Chesterton Windmill
Chesterton Windmill is one of Warwickshire’s most famous landmarks. It has stood on a hilltop overlooking the village of Chesterton for nearly 350 years. It was built around 1632 – 1633, probably by Sir Edward Peyton, who was Lord of the Chesterton Manor House. At this time John Stone, a pupil of Inigo Jones, was in Chesterton designing the new Manor House and he probably helped with designing the windmill as well.
The estate accounts at the Warwickshire County Record Office show that that the structure has always been a windmill, making it the earliest tower mill in England to retain any of its working parts.
The windmill was restored between 1965 and 1974 by Warwickshire County Council who are now the guardians of the Windmill. Four new sails were installed in April 2025.
Opening times
The windmill is open to the public during Heritage Open Weekends. Find out more about opening dates and times.
Heritage Open Days: Chesterton Windmill
Windmill Hill Ln, Leamington Spa CV33 9LB
Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th September 10am – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)
An opportunity to see inside this unique historic windmill. One of Warwickshire’s most recognisable landmarks the windmill is one of the oldest in the country to still have working machinery.
Time spent inside the windmill is about 20 minutes but expect to queue for entry. You will be able to find out more about the history of the mill and visit the refreshments tent as part of your visit.
Directions and parking
Temporary car park available adjacent to Chesterton Windmill with a donation of £5 per car going to local charities which will include St Giles’ Church building repairs and the Warwickshire Air Ambulance. Please note the car park is cash only.
Visitors are requested not to park cars on the main road to the Windmill (Chesterton Road).
The closest free parking is at Harbury Library, High Street, CV33 9HW. The car park is located behind the library.
It is about a 40 minute walk to Chesterton Windmill from this location. Most of the route is along roads with grass verges and no pavements for pedestrians.
Please note:
- Access to the windmill is via a steep set of stairs and a small hatch.
- Please wear appropriate footwear and clothing.
- No babies in arms or pets allowed inside the windmill.
- Children to be supervised at all times.
- The inside of the windmill is a series of confined spaces with steps between levels.
- Each level has working machinery which may be running and can be noisy.
- Previous open days have been popular and queuing times to enter the windmill have been between 30 mins to an hour.
A refreshment tent will be offering hot drinks (tea, coffee and hot chocolate), soft drinks and bottled water, and a selection of cakes, sweet bites and snacks.
This is a cash only refreshment tent. Proceeds going to local charities including Warwickshire Air Ambulance and towards St Giles’ Church building repairs.
Free entry
General admission to the Windmill on Heritage Open Weekends is free.
Parking
There is on road parking nearby. During Heritage Open Weekends a parking area may be provided with a small charge.
Facilities and access
The Windmill is located on top of a hill just off the Fosse Way. Please note that there is no level access up to the windmill. To view the internal workings of the Windmill visitors must ascend a number of steep stone steps.
No public toilets are available at the site.
