Discover Cloughmills: Old Mill, Riverwalk and Heritage Trail

Cloughmills combines the River Bush with a remarkable history of mills and with paths, gardens and nature-based attractions. If you are planning a trip where culture and activity go hand in hand, you will find several specific options here for planning your days. When choosing a holiday apartment, you may wish to consider whether to focus on local history, walks or excursions to nearby areas.

The River Bush and Industrial Heritage

The River Bush flows through Cloughmills and shaped the development of the village. It played a decisive role in powering the local mills. This connection is particularly evident at Cloughmills Old Mill: the historic landmark reflects Cloughmills' industrial heritage. The mill is classified as a post-medieval mill dating from AD 1600 to 1750.

A section of the covered tailrace of Cloughmills Old Mill has been preserved on site. This brings together the history of milling and visible structural remains in one place. For travellers interested in culture, it is also worth considering the long history of settlement: there is evidence of human settlement in Cloughmills dating back to prehistoric times.

Heritage Trail and Riverwalk

The Cloughmills village Heritage Trail is located beside Cloughmills Community Centre. It offers another way to engage with the area's history, while the Riverwalk on the Old Mill grounds has a different focus. This path was developed to promote physical activity and provide a safe way to enjoy the local surroundings. You can therefore combine a visit to the Old Mill with a walk without having to infer a specific route or walking time from the facilities available.

The garden of Incredible Edible Cloughmills is also part of this range of options. It can be reached via the Riverside Walk from the playground beside the doctor's surgery. There is access to the mill yard, where parking for the garden is available. Cloughmills Bio Park also offers opportunities to connect with the natural environment. When planning your trip, you can therefore alternate between historical impressions, activity by the water and nature-based experiences.

Ideas for Different Family Days

For families with babies and toddlers, Free Range Families is also part of the local offering. The outdoor parent-and-child group reconnects babies, toddlers and their families with the natural environment. For a different pace to the day, the Old Mill, Heritage Trail and Riverwalk take centre stage. This means you do not have to choose between completely separate destinations; you can include different interests in your plans without losing sight of Cloughmills' character.

Cloughmills is close to important roads, including the A26. These make it easier to access neighbouring areas and scenic destinations such as the Causeway Coast. If you are looking for accommodation for a trip combining local history with onward excursions, this road access may play a role in your choice of location. As another place in this overview, you can also visit Stranocum.

Choosing Cloughmills as Your Base

A holiday apartment in Cloughmills is particularly suitable for a trip where you want to explore the village itself while retaining flexibility for different ideas each day. The Old Mill and the River Bush appeal to visitors interested in culture and history, the Riverwalk and Riverside Walk add activity to your stay, and the garden and Bio Park draw attention to the natural surroundings. When searching, consider which of these focuses should shape your trip, and use Cloughmills as a base for making your own selection.

For the main travel overview: Ballymoney.