The Wind Energy Centre has been a popular attraction in the heart of the Broads for several years. Our unique collection of wind pumps show the ingenuity of wind harnessing which has been a vital part of human life for thousands of years. Wind has given us the ability to grind wheat, sail and trade across the world. In the case of marshy places like the Norfolk, it's enabled us to drain unusable land and transform it into arable and livestock farmland.
Today, wind is a helping to produce renewable energy via onshore and offshore wind farms and opening up a whole new era in our relationship with this powerful element.
Don’t miss your chance to step back in time and discover the fascinating history of wind power. From ancient windmills to modern turbines, explore the evolution of harnessing the wind’s energy. Learn about the ingenious designs, the cultural significance, and the impact of wind power on societies throughout history.
The Wind Energy Museum is the UK’s only dedicated collection showcasing the rich history of wind power. Our museum houses many unique and sole-surviving examples of wind-powered machinery, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. From ancient windmills to the early turbines, we explore the evolution of harnessing the wind’s energy.
The Wind Energy Museum showcases a variety of historical windmills, engines, and artifacts that illustrate the development of wind power technology over the centuries. Visitors can explore restored wind pumps and working drainage exhibits, learning about their construction, operation, and significance to the local landscape. The museum also delves into the broader history of wind energy, tracing its evolution from early mechanical applications to modern renewable energy solutions.
Through interactive exhibits, informative displays, and guided tours, the Wind Energy Museum educates visitors and schools about the importance of sustainable energy practices and the innovative spirit of past generations. It stands as a tribute to the enduring legacy of wind power and its critical role in shaping the Norfolk Broads and beyond.
One of the museums most photographed and easily recognisable assets is the nearby Thurne Mill drainage pump, a 204-year-old fully working drainage mill built in 1820.
Wind mills and wind pumps have always been a particular feature on the Norfolk landscape, and for thousands of Broads visitors, the wind pump at Thurne is an incredibly distinctive landmark on the on banks of the river. For Debra, owning Thurne Mill is a dream come true, having always visited it on annual family holidays to Norfolk ever since she was small.