What is Preston Mill?
It was a working mill until 1959 and there has been a mill on this site since the 16th century. The present buildings have been there since the 18th century.
The water-wheel and the grain milling machinery are relatively modern and visitors can see the mechanisms in action.
There's an exhibition where you can find out about the history of the mill and the people who lived and worked there. The Phantassie Doocot used to hold 500 birds and is a short walk away. The site is now run by the National Trust for Scotland.
What were your first impressions of the place?
I was really impressed - it's such a nice place to visit. There were geese wandering around the grounds which came up to see us as we parked the car and the kids were fascinated by them.
The mill is set in fantastic grounds which are extremely well-kept and attractive.
What was there to see and do?
It's not like a traditional museum as there is lots of interaction, with movement and sounds to give you a feel for how a mill worked from when the wheat first arrived. The huge water- wheel was amazing and the kids were kept amused by that for ages.
There's a lovely walk out past fields to the Phantassie Doocot and you can also go and feed the ducks and geese on the millpond. Families who'd brought picnics were enjoying the picnic area outside, too.
What about the kids?
Children are given an activity pack full of things to colour in which was excellent, and there's an activity table where they can learn about wheels and how they work.
There were lots of colourful, interactive parts of the mill which held their attention.
I don't think that they understood the mechanisms of the mill, but they certainly enjoyed the visual aspect.
What did the kids enjoy most?
They loved all the whirring noises in the mill and the water-wheel. My son, in particular, loved seeing the water sluicing round and the noise of the water, so I think that was a highlight for him.
They both loved the geese and ducks outside and they even enjoyed the walk to the doocot because of the tractors and combine harvesters in the fields.
Did you learn anything new?
I learned that there were up to 22 mills in East Lothian at one time and I also learned the whole process of making flour and the different types they made. It was all very interesting.
Would you recommend it to other families?
If you fancy a drive out into the country then it's a great place to visit.
The mill and doocot are really attractive and very popular with artists and photographers.
If you bring a picnic as well it's a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Open: Until end of October, Thur-Mon, noon-5pm; Sun, 1pm-5pm
Admission: Adult, £3.50; children\concessions, £2.60; family, £9.50
Details
01620 860 426
The water-wheel and the grain milling machinery are relatively modern and visitors can see the mechanisms in action.
There's an exhibition where you can find out about the history of the mill and the people who lived and worked there. The Phantassie Doocot used to hold 500 birds and is a short walk away. The site is now run by the National Trust for Scotland.
What were your first impressions of the place?
I was really impressed - it's such a nice place to visit. There were geese wandering around the grounds which came up to see us as we parked the car and the kids were fascinated by them.
The mill is set in fantastic grounds which are extremely well-kept and attractive.
What was there to see and do?
It's not like a traditional museum as there is lots of interaction, with movement and sounds to give you a feel for how a mill worked from when the wheat first arrived. The huge water- wheel was amazing and the kids were kept amused by that for ages.
There's a lovely walk out past fields to the Phantassie Doocot and you can also go and feed the ducks and geese on the millpond. Families who'd brought picnics were enjoying the picnic area outside, too.
What about the kids?
Children are given an activity pack full of things to colour in which was excellent, and there's an activity table where they can learn about wheels and how they work.
There were lots of colourful, interactive parts of the mill which held their attention.
I don't think that they understood the mechanisms of the mill, but they certainly enjoyed the visual aspect.
What did the kids enjoy most?
They loved all the whirring noises in the mill and the water-wheel. My son, in particular, loved seeing the water sluicing round and the noise of the water, so I think that was a highlight for him.
They both loved the geese and ducks outside and they even enjoyed the walk to the doocot because of the tractors and combine harvesters in the fields.
Did you learn anything new?
I learned that there were up to 22 mills in East Lothian at one time and I also learned the whole process of making flour and the different types they made. It was all very interesting.
Would you recommend it to other families?
If you fancy a drive out into the country then it's a great place to visit.
The mill and doocot are really attractive and very popular with artists and photographers.
If you bring a picnic as well it's a lovely place to spend an afternoon.
Open: Until end of October, Thur-Mon, noon-5pm; Sun, 1pm-5pm
