Sarehole Mill Museum

Sarehole Mill really is an idyllic spot in the suburbs of Birmingham. Even a few yards back from the road one can easily imagine how the mill felt in centuries past when it sat in a landscape of fields and streams. As a museum the mill is also very commendable, with educational and fun activities for children, more detailed information for adults, and the option of guided tours (although not at the weekend, when I visited) Even without a guide, there is plentiful information on display, and a very informative documentary film playing in a seating area. The museum plays heavily on the association with J.R.R. Tolkien, but I think it's justified. Photos from the end of the 19th Century, when Tolkien played in the area bring home just how rural the location still was, and its fascinating to consider that these childhood experiences and locations influenced him when he came to describe The Shire in The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings. Even if you aren't a fan of the world of Tolkien the mill is well worth a visit, as it gives a fascinating insight into the life of a working building, how its work changed over the centuries and how the landscape has evolved around it.

Tolkien fans will enjoy this location. It's an ancient mill, still (again) in working order. Inspiration for author JRR Tolkien. Wildlife and trees around the pond. Tours offered, best to book ahead. (First Saturday of the month, you can self-guide, reading the informative signs as you go.) Café and pizza (Wed-Sun, midday-3 pm). Enclosed and indoor seating. Moseley Bog is beside the mill, good for a walk.

Pleasant place to visit but not a lot there. Especially when you bear in mind the hassle getting there

Went here yesterday and as a big fan of Lord Of The Rings it was very nice to see and experience a little bit of the life of Tolkien as a little boy. It was small but a beautiful place, absolutely loved to learn a little more about the thoughts and inspirations behind LOTR.

Nice quiet place in the City. Free to get in if you're just using the cafe. Drinks were expensive though.

I have been to the mill a few times for the pizza pod experience and it has always been great! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a bit of an escape from the mundane city ( in the city) for a bite to eat and to relax. They also have a selection of soft drinks available, not licence for alcohol though. The mill its self is a wonderful charming place.

My husband and I, being Tolkien fans, were definitely excited about doing this tour as part of our visit to Birmingham! Our initial research into the museum and the mill set us up to expect a nice tour of the mill, an intimate look into the years that Tolkien spent at the mill, and the pizza at the café.The first two items (the mill and the Tolkien trivia) were an amazing experience! We definitely recommend this tour to anybody who wants to visit a good old run down watermill simply to see the works, or if you're a Tolkien nerd as well!Our tour guide was Ash, and he was marvellous! The tour lasted about an hour, during which he took us through the floors of the mill, explaining in immersive detail what milling was all about back in the day, occasionally treating us to a bit of insight into Tolkien's life back when he lived around the mill.The third aspect that we were looking forward to (the pizza) was unfortunately a big disappointment. Not only was it mediocre at best, we also had to wait over an hour just for our order to be taken! (No, it wasn't that crowded. They were backed up" with another order apparently.)So after over an hour of waiting to place an order (during which time we had filled up on tea and cake because we were just sitting there hungry and waiting)

Interesting exhibits, and atmospheric views of the old mill which provided part of the inspiration for Tolkien's Middle Earth stories.

As a little weekend adventure, my partner and I decided to travel to Birmingham to visit one of the places where Tolkien had lived as a kid. We were pleasantly surprised to see that the Sarehole Mill offered guided tours, and decided to sign-up for it. Our guide, Ash, who was not only great at presenting the information but also very funny, explained the history of the mill, as well as how all of the components worked together, and helped us imagined how it may have looked and felt like when it was in use.We loved this tour so much that we woke up early on the Sunday to do the Middle earth tour they also offer, which again made a very pleasant experience.There is a little gift shop with books and some other products related to both Tolkien and the Mill itself, and also a little cafe with delicious pizzas and drinks.I would also suggest visiting Mosley bog, a natural reserve near the mill, and the Shire, across the road, specially if you love trees and running water like we do.This place made it worth the 2.5h journey, thanks so much Ash and all the team for your great work!

Not a massive place but important to keep these windows to the past open. Wheel was turning which was great to see and great t understand the role the mill had in helping Tolkien to formulate his vision