Aylsham Windmill
- Premier host
- Aylsham, Norfolk, England
- See on map
- Sleeps: 6
- Bedrooms: 3
- Bathrooms: 2
- Minimum stay: 2 nights
A former working flour mill built in 1826, Aylsham Windmill is now a luxury holiday home for six, close to the Norfolk Broads, Norwich and the wild North Sea coast. It makes for an interesting place to stay: a step back in time with a hefty dose of 21stcentury luxury.
Aylsham Windmill is a hard-working building. It milled flour for 80 years, before being retired in the early 20th century. It then became derelict, rescued in 1999 by its current owners. They set about a labour of love, replacing floors, stairs and beams to create the cosy holiday pad it is today.
You’ll find the windmill down a neat tree-lined drive on the outskirts of the market town of Aylsham. Step inside, and you’ll find a utility room with plenty of space for coats and muddy boots. Climb up to the first floor, and you reach the open plan living and kitchen area, equipped with everything you’ll need for lazy days and cosy evenings. There is a kitchen fitted into the curved wall of the windmill, making for an unusual spot to whip up a meal. There is a dining table and chairs for six, three sofas, a TV and DVD player. You won’t need to worry about getting cold on winter nights: the gas fire keeps everything toasty.
Head up the stairs, and you’ll find two bedrooms (a double and a twin), and a shared en-suite bathroom. Up another flight, and you’ll find a king-size bedroom with its own en-suite.
The windmill has its own private patio, with a table and chairs surrounded by flowers. It’s ideal for long lunches in the sun and drinks at dusk after a day out exploring .And there is plenty to explore around the mill.
Aylsham itself is an attractive historic town with pubs, tea rooms and shops. It is a great place to while away an afternoon pottering. Nearby is Blickling Hall, an eighteenth century house and garden that was once home to Anne Boleyn. It is surrounded by 500 acres of woodland, crossed with walking and cycling trails, making it a fabulous day out for those with energy to burn.
Further afield, the Norfolk trails make for easy walking and cycling adventures. If you bring your own bike, you can store it safely in the windmill’s utility area. Aylsham Cycle Centre will take care of your bike repairs, and there are plenty of places who will deliver bikes for hire. The Norfolk Coast Cycleway will take you on attractive coastal paths and inland lanes, with great views from the saddle. Walkers will also love the coastal trail, and the inland river valley walks. If you’d rather travel by boat, the windmill makes a perfect base from which toexplore the Norfolk Broads and coast.
Keep readingAt a glance
- Historic converted windmill sleeping six.
- Comfortable and cosy with everything provided.
- Lovely patio garden.
- In a historic market town.
- Surrounded by pretty countryside.
- Close to the Norfolk Broads and coast.
Features
Family Friendly
Facilities
WiFi, sink, washingmachine, tumble dryer, freezer, cloakroom, fully equipped kitchen includingcleaning amenities, fridge, dishwasher, microwave, gas cooker, hob, lounge,sofas, armchairs, dining table with chairs, gas fire, Freeview TV, DVD player, radio/CD/cassette player, iron & ironing board, clothes drier, gascentral heating, patio garden & furniture, gas barbeque. Cot and highchair available. Bathroomamenities, linen and towels provided. Tea, coffee, biscuits and one pint of milkprovided upon arrival.
Please contact the owner directly with any questions.
Local activities
Steam train, horsesanctuary, zoo, treehouse adventure, Norfolk Broads, beaches, coastal walking.
More information
Aylsham Windmill is a lovely holiday haven, great for those looking for an active getaway with a dose of history thrown in.
Things to note
Short breaks available (2 nights minimum in low season). No smoking, no pets. Flexible changeover days. Small party discount for 2 guests.
Prices vary according to length of booking/season, starting at £78 per night for a weeks stay in low season, up to £200 per night for a short break in July.
Where you'll be staying
Aylsham, Norfolk
What the guests of Aylsham Windmill say
“Wonderful Holiday – The Old Windmill is delightful. It is clean, comfortable, Janet and Tim are very helpful and have thought of everything you need and even provided some welcome treats. It is perfectly located for so many places and a quiet garden to come home to. We had a fantastic week and will certainly recommend and return to. All in all 10 out of 10.”
“Family stay at Aylsham Windmill 10/10 – Perfect location and property for a family holiday in Norfolk. Janet & Tim are perfect hosts and provided us with a wonderful place to spend our holiday. The windmill was more spacious than we had imagined and is very well equipped and maintained. Aylsham was a great location to stay and we can happily recommend The Black Boys Hotel for meals which are very substantial (we couldn’t order a dessert as full after main course). We also enjoyed day trip out to Wroxham on the Bure Valley railway, worth booking a boat trip on Broads from Wroxham in advance as all booked up when we arrived). Great beaches at Cromer & Wells Next The Sea. Would happily rebook the Windmill and stay there again.”
“Beautiful felt like a princess – Such a stunning holiday home. Was a surprise for my husband’s birthday he had no idea where we were going. When we pulled up he said I wonder what floor we will be on. I laughed & told him it was all ours. When we got inside it didn’t disappoint. So beautiful we loved it so much didn’t want to leave. Will definitely go back next year. The owners were so lovely as well. 10/10 keep up the fab work. Oh one more thing a beautiful welcome pack of goodies left for us so appreciated.”
You might also like
