Technology Museums

Combe Mill

Combe Mill is a technology museum located in Witney, England. The museum showcases the history of sawmills and offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. Combe Mill is a popular destination for those interested in entertainment and events related to technology and culture.

Introduction to Combe Mill

Combe Mill is a unique company that aims to preserve the history of technology museums. As a working industrial museum, Combe Mill showcases the evolution of technology by demonstrating how machines work. The company is located in a 19th-century sawmill and is one of the few remaining working steam-powered sawmills in the country. Combe Mill's uniqueness lies in its ability to show how technology has impacted the industrial world.

Services & Products

Combe Mill offers a wide range of services to its customers. They provide guided tours of their working steam-powered sawmill, demonstrating the fascinating history of technology. The company is also available for school groups and private events. Combe Mill's gift shop offers customers the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs that are related to the history of technology.

Location

Combe Mill is located in the beautiful town of Witney, in Oxfordshire, England. The area is known for its rich history and culture. Within the area, people can find various businesses, including restaurants, cafes, and shops. The town is located near public transportation options, such as the bus stop 'Combe, Blenheim Palace Sawmills', which is just a 3-minute walk away. The closest train station is Hanborough, which is approximately 5 miles away.

Benefits

Customers should choose Combe Mill because of its unique approach to preserving the history of technology. The company offers an interactive experience that is both educational and entertaining. Combe Mill provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the evolution of technology and the impact it has had on the industrial world. The company's friendly and knowledgeable staff also ensures that customers have a memorable experience.

Good to Know

Customers should be aware that Combe Mill is only open on certain days of the week, so it is important to check opening times before planning a visit. The sawmill is a working museum, which means that visitors need to be careful and follow the rules to ensure their safety.

Reviews

Combe Mill has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from its customers. Visitors have praised the company for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, its unique approach to demonstrating the history of technology, and its interactive experience. Many customers have also commented on the beautiful location of the sawmill and the fascinating history of the area.

Amenities

interactive exhibits
wi-fi
gift shop
audio guide
self-guided tour
educational programs
special events
parking
wheelchair accessibility

FAQ

What types of technology do your exhibits showcase?

Our exhibits showcase a variety of technology, including vintage steam engines, water wheels, and other industrial machinery from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Are there interactive exhibits for visitors to engage with?

Yes, we have several interactive exhibits that allow visitors to operate machinery and learn about the history of the sawmill and other industrial processes.

Do you offer guided tours or audio guides?

Yes, we offer both guided tours and audio guides for visitors. Our knowledgeable guides can provide a deeper understanding of the exhibits and the history of the site.

What educational programs or workshops do you offer for visitors, especially for students?

We offer a range of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, including school groups. Our programs focus on the history of the sawmill, industrial processes, and engineering principles.

What special events or exhibitions do you have planned for the upcoming year?

We have a variety of special events and exhibitions planned throughout the year, including live demonstrations of steam engines and other machinery, as well as themed events focused on specific aspects of industrial history. Be sure to check our website for more information and upcoming events.

Reviews

Roger Powell

Charming, place everything you could hope for in a heritage Mill and more, to see it at its best go on a steaming day the whirr clank and hiss say it all and complete the magic. The volunteers who run it all are a lovely bunch, friendly, knowledgeable, approachable, and willing to impart information. Add to this a hot dog, wonderful home made cake a cup of tea and a bench by the river and you have it all... Oh nearly forgot the amazing double forge, watching children wield a hammer to make their own poker guided by expert kindly blacksmiths... Loved it, well done everyone involved.

22-05-2023
colin morris

Wait time 30–60 min More

28-03-2023
David

Visited on Weekend Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More

28-10-2022
Alan Bassett

What a wonderful place to visit entrance fees well worth the money,recently won an award,IF you are into engineering/woodcraft/Iron work visit and be hands on check days for project. Volunteers very knowledgeable Many Thanks Alan and Rose.

28-09-2022
John and Sue Cole

We loved this place on our first visit. Our second (with grandchildren) was even better. It's difficult to describe just how good this place is, a time-capsule of Victorian technologies. It would be worth visiting just for the riverside location, or just for the collection of church clocks (going back to the 1600s), or just for the hundreds of tools of every sort. Not only can you see the blacksmith at work, for £15 he will talk you through making something yourself. Starting from an iron bar I made a poker I'm hugely proud of! But best go on a 'steaming day' to see everything working.

28-08-2022
Arthur Clyne

Visited on Weekday Wait time No wait Reservation recommended No … More

28-07-2022
John 2E0FVK

A great day out

28-05-2022
Arthur N

Disappointing. Only open 10.30-3pm. Probably would be nice when it's open. You can just about see the idle machinery through a dingey window at the front. You cant access the adjoining meadow because it is claimed by the sprawling Blenheim Palace estate and gated off. At least it was pleasingly quiet and absent of people, but little else going for it.

28-05-2022
Gordon Watson

What a wonderful day out! such a small homely hands-on museum with knowledgeable volunteers ready to impart their wisdom. My daughter got involved with woodworking and blacksmithing and came away having had a fantastic day. She commented on how it was so different to other museums.

28-05-2022
Celia Orr

Had a lovely couple of hours looking round the mill in steam. Lots of volunteers answered questions and demonstated various skills ,while the wheels turned. A very interesting picture of bygone days.

28-05-2022