PINMILL

Pin Mill is a picturesque hamlet tucked along the southern bank of the River Orwell in Suffolk, just outside the village of Chelmondiston. It lies within the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and its charm comes from a blend of maritime heritage, natural beauty, and artistic inspiration.

Historically, Pin Mill was a bustling hub for Thames sailing barges, with industries like sail making, brickworks, and even a maltings once thriving here. During WWII, it played a role in naval operations, hosting Royal Navy motor launches and tank landing craft.

Today, it’s a haven for yacht and dinghy sailing, with two boatyards and the Pin Mill Sailing Club, which has hosted an annual Barge Match since 1962. The Butt and Oyster, a 17th-century pub perched right on the water’s edge, is a local icon—its bay windows offer sweeping views of the estuary and its smuggling-era past adds a dash of intrigue.

Check out the pictures taken.