3 Mills Studios

3 Mills Studios London: Comprehensive Visitor Guide to Tickets, Hours, and Attractions

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: The Significance of 3 Mills Studios

Located on historic Three Mills Island in East London, 3 Mills Studios is an outstanding example of London’s adaptive reuse of industrial heritage for the creative industries. With roots tracing back to the 11th century, the site has evolved from tidal mills and gin distilleries into a major film and television production campus. Today, visitors encounter a unique blend of preserved architecture—such as the Grade I listed House Mill and Grade II listed Clock Mill—and state-of-the-art production spaces that have hosted acclaimed productions like “The Great,” “Expendables 4,” and BBC’s “MasterChef.” While 3 Mills Studios is primarily a working facility, public access is occasionally granted via guided tours, open days, and special events, allowing guests to experience both its rich past and dynamic present (3 Mills Studios).

This guide provides everything you need to know about visiting 3 Mills Studios: historical context, practical visitor information, access details, nearby attractions, and essential tips. Whether you’re passionate about London’s history, filmmaking, or urban regeneration, this resource will help you plan a rewarding visit.

Early Industrial Origins
Twentieth Century Transformation
Creative Hub Emergence
Facilities & Heritage Architecture
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Access
Getting There: Transport and Location
Amenities & Nearby Attractions
Practical Visitor Tips
Special Events & Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions
Visuals & Interactive Resources
Summary & Recommendations
Sources

Early Industrial Origins: From Flour Mills to Gin Distilleries

Three Mills Island is recognized as London’s oldest industrial centre, with the Domesday Book (1086) listing multiple mills along the River Lea (londonlhr.online). By the 12th century, the area became known as “Three Mills,” supplying flour to bakers who served the City of London (e-architect.com). Over the centuries, the mills adapted to changing needs—producing gunpowder during Elizabethan times and later becoming a major gin distillery by the 18th century, reflecting the city’s industrial evolution (tvstudiohistory.co.uk).

Key Surviving Buildings:

House Mill (1776): The world’s largest existing tidal mill (Grade I listed).
Clock Mill (1817): Part of the working studios (Grade II listed).

By the 19th century, the mills processed up to 125 tons of grain weekly, powered by multiple waterwheels (visitleevalley.org.uk).

Twentieth Century: War, Decline, and Renewal

The 20th century transformed the site dramatically. During World War I, the distillery was adapted to produce acetone for explosives under the direction of Chaim Weizmann, later Israel’s first President (londonlhr.online). World War II bombings caused further damage, including the destruction of the original Miller’s House. Industrial activity dwindled, leading to a period of neglect, but the site’s resilient infrastructure laid the foundation for future regeneration (queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk).

Emergence as a Creative Hub

The 1980s marked the site’s transition to creative industries, attracting filmmakers and television producers. Three distinct production entities—Bow Studios, 3 Mills Island Studios, and Edwin Shirley Productions—merged in the 1990s to create the unified 3 Mills Studios complex (3mills.com). Under the guidance of Workspace Group Plc and later the London Development Agency (LDA), the studios flourished as a flexible, atmospheric campus for film, TV, and theatre (wikipedia.org).

Olympic Legacy:
In preparation for the London 2012 Olympics, 3 Mills Studios served as the base for the Olympic Ceremonies Team, boosting its profile and supporting the regeneration of East London (queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk).

Facilities and Architectural Heritage

Today, 3 Mills Studios offers over 75,000 square feet of filming space, nine sound stages, eleven rehearsal rooms, and a variety of production offices and support amenities (queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk). The campus features:

Cobbled streets and heritage brickwork
Period buildings adapted for modern use
A 60-seat screening room (for private events and presentations)
Recent £6 million renovations enhancing accessibility and sustainability (ukscreenalliance.co.uk)

These features provide a distinctive backdrop for creative productions and occasional public events.

Planning Your Visit: Hours, Tickets, and Access

Public Access:
3 Mills Studios is an active production facility and does not offer regular public tours. Access is available during special events, heritage open days, or community festivals. For current opportunities, always consult the official 3 Mills Studios website or their social media channels.

