Take a tour of the Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Park led by our friendly, knowledgeable guides!
Climate change is a major concern for many. But awareness of the problem is growing. The UK will need a lot more clean, renewable electricity to decarbonise other energy uses like transport and heating. As part of our ambition to help people 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 renewable energy and the eventful history of the site. Plus you’ll hear about the installation and energy generation of our turbines and solar panels, how they work and how they are owned by the local community. And you’ll discover how our Solar Park became one of the largest community-owned solar farms in the world!
These tours offers a unique, intimate and understandable perspective on how a wind farm and solar park 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 Park
*Feeling the open nature of the site
*Learning how the wind turbines and photovoltaic panels work
*Discovering about the economics of the Westmill Wind Farm and Solar Co-operatives
*Having the chance to discuss the need for sustainability
PUBLIC TOURS
- An on-site tour at Westmill
- Popular – so book early!
- Suitable for individuals, families and small groups
- Tours take place at least monthly from April to October
LARGE GROUPS
- An on-site tour at Westmill
- For large groups of 10+
- Suitable for schools, colleges, societies, associations or similar
- Bespoke tours available for a date of your choice
VIRTUAL TOURS
- A virtual tour – accessible remotely
- For large groups of 10+
- Suitable for schools, colleges, societies, associations or similar
- Bespoke tours available for a date of your choice
PUBLIC ON-SITE TOURS
For individuals, families and small groups
These days take place regularly during the warmer months of the year from April to October, when weather conditions at the site are a little more favourable.
BEFORE YOU VISIT:
- These tours are free to attend.
- You must book in advance. This allows us to plan for capacity and guards against turning un-booked visitors away on the day.
- On-site tours normally last between 60 and 90 minutes.
- These tours are suitable for people of all ages. However, some of the tour content may be too advanced for younger children. We therefore encourage such children to visit as part of a school trip – where content will be specifically tailored. See the Bespoke On-Site Tours section for more information.
- 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 park which is grassy.
- Dogs are not permitted inside the Solar Park (except assistance / guide dogs).
- Please ensure that you know where we are before you make your journey.
TO BOOK:
Our next available tour dates for 2024 are listed below. Please follow the links to book. All places must be booked in advance:
NB: 2025 Tours will be announced towards the end of 2024.
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:
- Tours are given for free, although we would appreciate any sort of 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 park 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 (KS2+). Please contact us if you wish to discuss this further.
TO BOOK:
For complete Terms & Conditions and to book please complete our On-Site Visit Request Form and once we receive your application 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 close-season, between October and April (when we do not recommend visits to site, as the area is very open and exposed and any visit can be an uncomfortable experience!).
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. Tours for individuals, families or small groups may occur but this is subject to demand. Please contact us for further information.
- 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.
TO BOOK:
Please complete our Virtual Tour Request Form and once we receive your request we will contact you to arrange the next steps.