Hardley Drainage Mill

The Ludham millwright Daniel England built Hardley Mill for Sir Thomas Proctor Beauchamp of Langley Hall in 1874. It lifted water from the neighbouring marshes into the River Yare. It worked until 1950 when it was abandoned after being tail-winded and damaged. 

Work to restore the mill began in 1991. The restoration of the tower was completed in 2005. A Norfolk boat-shaped cap and four patent sails were added in 2009. The internal Appold turbine was also restored as part of the project. The mill pumped water for the first time in over 60 years in 2013.  

The mill is operated by Hardley Windmill Trust whose volunteers organise open days and special events. They also manage the visitor centre on site, which was built as part of the restoration project.

Access is via the Wherryman's Way footpath along the River Yare. There is no vehicular access to the mill or visitor centre. The nearest car park is at Hardley Staithe (approximately 1 mile).  

Location 

• Address: NR11 7HN (near Hardley Staithe, nearest postcode) 
• Grid reference: TG 38781 02419 
• what3words: ///improvise.prompts.darts 

Open days for 2024 

See the Hardley Windmill Trust website for details. 

Image of Hardley Drainage Mill