Preston Mill Guided Tour
Preston Mill, under the stewardship of the National Trust for Scotland, stands as one of Scotland’s most ancient mills and served as a filming site for the popular series Outlander. It continued to commercially produce oatmeal until 1959, marking it as the final operational watermill in the Lothians. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic trail leading to the nearby Phantassie Doocot.
Our guided experiences offer a glimpse into the daily life of a miller, demonstrating the operation of water-driven equipment used for transporting, milling, and refining oats that sustained the local population. Additionally, the tours highlight the evolution of pre-industrial innovations and the utilization of water as an energy source.
Guided tours are available on most days of operation. We urge visitors to arrive on time, as tours begin promptly. Upon reaching the site, please head to the visitor center to sign in. While tickets are available for purchase on the day of your visit, entry is not guaranteed without prior booking. We recommend reserving your spot in advance to secure your place on the tour.
Due to the historical character of the mill, the tours might not be accessible to all. The interior includes staircases and uneven surfaces, and the path to the doocot features steps over the River Tyne bridge. For those sensitive to noise or moving equipment, we offer special Quiet Day tours once a month when the machinery remains inactive.
If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with a staff member. We are committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible.
Please note that this is a paid event.
