Welcome to Drapers Windmill
A Short History
Built in 1845 by John Holman, millwright of Canterbury, Drapers Windmill is of the traditional Kentish Smock style. The windmill was originally one of three on the site, 2 built to grind corn and another to pump water. It was worked entirely by wind until 1916 when a gas engine was installed.
After the war the mills started to fall into disrepair and all were threatened with demolition. Thankfully, due to the resourcefulness of Mr R Towes, then headmaster of Drapers Mills School, the Drapers Windmill Trust was established in 1965 to restore and secure the future of the remaining windmill.
Now, nearly 60 years on, the trust still cares for the mill and it is open for you to visit and enjoy on Sunday afternoons during the summer months.
We look forward to seeing you at the mill soon!
A short video introduction to the mill, its history, workings, restoration and environs.
How to Find Us
The Windmill is located on the historic St Peter's Footpath, around 1 mile inland from the sea. Situated in a prominent position on top of a hill, the windmill is easily visible from some distance around.
GETTING HERE BY ROAD
Approaching Margate on the A299/A28, continue along the A28 until you pass Margate Main Sands on your left. At the Clock Tower Roundabout, take the 2nd exit and climb the hill to Cecil Square. Turn right at the traffic lights and after 1/3rd of a mile, merge left onto the High Street, next to St John's Church. After another half a mile, take the 2nd exit at the roundabout onto College Road. The next turning on the right is St Peter's Footpath and you will be able to see the Windmill in front of you.
There is limited on street parking outside the Mill.
GETTING HERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The nearest railway station is Margate, around 1.5miles from the Mill. Unfortunately, no bus routes directly connect the station to the Windmill. The nearest bus stop is at St John's Church, served by the LOOP. The Mill is around half a miles walk from here along St Peter's Footpath.
GETTING HERE ON FOOT
We are ideally situated on St Peter's Footpath, which connects St Peter's Church and St Johns Church and forms the major part of the Turner and Dickens Walk, connecting both Margate and Broadstairs seafronts. This is well signposted with small, brown, T&D signs and following this route will bring you directly to the front of the mill.