
Guided Tour
Join us for a guided tour around Sarehole Mill.
Pre-booking recommended.
What to see

About
Walk in the footsteps of one of the most famous authors of all time and discover the inspiration behind the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings trilogy. JRR Tolkien grew up across the road from Sarehole Mill and in later life he would draw on its rural surroundings to create Middle-earth.
There are also connections with another Birmingham son. Matthew Boulton, manufacturer and business partner of engineer James Watt, leased the building between 1756 and 1761 and used it as a ‘flatting mill’ to producing sheet metal to make buttons.
Sarehole Mill opening times
Open Friday - Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
We’re closed for the winter season from 2 November 2026, except for special events - see our what's on for details. We plan to resume our standard opening hours from 13 February 2027.
- Last entry to Mill: 3.30pm.
- Grounds are free to visit.
- Admission charges apply to enter the Mill. Pre-booking advised.
Closed: bank holidays.

Address: Sarehole Mill, Cole Bank Road, Birmingham, B13 0BD.










