The mill at Sturminster Newton is a photo opportunity. Picturesquely perching on the banks of the river Stour, mellow brickwork reflected in the glassy waters it's definitely a calendar girl.
The mill has milled flour for Saxons, Normans, Plantaganets etc. right up to the 20th C with no complaints and is open to the public during the summer months.
Rather like visiting a venerable church you immediately sense in its dusty atmosphere an unbroken way-back-when pedigree while the rumble and clank of the wheel vibrating through the whole building makes you wonder how it hasn't been shaken into the Stour years ago.
It is the Mill's situation though that makes the trip worthwhile and while there are no facilities there are picnic tables where you can take in this most quintessential of Dorset views.
There's a public loo in the car park. A five minute walk will find several cafes - all serving lovely food. From the mill, look across the fields to a row of houses and see if you can spot Thomas Hardy's former home!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the contribution!...the loos are out of action-vandalised!...though you may be able to use mill if you ask nicely...I D
Delete