Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
Preston Mill & Phantassie Doocot
4.5
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- Rachel TDundee, United Kingdom58 contributionsFantastic staff!Not just your run of the mill tour - brilliant! My partner and I visited today and were greeted warmly by Fraser and Tony. Tony led us on a fantastic tour of the mill. Tony was so friendly and knowledgeable and made for a fantastic tour guide, getting the perfect balance of history, colloquialisms and humour. Would highly recommend a visit! The mill is still functioning and is just amazing to see in action. Unfortunately, the weather meant the wheel wasn’t on when we arrived, however Tony and Fraser kindly turned it on before we left so we could view it in all its glory. Thank you both for a wonderful visit!Thank you for adding your feedback and delighted that the team looking after you were a highlight; also really appreciate the recommendation! Kind regardsWritten 9 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 April 2024
- Chris C6 contributionsWonderful Outlander SiteAs Outlander fans this filming location had been on our 'places to visit' for a long time. A chap named Fraser greeted us and organised a tour of the mill and it's workings by another very knowledgeable guide. Afterwards while looking around outside Fraser joined us and happily explained what and where had been involved in the filming process (who knew). Back at the till, while we were joining the NTS, he showed us wonderful behind the scenes photos. Fraser could not have been more helpful and definitely made our visit to this iconic Outlander site very enjoyable.Thank you for taking the time to add your feedback and not at all surprised how helpful you found Fraser. Kind regardsWritten 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 June 2024
- Nichola SiggersNottingham, United Kingdom197 contributionsBeautiful NTS building in a quiet and pretty locationArrived at this great National Trust for Scotland spot after a long 4 and a half hour drive on the way to our B&B in Stirling. There's a small car park so I am glad I booked a tour. The tour was given by Fraser, very enthusiastic and easy to talk to. He was very informative and made the tour very interesting, with lots of insights about where every day phrases are derived from.Thank you for taking the time to visit and break up your journey; delighted with your feedback! Kind regardsWritten 9 July 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 July 2024
- Rachel T1 contributionAn amazing gemAn amazing mill with tons of history. The guided tour is well worth going on as the guide was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting There is a shop to buy drinks, snacks and gifts from and a very clean toilet. The whole site is very well managed and looked after Well worth a visit We were there about 3 hours including the walk to the Doocot and surrounding walksGreat to read that you enjoyed your experience at the mill and were there for 3 hours! Thank you for your compliments on one of our guides and the cleanliness of the toilet. Kind regardsWritten 15 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 August 2024
- Patrick G1 contributionInteresting and picturesque millGuided tour of a small picturesque mill that was in use for hundreds of years any was the leat in the area to close in 1959. The mill while no longer in production is still in working condition. The tour last about 55 mins and Tony the guide was very very good and very informative.Thank you for adding your feedback after your experience; great to read that Tony enhanced your visit. Kind regardsWritten 15 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 11 August 2024
- sarah cDurham, United Kingdom50 contributionsBeautiful working mill with a great tour guide !Guided tour of a small mill that was in use for hundreds of years . The mill while no longer in production but it still in a very much working order it’s such a Beautiful place. Tony our tour guide was very informative and even answered the son’s crazy question’s there is a very nice little picnic area for everyone to enjoy on a nice sunny day. Thanks Tony the kids loved it !!Thank you for adding your very supprtive feedback, really appreciated and we will thank Tony personally too. Kind regardsWritten 10 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 August 2024
- JR B5 contributionsVery much worth it!Outlander was my the first reason to come check out the mill but learning about mill life was wonderful. Fraser (and Toby) was a wonderful tour guide and he really knew the history well. It was really neat to see how the mill worked and to hear how important mill life was to the local community. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity.Great to rea that you enjoyed your experience visiting the mill and we will thank Fraser (and Toby) personally too. Kind regardsWritten 10 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 August 2024
- magwllEnniskillen, United Kingdom240 contributionsSmall property but lots to learnArrived not expecting very much as it is a small site. Took the dogs for a walk on the trail and on our return we were asked if we would like to do the tour of the mill. The guide Fraser was very informative and entertaining along with Toby his dog. This was a real surprise and throughly enjoyable afternoon and would fully recommend it if your in the area.It is fairly typical for the property and the team to exceed initial expectations, and great to read this was the case for you too. Thank you for visiting and adding your feedback. Kind regardsWritten 10 September 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 August 2024
- Julie CGlasgow, United Kingdom87 contributionsPhenomenal, fascinating and fun! Thank you so much for an amazing afternoon. We hope to be back ☺️I'm keeping this as my gold standard of Scottish National Trust Experiences ⭐ ✨ ⭐ ✨ ⭐ ✨ The Mill is bizarre and beautiful, in the middle of some lovely country. The whole site is incredibly well kept, with a terrific wee shop and wooden seating for lazing outside on a sunshine day ☀️ The biggest hat tip belongs to Tony and Fraser who hosted us, ably supported by Toby the dog. Their knowledge, humour and enthusiasm drew together local history, the changing face of agriculture and industry, the international impact and influence of changing processes. Beyond this, stories of resilience and creativity, the challenge of flood management, past, present and future, and computing the role of the mill as a social hub. The water wheel is not just a tale of engineering; it illustrates the loss of Scottish elm and the different properties of oak and the moss that clothes it. Another joy was learning about how the language of mill work has bedded so deeply into our linguistic history: nose to the grindstone, throwing a spanner in the works and more... Give it a go - it's fantastic!What a review, thank you! Delighted that you got so much out of your experience and really appreciate the time taken to share. Fraser, Tony and Toby have high standards to maintain, however sure they can and will. Kind regardsWritten 2 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 September 2024
- Dorothy M2 contributionsThe amazing life of a miller!Small group tours but a little difficult to hear the guide due to working machinery. Otherwise very interesting, amazing place. A lesson in how complicated the process of producing oats was, but with zero waste. Congratulations to the Trust in keeping this historical venue alive. If only we could have bought some oats! Worth taking the pleasant walk to the doocot .Thank you for coming to visit and glad to hear you enjoyed the experience and learnings. Kind regardsWritten 2 October 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 20 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
125 reviews
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These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Victoria
London, UK7 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
We visited Preston Mill today and what an absolute JOY it was! Fraser is the most passionate, energetic and informative tour guide. We could see Frasers love of the mill and also his dedication to caring for the NTS properties we love most. We highly recommend visiting the mill to discover a new side of Scottish history!
