Combe Mill, Oxfordshire

Details

Accessibility

See https://www.combemill.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Combe-Mill-Society-Access-Statement8.pdf

"Disability Provisions:

A hearing aid loop exists in the Foreman’s Office. Disability Toilet, Disability Parking

Wheelchair Access:

The platform lift to the upper floors will accommodate a standard wheelchair and one other

person. We have a chair that can be used by visitors if their vehicle is too large to fit the lift.

Users should take car when moving over gravel areas to avoid ‘dig-ins’.

Wheelchair access to the Engine Room is down a short slope through the door at the front of the Mill. Please ask a volunteer for assistance unless you are accompanied by a fit companion who can help you." 

Brief description

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combe_Mill "The mill was built in 1852 as the workshop for the Blenheim Palace Estate, replacing an early 17th-century flour mill sold to George Spencer, 4th Duke of Marlborough in 1766.

The mill was originally powered by a waterwheel. In 1886, a beam engine and Cornish boiler were installed to allow operation when the river's flow was low. The engine stopped working around 1922 and lay idle until its restoration. In September 1972 the engine was successfully steamed for the first time in sixty years. The Combe Mill Society was formed, and the mill opened to the public in 1975. Since then, other parts of the mill have been restored."

https://www.facebook.com/Combe-Mill-265011663864445/about/  "Combe Mill was once the steam and water powered sawmill and workshops serving the Blenheim Palace Estate. No longer a sawmill but the Beam Engine and machinery can be seen."

See https://www.combemill.co.uk/history/ and https://wychwoodshistory.uk/whistory/combe-mill-recollections/

Address

Combe Mill

Blenheim Palace Sawmills

Combe

Oxfordshire

OX29 8ET

Email

Phone

Website

https://www.combemill.co.uk/ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combe_Mill

Directions

"Off A4095 Witney to Woodstock. In Long Hanborough turn north for Combe. After crossing the river, you will find the mill turning on the left before the railway bridge. OS SP 41663 15041  Latitude 51.832370  Longitude -1.396712"

Opening Times

Always check with the venue directly for up-to-date information including opening times and admission charges as they may be subject to change

https://www.combemill.co.uk/opening-times/ and https://www.combemill.co.uk/admission-prices/

Transport

"The nearest station with a regular train service is Hanborough.  From the station it is a walk back into the village and then across fields to reach Combe Mill."

Amenities

"Tea Room: 

You can buy refreshments on steaming event and open days inside our riverside Tea Room which contains seating for 12-16 with an outside deck area for a further 12-16 people. You might prefer to consume food sitting in the grass picnic area.

Grounds and Gardens:

Picnic Area

This is next to the River Evenlode which after rainfall can flow fast and as it bends around the Mill area it is very deep. The river banks are fenced off. Life rings are put out during visits and are located near the footbridge over the river and on the Tea Room railings."