Lee Valley Regional Park Authority

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Three Mills Island

Three Mills Island, Three Mills Lane, Bromley-by-Bow, London E3 3DU

Hidden away in the heart of East London, between Bow and Stratford, amidst a mass of river channels, sits Three Mills Island. A peaceful haven of tranquillity and beauty in the industrial heartland of East London, it comprises a fascinating group of historic industrial buildings including the House Mill, the largest tidal mill left standing in Britain and the Miller’s House, rebuilt in the Georgian style, containing a café, meeting rooms and an education centre.

The Grade I listed House Mill whose stones finally ground to a halt during the Blitz, has been wonderfully restored by the River Lea Tidal Mill Trust (RLTMT) who own and manage the building. Mills have been recorded here since the Domesday Book, but the current House Mill was built in 1776 by a Huguenot family and believed to be the largest tidal mill in the world. It ground grain for gin distilling, just one of the fascinating industries historically located on and around the Bow Back Rivers.

Much of the internal machinery, including vast waterwheels and six pairs of millstones, still survives and offer an insight into the history of this fascinating building, and local historical industries.

There are also the Riverside Green and Three Mills Green, two open spaces that are perfect for relaxing, walking and cycling. You can walk and cycle along the river from here either down to Limehouse cut or go north towards Leyton, Tottenham and Hertfordshire.

Click here for more site information

Click to download a leaflet of a walk starting form Three Mills Island.

Directions

Location information

How to get here:

Train

The nearest underground station is Bromley by Bow (5 minute walk). The nearest Docklands Light Railway Stations are Bow Church and Devons Road.

Bus

Buses 448 and 108 stop outside Tesco; D8 and 25 stop at Bow flyover (5 minute walk).

Car

The Tesco car park opposite has limited public car parking. We strongly advise that you travel by train or bus to the site.

Access

Access to the House Mill is via a cobbled walkway. The towpath of Three Mills Wall River is accessible for people in wheelchairs and with pushchairs.

Riverside Green and Three Mills Green are accessible throughout. The ground floor of the House Mill and Miller’s House Café are fully accessible to people in wheelchairs and with pushchairs. There's a lift to other levels, including the classroom and meeting rooms, but some parts of the Mill, are not appropriate for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Information

Opening Times
Three Mills Island is open 24 hours a day, everyday. The Miller's House Cafe is open Monday - Friday 10:00 - 15:00. House Mill is open for tours on Sundays 13:00 - 16:00 and by appointment.