Visit Westmill
Visit the Westmill Wind and Solar Farms on a tour, led by our friendly, knowledgeable guides!
Many of us are concerned about climate change and awareness of the problem is growing. The UK needs more clean, renewable electricity to decarbonise our lives.
As part of our ambition to help people to understand the enormous benefits of renewable energy, we encourage you to visit Westmill to discover how clean, green energy can be created.
During your visit you’ll learn about the eventful history of the site, including how our solar farm became one of the largest community-owned solar farms in the world!
You will hear about the installation and energy generation of our turbines and solar panels, learn how they work and how they generate renewable energy. You will also find out how the co-operatives are owned by the local community.
These tours offers a unique, intimate and insightful perspective on how a wind and solar farm works, all led by our team of friendly, volunteer guides!
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
- Getting close to and listening to the turbines
- Experiencing the sheer scale of the turbines and the Solar Farm
- Feeling the open nature of the site
- Discovering how the wind turbines and photovoltaic panels work
- Learning about the economics of Westmill Wind and Solar Co-operatives
- Discussing the importance of sustainability
Explore Westmill!
...as an individual, a family or a small group
- An on-site tour at Westmill
- Popular – so book early!
- For individuals and groups of 9 or less
- Tours take place at least monthly from April to October
...as a large group or educational institution
- An on-site tour at Westmill
- For associations, clubs, societies, corporate bodies, schools, colleges, universities, etc, of 10+ in size
- Bespoke tours available for a date of your choice within our April to October tour season
...through a virtual tour
- Accessible remotely
- For large groups of 10+ only
- Suitable for schools, colleges, societies, associations or similar
- Bespoke tours available for a date of your choice
...for media / commercial purposes
- Access to the Westmill site for photo shoots, film shoots and the like
- For bona fide community, cooperative organisations and charities that can demonstrate a genuine sustainable agenda
- Conditions apply
Public On-Site Tours
For individuals, families and small groups
On-Site Tours for Large Groups
For schools, colleges, societies, associations, or similar
The tours are only for large groups (schools, colleges, societies, associations or similar) of 10 or more.
A tailor-made bespoke on-site visit to the Westmill site can be made at any time. However we encourage site visits to be made during British Summer Time; from the end of March to the end of October, when weather conditions at the site are a little more favourable during these warmer months. We actively discourage any site visits outside this time as dangerous weather hazards can prevent tours from operating effectively, or at all.
Before you visit...
- Large group tours are given for free, although we would appreciate a donation to allow us to continue our work.
- All bespoke tours for large groups are subject to volunteer guide availability.
- Group sizes are capped at 40 people per group per tour. However, there are alternative options should you still wish to visit.
- On-site tours normally last between 60 and 90 minutes.
- Visitors should be fairly mobile, as the tour involves a moderately level walk of around 1.5 to 2 miles. Most of this is on hard, stony ground, except the solar farm, which is grassy.
- The content of our tours may be too advanced for children aged 6 and younger (Key Stage 1) and so we would advise that only children aged 7 and older attend (Key Stage 2+). Please contact us if you wish to discuss this further.
Request a Large Group Tour Now
Please complete our on-site Visit Request Form and we will contact you to arrange the next steps. Please allow a minimum of four weeks’ notice for bespoke on-site tours.
Virtual Tours
Our bespoke virtual tours are useful to attend if an on-site visit is not possible, or if you’d like to visit during our closed season, between October and April (when we do not recommend visits to site, as the area is very open and exposed).
So, no matter where in the world you are and no matter how far away you may be, you always have an opportunity to join us to learn about our clean, green community energy!
These online guided tours are presented by one of our experienced, knowledgeable guides and offer an informative and engaging peek behind the scenes at Westmill.
Before you visit...
- These virtual tours are for large groups (schools, colleges, societies, associations, etc) only.
- With regard to schools, the content of the virtual tour is suited primarily for students from the upper end of Key Stage 2 (years 5 & 6) onwards and may be too advanced for younger children.
Request a Virtual Tour Now
Please complete our Virtual Tour Request Form and once we receive your request we will contact you to arrange the next steps.
Media & Commercial Entity Access
Westmill is a beautiful setting and the Wind and Solar Farms offer a stunning location and backdrop. We welcome applications for filming and photography or other events.
How To Apply For Filming / Photography Permission
If you are taking photographs or making videos for your own exclusive use then you are welcome to do so and you do not need authorisation.
In all other circumstances, you will need to formally apply for permission.
We welcome visits for filming and photography from bona fide community, cooperative organisations and charities that can demonstrate a genuine sustainable agenda.
We will also consider – on a case-by-case basis – applications from commercial organisations. However you must be able to demonstrate a particular commitment to sustainability and/or community ownership.
We will not accept photo or filming applications from any person or organisation whose business or purpose is collecting and reselling images or videos.
Request Access to Westmill
To apply for filming/photography permission, please complete the Media/Commercial Entity Interest Form.
Find Us
Please use the information below to get in touch.