Welcome to Priest's Mill in the Northern Fells of the Lake District
Discover Priest’s Mill, tucked away in the village of Caldbeck in the northern fells of the Lake District National Park. This restored 18th Century water mill went through an award winning transformation in 1986 to start its new life as an arts, crafts and gifts centre as well being home to delicious food in the Watermill cafe.
Built in 1702 by the Rector of Caldbeck, Priest’s Mill started its industrial life as a stone grinding corn mill until 1933 when it became a sawmill and joiners workshop. Powered by a 14ft water wheel and water from the Cold Beck (Caldbeck), which drove a number of mills in the area, it was finally defeated by floods in 1965, which destroyed the mill dam.
Now the mill has a new lease of life as home to craft businesses, and a popular cafe. Come and visit us and you will find a Cumbrian welcome and an enjoyable day out.
The
Wool Clip
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An Award winning and
thriving co-operative of local
wool workers, who run the
Priest's Mill shop and
together know about
all things woollen.
Also founders of Woolfest
a hugely popular three day
festival of wool that
takes place annually in the
Lake District.
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The
Watermill
Cafe
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For delicious home baked food pop in to the Watermill cafe. Situated upstairs it has
original beams and stonework and you can enjoy views of the beck and waterwheel. For
warmer days there is a
tea garden overlooking the
beck and village cricket pitch
with views to the fells
beyond.
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The Caldbeck Crafter's
Co-operative
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A unique art and crafts shop, run by the makers who together formed a co-operative at Priest's Mill, Caldbeck. Together we sell a diverse range of locally made goods including textiles, jewellery, fused glass, wooden gifts, toiletries, bird boxes and more. We also have artists whose work includes original hand prints, pyrography and acryllic work.