Nether Alderley Mill, Nether Alderley, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4TW

Details

Accessibility

The Mill is accessible at ground floor level by wheelchair users, those with mobility aids and prams only as unfortunately, owing to its architecture and construction, the Mill does not have a Lift and is accessible only by a steep ramp to the mezzanine floor and by an open-tread staircase  of several steps, with a single handrail, to the upper floor.

Assistance dogs are allowed on the ground floor. 

On the ground floor all visitors can view an interactive display of the history of the Mill and of its operation. 

All visitors are supplied with protective Hard Hats  during their tour of the Mill as it has  low-beamed ceilings throughout and a number of low doorways and archways. Some doorways and archways to the kiln are also quite narrow. .

The Mill has limited natural light inside and relies on artificial lighting throughout. 

Floors are uneven and sloping with some trip/slip hazards so care should be taken on the tour, throughout the Mill. 

When the Mill is in operation, there is moving machinery and some machinery noise. 

On the upper floor, the internal viewing area of the Mill machinery has a waist-high,  guard-rail so care should be taken by  all visitors in this area. Also on the upper floor,  visitors can view the Mill Pond  from an external viewing area accessed through a narrow door ( opening inward)  and a 3-step, open-tread staircase with single handrail. 

For more detailed Accessibility Information see : https://nt.global.ssl.fastly.net/documents/access-guide/1431729849105-nether-alderley-mill.pdf

Parking: Nether Alderley Mill has a small tarmacked, parking area at the front of the building directly accessible from the Road. It includes one disabled parking bay for designated 'blue badge holders'. Additional parking is also available at St Mary's Church which is approximately 176 yards (161 metres) away on the opposite side of the road from the Mill  

Brief description

Nether Alderley Mill  is a Grade II-listed building. A mill has been on this site since as early as Thirteenth Century. The present building dates back to the Sixteenth Century. It is a corn mill that was constructed on three levels, with a  Mill Pond  created to its rear at the top of the slope, with a nearby stream dammed to supply the water to drive the Mill’s water wheels. The Mill is unique in having  two water wheels, one set above the other inside the Mill and is one of only four virtually complete Corn Mills in Cheshire. In Victorian times, steam-powered machinery was installed to operate the Mill. There is also a drying kiln within the Mill. 

In the 1960s, after lying derelict for more than 30 years. the Mill was bought by the National Trust who have restored it to full working order. 

The Visitor Tours  of the Mill last for approximately 40 minutes and include a working demonstration of the operation of the Mill by National Trust volunteer Millers.. The Tour takes in each of the 3 floors of the Mill ( ground floor, mezzanine and upper floor) .The Tour also includes a   visit to  the drying kiln and to view the Mill Pond. 

Address

Nether Alderley Mill, Congleton Road, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 4TW

Email

quarrybankmill@nationaltrust.org.uk (Quarry Bank Mill cares for this property). 

Phone

01625 527 468

Website

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nether-alderley-mill

Directions

SAT NAV: SK10 4TW

Nether Alderley Mill is located just off the A34,  near to Alderley Edge ( 6.6 miles from Macclesfield centre, 8.5 miles north of Congleton, 8.8 miles south of Wilmslow).  There are brown tourist signs directing visitors to Nether Alderley Mill from  the A34. 

Opening Times

Usual opening times are  1pm – 4pm ( last tour is at 3.45 pm ) on Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays between April  - October inclusive. Entrance to the Mill is by guided tour only.

(Please note that due to COVID 19,  as at October 2020 the Mill ( in common with a number of other National Trust properties) is currently closed. Please therefore check with the National Trust, at email or telephone number above, for latest update on opening times, booking details and any change to admission charges , prior to planning to visit.)  

Transport

By Rail:  The nearest railway stations are Alderley Edge Station ( 1.6 miles ) and at Macclesfield (6.6 miles)

Alderley Edge Train Station ( Crewe – Manchester train line). Separate level access from car park to Crewe platform and from station drive to ticket office and Manchester platform. A stepped footbridge links the two platforms only. There are no toilet facilities available. The bus stop for bus service no 130 to/from Nether Alderley Mill  is located near the station entrance.

Macclesfield Train Station (Intercity main line station between Manchester, Stoke on Trent and London) has wheelchair-access throughout the station and step-free access via lifts and bridge to both platforms), a disabled toilet  and hearing loop available at ticket office. For buses to Nether Alderley Mill, alight at Macclesfield bus station  near to the train station.

By Bus:  Service no. 130 (Macclesfield  - Alderley Edge - Wilmslow - Handforth operated by D & G Transport Mon - Fri , hourly ) stops outside Nether Alderley Mill.  

Amenities

There are no refreshment or toilet facilities at Nether Alderley Mill.  

Toilets including a disabled toilet ( accessible by National Radar Key ) are available approximately 1.8 miles away at the National Trust Alderley Edge car park, Macclesfield Road, Nether Alderley. ( please note National Trust Alderley Edge car park operates a pay and display parking scheme . The cost to park (as at October 2020) is £3.00 for up to two hours and £5 for all day, or free for National Trust members who can present a valid parking sticker.

A range of refreshment facilities can be found in the area including  nearby in Alderley Edge and also in Macclesfield, Congleton and Wilmslow.