Three Mills Island

A fascinating area of East London located in the southern section of the intricate Bow Back Rivers network of lower River Lee tidal channels. Three Mills has been an industrial area since the 11thC. Gunpowder and corn were milled here in the 16thC, latterly grain for gin distilling.

Today there is a visitor centre and several of the most elegant waterside buildings anywhere in London. The most important is House Mill (1776). It is Britain's oldest standing mill - and there has been a mill of some description on the site since before the time of the Doomsday Book.

It's a water-powered tide mill and a Grade 1 Listed timber-framed structure, restored by the River Lea Tidal Mill Trust and open to the public on the first Sunday of the month, March to December (Info: 020 8980 4626). Next to it is the Miller's House, now the visitor centre, and opposite, is the elegant Grade 2 Listed Clock Mill (1817).

The adjacent Customs House and the cobbled streets combine to create a delightful 18th century streetscape, right in the heart of the East End. Also nearby is the grand Abbey Mills Victorian waste pumping station - such an over-the-top building locals referred to it as London's 'cathedral of sewage'.

There are 24hr visitor moorings at Enfield Lock. Also nearby: Limehouse Basin, the River Thames & the River Thames Path, Canary Wharf & London Docklands. Nearest tubes: Bromley-by-Bow or Mile End.

House Mill
Built in 1776 in a Dutch style, the House Mill is a Grade I listed bulding and has been tenderly restored as a visitor attraction. Visitors can take guided tours at the site. It originally ground grain for distilling gin. Today, the vast waterwheels and six pairs of millstones still remain.

The stones in the Mill eventually ground to a halt during the Blitz in the early 1940s. Visitors can, today, see how it has been lovingly restored and visit the caf and shop in the Miller's House.

Lee Valley Regional Park Authority works alongside a number of partner organisations to deliver a number of events at Three Mills, such as theatrical performances, exhibitions and carnivals.

The House Mill is open on Sundays between May and October from 2pm until 4pm for guided tours. On the first Sunday of each month, there are also free children's activities and a craft market, from 11am to 4pm.

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