Pin Mill

Pin Mill is a famous beauty spot, popular with locals and visitors from afar alike.

The river at Pin Mill must be one of the most popular subjects on the English coast for artists. A very picturesque spot worth a visit at any time of the year, Pin Mill is a small riverside hamlet at the end of a lane half a mile from the village of Chelmondiston. There are a few houses, two boatyards, an art gallery, and the ever-changing river with attendant birds constantly on the move, scurrying yachts and majestic Thames barges.

Pin Mill had links to smugglers in the 19th century - these are long gone but the 17th century Butt and Oyster Inn still exists and is a thriving pub/restaurant. Arthur Ransome lived close to the 'Butt' and used the river as his setting for the Swallows & Amazons book 'We didn't mean to go to sea'. Pin Mill also featured in the popular BBC 'Lovejoy' series.

Pin Mill Barge Match

The Pin Mill Barge Match is held every year normally betwen the last week in June and the first week in July, depending on the tides.
Click to access the Pin Mill Sailing Club website.

2011 was the 50th aniversary of the Barge Match, which was preceeded by a Parade of Sails with numerous barges sailing up to Ipswich. An exciting event with celebrations held afterwards at the Sailing Club and on Pin Mill Common.

Parade of Sail