The Wells family visit Bursledon Windmill

Bursledon Windmill is a 5-storey brick tower mill which is used to convert wheat into flour. The family, along with Grandparents in tow, visited the windmill a couple of times in September.

The first visit was somewhat lacking in that special excitement one usually gets from visiting a place for the first time. This was probably due to the fact that we were encouraged to watch an 8 minute, rather outdated, uninspiring video all about the windmill upon entry to the barn and followed by a tour around the windmill which left all somewhat confused of what worked how and why! Nevertheless, the children tried out the various activities on offer, grinding, doing puzzles and looking at models.

Luckily, we had another chance the following week to revisit the windmill; on our way to a workshop at Marwell Zoo and this thankfully gave us all the boost which was needed.

The windmill stood proud, the sun was shining, different staff were present and we didn’t have time to watch the video again!!

The windmill tour was more educational, clear and informative and we were even allowed access to a normally non-accessed level. This is due to the numbers of people present in the windmill at any one time and fire regulations. However….. up we went and this level seemed to provide the missing links as to what went where and how it all worked! The children were allowed to pull the chain on the balcony and were altogether more impressed by the experience.

After speaking to the chap in charge that day; it seems that perhaps there may be a few well needed changes to the site happening in the not too distant future. At present, there is a lack of clear child friendly information/diagrams on display boards in the windmill (a detailed leaflet is available though), a poor quality video, a simple drinks machine with no food available and one toilet with no wheelchair access.

Until then, if on a Sunday between 11am and 4pm, you find yourselves with a spare hour, then pop along to Bursledon Windmill for something different and educational for adults and children, somewhere relaxing to see a beautiful windmill set in pretty surroundings.