Tickets & Booking:

Entry is usually free for open days or guided tours, but some special events may require advance tickets (typically £10–£25).
Pre-booking is essential; walk-in visits are not permitted.
Group and educational tours can be arranged by contacting the studios directly ([email protected]).

Visiting Hours:

When available, tours or events run between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, usually on weekends or select weekdays.

Accessibility:

Step-free access to most areas and accessible restrooms are provided.
Some historic or outdoor areas may present challenges; notify the studios in advance for specific needs (Safe Filming at 3 Mills Studios).

Security & Protocol:

All visitors must present valid ID and are typically accompanied by staff.
Photography is restricted in working areas; ask for guidance on permitted locations.

Getting There: Location and Transport

Address: Three Mill Lane, London, E3 3DU
Area: Bromley-by-Bow, East London

Public Transport:

Underground:
- Bromley-by-Bow (District, Hammersmith & City): 10-minute walk
- Stratford (Central, Jubilee, DLR, Overground, National Rail): 20-minute walk or short bus ride
Bus: Routes 108, 488, and 323 serve the area.
Cycling: Dedicated cycle paths along the River Lea; bike racks on site.
Car: Limited parking is available but not recommended for large events (The Studio Map).

Proximity to Landmarks:

7 miles from Soho, 4 miles from the City of London, and adjacent to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park).

Amenities and Nearby Attractions

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Parklands, sports venues, cultural attractions.
Here East and East Bank: Innovation hubs, BBC Music Studios, V&A East, Sadler’s Wells East, London College of Fashion.
Stratford: Westfield Stratford City shopping, Theatre Royal, and diverse dining.
Historic Bow and Canal Walks: Markets, pubs, and riverside trails.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Advance Booking: Always pre-arrange visits due to limited public access and security.
Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled streets and uneven surfaces.
Weather: Bring weather-appropriate clothing; outdoor areas are exposed.
Transport: Use contactless payment or Oyster cards for travel (Candace Abroad).
Cash & Tipping: Carry a small amount of cash for markets; tipping is not required in pubs but common in restaurants (Candace Abroad).
Etiquette: Stand on the right, walk on the left on escalators; order at the bar in pubs.

Special Events and Community Engagement

3 Mills Studios partners with local organizations and the London Legacy Development Corporation to host open days, heritage tours, and community festivals, particularly during London’s cultural celebrations. These offer rare opportunities to explore historic buildings, learn about the site’s evolution, and enjoy behind-the-scenes access (Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park).

For current events, check the 3 Mills Studios news page and local listings (Time Out London; Tower Hamlets Arts).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: Only during scheduled tours or events, typically 10:00 AM–4:00 PM on select dates.

Q: Do I need tickets?
A: Yes, tickets must be pre-booked online for tours and special events.

Q: Are tours free?
A: Open days may be free; special events usually require paid tickets (£10–£25).

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Most areas are accessible, but some historic spaces may pose challenges. Contact the studio in advance.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Only in permitted outdoor or historic areas—ask your guide for restrictions.

Q: What nearby attractions should I visit?
A: Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Westfield Stratford City, Theatre Royal Stratford East, and local canal walks.

Visuals & Interactive Resources

Caption: Explore the historic 16th-century mills and iconic gin stills at 3 Mills Studios.

Caption: Location of 3 Mills Studios in relation to East London transport links and attractions.

For virtual tours and additional media, visit the 3 Mills Studios media gallery.

Summary & Visitor Recommendations

3 Mills Studios encapsulates East London’s journey from medieval industry to contemporary creative powerhouse. Its preserved mills and historic buildings are evocative reminders of the city’s industrial heritage, now repurposed as dynamic spaces for film, television, and theatre. Though public access is limited, attending tours and special events offers an exceptional glimpse into both the site’s history and its central role in London’s creative industries. Proximity to major attractions and excellent transport links make it a must-visit for those interested in heritage and media. Stay informed about visiting opportunities by monitoring the official 3 Mills Studios website and consider downloading the Audiala app for curated updates, digital tours, and insider tips.