Historic Blackpool landmark at the gateway to the town reopens for Easter Sunday after restoration work
Blackpool’s historic Little Marton Windmill is set to welcome visitors once again this Easter, following a restoration.
Standing proudly at the entrance to Blackpool on Preston New Road, the windmill has long served as a gateway for visitors arriving in the resort.
Now refurbished, the well-known Grade II listed structure will reopen to the public on April 5, inviting locals and tourists to step inside and explore its rich history.
As the last remaining original windmill in the town, it holds a unique place in the area’s heritage.
Spanning four floors, the windmill offers a rare glimpse into the past.
Visitors can join free guided tours in small groups, led by knowledgeable experts or people can also explore at their own pace.
The windmill has undergone extensive work that was completed in September. But it has remained closed throughout the winter until now.
Shirley Matthews is one of the volunteers with Friends of Little Marton Windmill and she has personal reasons for wanting to preserve the mill.
She said: My grandfather Charles Allen Clarke came to Blackpool from Bolton to work in the mill. He was called the ‘Windmill Man’
“And now they call me Shirl the Windmill Girl - I was actually married at Lytham Windmill.
“We are very excited to open the doors on Sunday. You can go right to the very top and we have lots of activities for children too in our Kiddies Corner.
“We are hoping to show groups of people round throughout the summer - cubs, scouts, heritage groups. Just get in touch with us.
Giving the mill an overhaul has been a joint effort between Blackpool Council and The Friends of Little Marton Windmill.
The interior of the mill can now be viewed and the remaining original machinery, whilst enjoying a unique exhibition depicting the story of windmills across the Fylde.
The story is told of how the mill was saved into preservation as a memorial to Allen Clarke, was adopted by the town council, and eventually opened to the public by the Friends group.
The next stage is to reinstall the windmill’s sails.
The mill will be open on the last Sunday of t he month until the end of August and again in October.
Anyone who would like to join the volunteers group can do so by visiting their website littlemartonwindmill.org.uk