A morning trip to Combe Steam Mill. We knew in advance that today wasn’t a steaming day but decided to visit nevertheless. Our ticket though allows for repeat visits so if we have time on Sunday, the beam engine should be operating.

Combe Mill is a historic sawmill adjacent to the River Evenlode and close to Combe railway station, between the villages of Combe and Long Hanborough in Oxfordshire A Grade II listed building, it was restored in the early 1970s and is open to the public.

The steam mill and building were part of the original workshops for the Blenheim estate. A watermill originally applied the power to the sawmill but this was supplemented later in time with a Steam Beam Engine such that the sawmill could operate during times of low water volumes.

This working museum is relatively inexpensive and there are many enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers on hand to explain the workings of the undershot waterwheel, the beam engine and the various exhibits.