A mill building with chinmey behind a pond which has its reflection in the water.

Sarehole Mill

A 250 year old watermill famous for its association with author J.R.R Tolkien.

Special events

  1. Two sculptures of tall thin towers in the gardens surrounded by tress and bushes, a small building is in the background

    Origins of Middle-Earth: J.R.R. Tolkien and Sarehole Guided walk , at Sarehole Mill.

    –
    A guided walk introducing the scenery that inspired J.R.R Tolkien.
    DetailsBook now
Two brick-built buildings meet to from a corner of a brick-paved courtyard.

About

Walk in the footsteps of one of the most famous authors of all time and discover the inspiration behind the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy. JRR Tolkien grew up across the road from Sarehole Mill and in later life he would draw on its rural surroundings to create Middle-earth.

There are also connections with another Birmingham son. Matthew Boulton, manufacturer and business partner of engineer James Watt, leased the building between 1756 and 1761 and used it as a ‘flatting mill’ to producing sheet metal to make buttons.

More info

What to see

Interior of mill showing close up of the millstones

The Mill

Find out more about the history of this historic mill.
Two sculptures of tall thin towers in the gardens surrounded by tress and bushes, a small building is in the background

Middle Earth

Discover Sarehole Mill's links with J.R.R Tolkien.
A wooden sculpture with the words 'Woodland Realm' carved into it.

Woodland Realm

Little ones will love exploring the Woodland Realm.
A group of people in the cobbled courtyard with Sarehole Mill building behind.

Ticket prices

Path to brick-built water mill building surrounded by plants and trees.

Plan your visit

A two storey brick building with single storey outbuilding opposite across a cobbled courtyard.

How to get here

Sarehole Mill opening times

Open Friday - Sunday, 11am – 4pm.

  • Admission charges apply to enter the Mill.
  • Last entry to Mill 3.30pm.
  • Grounds are free to visit.

Pre-booking advised.

Closed: 22 - 26 December and 29 December - 1 January.

Timber-beamed interior workings of a mill, showing the millstones
Visit us

Latest news and stories

  1. Stacey Barnfield in front of one of the digital signs.

    From social to billboards: Celebrating Birmingham’s brilliance

    10 December 2025
  2. Stained glass window showing the coat-of-arms of the city of Birmingham.

    Birmingham Museums Trust to take part in national research project to address inequalities in museum attendance

    9 December 2025
  3. Two smiling people in a gallery with the text that reads 'Your Museums. Your Move.'

    Birmingham Museums launches major fundraising campaign to protect city’s cultural heritage

    28 November 2025

Address: Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Birmingham, B13 0BD.