Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum

What We Offer Visiting Schools:
The Mill provides opportunities for learning in a range of subjects and cross-curricular work at Primary and Early Years Foundation Stage level.

The Mill itself is the museum’s only ‘exhibit’ – a ‘living museum’ that still mills flour. It provides a memorable experience for pupils to stimulate their learning both at the Mill and, using our online materials, within the school setting.

We have worked with Suffolk Education Advisers and pilot schools to develop three initial programs, outlined in our online Curriculum Pack, which provide relevant and valuable links to the curriculum and encourage active learning. Use of these programs can be adapted to suit individual classes and schools’ interests and needs, with visits to the Mill and outreach sessions a part of the offer if desired.

Within each program, there are pre-visit and post-visit learning opportunities listed, which can broaden the learning experience. The program outline has been designed to allow the freedom for a teacher to use the ideas within a lesson, topic or subject. From the programs, we have also developed lessons with learning objectives, presentations, a range of differentiated learning activities and extension work. We are able to work with schools and groups to achieve the most from the educational opportunities the Mill has to offer.

Why Choose Us for an Educational Visit:
We have an 855 year old working Tide Mill that still grinds and sells flour. It embodies History, Science, Engineering, food production and renewable energy production.

Subjects and Topics Covered:
History – from 1170 but with the area dating from the neolithic era
Climate – the Moon and the tides
Geography – river port location surrounded by fertile land
Art & Literature – local icon, subject for artists and mill centric literature (Chaucer)
Food production – bread, baking, corn laws
Engineering – levers, pulleys and gears, wood v iron, waterpower
Environment – free energy, local grain to bread, wildlife location

Accreditation and Awards:
Arts Council Accreditation May 2022
Suffolk Carbon Charter Gold Level 2020, 2022, 2024
TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Group Sizes Catered For:
Max 451 – Nov to Easter
Max 35 – Easter to 1 Nov

Itineraries, Resources, and Workshops:
Curriculum Pack
Schools Flyer
Art Pack
Other Learning Resources

Risk Assessment:
Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum Risk Assessment

Education Department Information:
education@woodbridgetidemill.org.uk

Pricing Information:
For visits to the Mill, we ask for a donation of £3 per pupil/student. Accompanying adults and teachers are free.

Facilities:

Embracing Authenticity: The mill’s structure, with its steep and narrow stairs to the first and second floors, is a testament to its 850-year history. Unfortunately, due to its protected status, we are unable to install a lift- a genuine reminder of its heritage! We do, however, have a fully equipped accessible toilet, wash basin, and changing facility located conveniently in a nearby building.

A Unique Destination: The mill is nestled on a quiet, picturesque quay, offering a tranquil riverside experience. This unique location means vehicular access is limited, but it encourages a delightful, scenic walk into town. Visitors are advised that public parking is not available directly on the quay, but ample town parking is accessible nearby.

The Tide Mill is perfectly situated within the Woodbridge Historic Riverside, placing you right in the heart of the town’s key attractions!

Easy Access to Attractions: Just a 100-meter easy walk from the mill, you’ll find the fascinating Woodbridge Museum and the impressive Longshed, offering more insight into local history and a replica of the Sutton Hoo burial ship.

Dining and Town: The riverside is home to a number of wonderful restaurants and cafes. The charming Woodbridge Town Centre is only about a kilometre walk, providing plenty of options for shopping and exploring!

Accessibility and Disabled Facilities:
Toilet, wash basin.
Sensory backpacks and quiet visits available
Sensory floorplan

Opening Hours:
Normal opening hours are from April to November every day from 11am – 5pm.
Education visits all year round by arrangement.
Online access always.