Newham

Three Mills

To the northwest of the borough lies Three Mills Island, surrounded by the River Lea, the Prescott Channel and the Channelsea River. Here you will find a rare survivor of Newham's built heritage, as Three Mills is named after the House Mill, which is the oldest and largest tidal Mill of its kind in the country. It was built in 1776 and ground grain for distilling for over 165 years. Recently restored, the House Mill contains old millstones and vast waterwheels, which last turned in the 1940s. There are many things to do at Three Mills.

Visitors can explore the waterways and beyond with a cruise on 'Pride of Lea', following a range of routes past London's hidden industrial past. A range of events, at Three Mills Environmental Education Centre, are programmed for each year, from bread baking to willow weaving, providing fun for all the family. On the first Sunday of each month, a craft fair is set up along the cobbled waterfront, selling ceramics, knitwear and jewellery.

More recently, Three Mills has become famous in the world of films with the presence of Three Mills Studio. Television programmes 'London's Burning', 'Bad Girls' and 'Big Brother' were all filmed here, while the recording studios are familiar to stars such as Robbie Williams. The site is located near to the Olympic site for the 2012 Olympic Games.

Tel: 020 8215 0050

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