The Windmill — Tourist Attraction in Derby

The Windmill stands on Hill Top in Derby, just outside the city. It's a Grade II listed post mill built in 1840 for grain milling, now serving as a pub with real ale and cocktails. You can find it a short drive from central areas, where locals gather in the evening to watch live sports on large screens. The venue retains original machinery from its past use, including interactive sail operation, while maintaining a traditional feel.

The Windmill dates back to 1840 as a wind-powered mill for grain processing. It's a Grade II listed structure with working components still in place. Inside, you’ll find wooden beams and original industrial features from its early years. Natural light streams through large windows during the day; at night, this blends with screens showing live sports. The venue is designed around watching games, with outdoor seating available. Guests can operate parts of the old mill machinery for a hands-on look at 19th-century technology.

The Windmill offers real ale and cocktails in a space that doubles as a historic site and a social spot. Evening visits usually involve drinking while watching sports on multiple screens. The high-energy atmosphere comes from live games being shown across different zones. A key feature is the interactive sail experience, where you can operate working parts of the original 1840s machinery.