Written 8 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John F
Burnley, UK4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
A hidden gem of the National Trust. The mill is a step back in time to the life of a miller in rural Scotland. The building alone is worth a vist, but it is really brought to life by the excellent tour guides. Our guide Fraser was, very informative, pleasant and humorous as he took us on the short tour of the mill.
We particularly liked hearing how milling has created so many well known idioms we still use today.
We particularly liked hearing how milling has created so many well known idioms we still use today.
Written 29 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casio61
Sheffield, UK67 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We're NT England members and haven't been here before. I have to say it's one of the most interesting places I've ever been to. Our guide was very informative and I came away knowing a lot of things I never knew before about the Mill and the area. A bit off the beaten track but well worth the visit.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rips T
Willich, Germany49 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
A very small guided tour with a contemporary witness through the watermill from 1599, paid, but worth the money. The romantic Outlander location, with lots of nature around it and the idiosyncratic pigeonhole nearby, is worth a visit. Oats were dried and ground here
Automatically translated
Written 14 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vielen Dank für Ihren Besuch und Ihr Feedback, ich freue mich auch, dass Ihnen die Erfahrung gefallen hat.
Written 17 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy C
1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
The history of this beautiful mill is amazing and the fact that its earliest mention in church history is 1598 and it virtually still stands as it did centuries ago is a testament to the builders. Tony was an excellent tour guide and we left with a deep appreciation of the technology of the day. The fact that a scene from Ourlander was filmed here makes it even better. Please include Preston Mill in your travels!
Written 5 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for coming to visit and great to read that you enjoyed your experience and having Tony as your guide.
Kind regards
Written 8 October 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pbrayne
East Lothian35 contributions
Aug 2022
This is such a delightful scenic place! My brother and I took advantage of a tour of the mill and it was really worth it. Our guide, Fiona, was full of information and explained the workings of the mill in a really interesting way. I learned such a lot not only about the mill itself but day to day life at the time it was in its heyday.
It is so fortunate that it remains to be maintained to such a high standard. Lovely to see the machinery working away. Recommended!
It is so fortunate that it remains to be maintained to such a high standard. Lovely to see the machinery working away. Recommended!
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to hear you had a great time and included the tour to your visit; thank you for the recommendation!
Kind regards
Gordon
Written 6 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Patrick G
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Friends
Guided tour of a small picturesque mill that was in use for hundreds of years any was the leat in the area to close in 1959. The mill while no longer in production is still in working condition. The tour last about 55 mins and Tony the guide was very very good and very informative.
Written 11 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for adding your feedback after your experience; great to read that Tony enhanced your visit.
Kind regards
Written 15 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rachel T
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
An amazing mill with tons of history. The guided tour is well worth going on as the guide was very knowledgeable and made it very interesting
There is a shop to buy drinks, snacks and gifts from and a very clean toilet.
The whole site is very well managed and looked after
Well worth a visit
We were there about 3 hours including the walk to the Doocot and surrounding walks
There is a shop to buy drinks, snacks and gifts from and a very clean toilet.
The whole site is very well managed and looked after
Well worth a visit
We were there about 3 hours including the walk to the Doocot and surrounding walks
Written 11 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Great to read that you enjoyed your experience at the mill and were there for 3 hours! Thank you for your compliments on one of our guides and the cleanliness of the toilet.
Kind regards
Written 15 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CharlottegCHC
Dalgety Bay, UK35 contributions
Oct 2024 • Business
As a tour guide who regularly brings people to Preston Mill it is an absolute favourite stop of mine. Staff (both two and four legged) are friendly, warm and incredibly helpful, taking time to explain the workings of the mill as well as giving some inside filming knowledge for Outlander!
Had the good fortune of being here previously when the WWII event was on which was also fascinating and great to see the local community involved!
Had the good fortune of being here previously when the WWII event was on which was also fascinating and great to see the local community involved!
Written 12 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris C
6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
As Outlander fans this filming location had been on our 'places to visit' for a long time. A chap named Fraser greeted us and organised a tour of the mill and it's workings by another very knowledgeable guide. Afterwards while looking around outside Fraser joined us and happily explained what and where had been involved in the filming process (who knew). Back at the till, while we were joining the NTS, he showed us wonderful behind the scenes photos. Fraser could not have been more helpful and definitely made our visit to this iconic Outlander site very enjoyable.
Written 27 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to add your feedback and not at all surprised how helpful you found Fraser.
Kind regards
Written 9 July 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello there !
How long does the tour last ? I'll be coming from Dunbar by bus and then heading to Tantallon Castle, the journey needs to be carefully planned ;)
Thanks !
Written 18 April 2022
saramaddalena
Turin, Italy
Hi!Is this place open 24/7?Is it possile to have a look without doing the tour?Thank you,Sara
Written 11 January 2017
Saramaddalena, the inside of the exhibit hall was used in Outlander, too. The docent was particularly helpful in pointing out where they filmed and there were pictures in the exhibit of some of the filming. Besides the mill, the grasslands beyond it were also used. It's a pretty place all on its own, too.
Written 12 January 2017
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