charming museum detailing East Yorkshire's rural past, with a delightful cafe on site.
"A lovely, well-presented, and informative museum about the role of farms and the lives of labourers."
🎯 Confirm Milling Schedule
Always check if the windmill is milling on your planned visit day to avoid disappointment.
☕ Enjoy the Sails Café
Don't miss the highly-rated Sails Café for great coffee and cake after your visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Working Windmill
Skidby Mill
Experience one of the last working windmills in the region. See the impressive machinery and learn about its historical significance.

East Riding Rural Life Museum
Stable Courtyard
Discover the fascinating history of farming and rural life in East Yorkshire through engaging exhibits and personal stories.
Sails Café
Courtyard
A charming spot for coffee and cake, offering a pleasant break after exploring the mill and museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Milling Days
Affordable Entry & Cafe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Confirm Milling Schedule
Always check if the windmill is milling on your planned visit day to avoid disappointment.
☕ Enjoy the Sails Café
Don't miss the highly-rated Sails Café for great coffee and cake after your visit.
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Very affordable entry fees make this a great value attraction for all ages.
⏳ Check Opening Times
The museum closes for lunch, and it's wise to double-check opening hours before traveling.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Confirm Milling Schedule
Always check if the windmill is milling on your planned visit day to avoid disappointment.
☕ Enjoy the Sails Café
Don't miss the highly-rated Sails Café for great coffee and cake after your visit.
💰 Budget-Friendly Entry
Very affordable entry fees make this a great value attraction for all ages.
⏳ Check Opening Times
The museum closes for lunch, and it's wise to double-check opening hours before traveling.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Skidby Mill and the Museum of East Riding Rural Life for their charm, affordability, and informative content. The working windmill is a significant draw, offering a unique historical experience. While the museum is small, its personal stories and well-presented exhibits are highly appreciated. The on-site Sails Café also receives positive mentions for its refreshments.
"Skidby Windmill and the Museum of East Riding are the same complex set in the stable courtyard that also houses the marvelously wonderful Sails Café, which is also well worth a visit. Lovely, interesting, small museum that is well maintained. Plenty of information boards about the local history and rural life. Friendly chap on reception. Closes for lunch. Adults £2.50. Concessions £1.50. Children £1.25 and under 5's free. Skidby is one of the last working windmills and it is not possible to access the mill itself, though you can go up one floor of the attached building to see some of the machinery."
Photos Only as G Maps deletes reviews
"A lovely, well presented and informative museum about the role of farms and the lives of labourers and their families in East Yorkshire. Particularly interesting is the fact they interviewed people who had lived these lives and have quoted them to tell their stories. Makes it all much more relatable. Entry is £2.50 for adults and you can go to the Sails Cafe afterwards. Definitely worth a visit if you’re passing."
Alan Garratt
"Lovely little museum. Fantastic working Windmill. Just check that it is milling on the day before you go. Great coffee and cake shop in courtyard."
Alan Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skidby Mill is located in the village of Skidby, near Beverley in East Yorkshire. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended if you're not driving.
Yes, there is typically parking available near the mill and museum complex, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The museum and mill have specific opening hours, and it's important to note that they close for lunch. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead to confirm exact times before your visit.
Entry fees are very reasonable. Adults typically pay around £2.50, with concessions and children having lower rates. Under 5s are often free.
Yes, you can still visit the windmill and the museum even if it's not actively milling on that day. You can often access parts of the mill to see the machinery.
Generally, advance booking is not required for individual visits to Skidby Mill and the Museum of East Riding Rural Life due to its size and pricing. However, for group visits, it's always a good idea to inquire.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum offers a well-presented and informative look at the role of farms and the lives of laborers and their families in East Yorkshire. It features quotes from people who lived these lives, making the history relatable.
Yes, Skidby Mill is one of the last working windmills. Visitors can see some of the machinery, and on milling days, you can witness the process.
While it's not always possible to access the entire mill, visitors can typically go up one floor of the attached building to see some of the machinery.
Yes, the attraction is generally suitable for children, with affordable entry fees and interesting exhibits that can capture their attention. The windmill itself can be fascinating for younger visitors.
Facilities include the Sails Café in the courtyard, offering refreshments. The museum is well-maintained with information boards.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Sails Café located in the stable courtyard offers coffee, cake, and other refreshments. It's a popular spot for visitors to relax after exploring.
While there isn't specific information about bringing your own food, the presence of the Sails Café suggests it's the primary dining option. Picnicking might be possible in surrounding areas, but check local regulations.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic working windmill itself offers fantastic photographic potential, especially with its sails against the sky. The stable courtyard and the museum exhibits also provide interesting shots of rural life.
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions or signs indicating 'no photography' areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Working Windmill: A Glimpse into History
The visual of the sails turning and the internal workings provides a unique educational experience, especially for families. It’s a chance to understand the ingenuity and labor involved in traditional milling processes. The mill's presence is central to the attraction, drawing visitors interested in industrial heritage and rural history.
Museum of East Riding Rural Life: Stories from the Land
Visitors can expect to learn about the evolution of farming practices, the social history of rural communities, and the impact of changing times on these traditional ways of life. The museum is described as 'lovely, well presented, and informative,' highlighting its engaging layout and the quality of its content. It’s a space that truly brings the history of East Yorkshire's countryside to life.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit