Explore Three Mills Island London

The area is most well known for its mills, with possibly up to eight or nine working mills throughout Stratford and the River Lea at one point in history. Throughout history they have been ground grain for use in bread baking and alcohol production, transporting it to the breweries and gin distilleries around London.

The two mills that now stand on Three Mills Island are the House Mill and the Clock Mill – both of which stopped operation earlier in the 20th century. The House Mill is now one of only four Grade I listed buildings in the London Borough of Newham and is the largest tidal mill in the world, despite the water wheel no longer working.

Nowadays, Three Mills Island London is a great place to explore with the family. You’ll discover more than its history as there are a number of new additions to the area, including a music studio and popular play area.

Let the kids burn off some steam at the Wild Kingdom play area. The unique play space has been created from fallen trees, rope swings, hammocks and boulders. Let them scramble and climb or even try their amateur dramatic skills at the natural amphitheatre.

The House Mill is a hidden gem, offering a glimpse into 18th century London (the foundations of the building date back even further than that).

Find out about the part the mill played in providing flour for bread, gunpowder for England’s war against Spain and grain for alcohol production as well as the damage it faced as a result of World War Two.

The Grade I listed building is open for public guided tours on Sundays between May and October, with one off tours on the first Sunday of March, April and December.

Alternatively, you can arrange a private tour at any point in the year for groups larger than 8.

In August 2020, Three Mills Island London will be home to the Maiden Voyage Festival.

Now in its second year, the unique and intimate festival will showcase the latest in jazz, hip-hop and funk music. The one day festival on Sunday 30th August will feature just one stage with a carefully curated line-up.

Sign up on the website now to snap up tickets for just £10.

Three Mills Island London is also home to a large film, television and theatre production company. World famous filmmakers including Wes Anderson and Tim Burton have all used 3 Mills Studio’s facilities, as well as the hundreds of television programmes, adverts and music videos which were filmed here.

And, if you’re lucky enough to visit the studios as part of a production, you’ll be able to explore the huge studio and rehearsal spaces.