Surrounded by 35 acres of picturesque landscape, you’ll be surprised at all the activities available at Calbourne Water Mill. Our own beautiful holiday destination, Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is only a 30 minute drive away from one of the oldest mills in the UK, which also offers a number of family fun activities to get involved in.
Calbourne Water Mill is the only working mill on the Isle of Wight and even today, it still produces around 40 tons of flour made in the ‘traditional’ way, this flour is used in the onsite café. Enjoy the acres of beautiful rural landscape, stroll around the small War Museum and step back in time with a number of rural exhibitions.
Calbourne Water Mill’s history
Over 1000 years old, the Calbourne Water Mill on the Isle of Wight was mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086, it was known as Mylplace Mill and had a Wheat and Malt Mill.
The mill has a varied and rich history on the island, changing ownership countless times through marriage and deaths, between 1592 and 1878. It was eventually sold to George Weeks, an accountant from London in 1878.
The last sale of Calbourne Water Mill took place in March 2000, when it was sold to the Chaucer Family, the current owners.
picturesque landscape to explore
With 35 acres of unspoilt nature to discover you can enjoy a relaxing walk and marvel at the sheer abundance of wildlife available.
Meet and feed the adorable plethora of feathered friends mulling around, including ducks, doves, moorhens and colourful peacocks. The wondrous oak woodland offers a stunning walking spot and being home to a number of animals, including foxes, badgers and friendly red squirrels, you’re sure to spot some curious creatures along the way.
The wildlife in the stream is season dependent, but you could see a number of different water wildlife here, including eels and large schools of fish, you can also pop into the shop for some fish food and watch as they jump for their favourite dinner.
If you love a beautiful view, take a short walk up the hillside for the most unbeatable, panoramic views of the surrounding villages and landscape.
things to do at Calbourne Water Mill
Visit the small but fascinating War Museum at the water mill, where you can learn about the role that the Isle of Wight played during the war and see some interesting memorabilia.
A number of rural display exhibitions showcase collectables from years gone by, so you can see a taste of what life used to be like on the island. Exhibitions include a fire station, Granma’s kitchen and the old bakery, with many more to view.
The water mill helps the onsite Pottery, which crafts beautiful handmade souvenirs, you are able to watch the process and purchase a gift too.
Calbourne Water Mill also offers a range of family activities to enjoy, including Lego tables to let your imagination run wild and a giant chalkboard for your artistic skills. The Clay-Play area is a huge hit, a place where you can create and play, they use air drying clay so you can even take home what you make on the same day.
Try your hand at the Adventure Golf course, or opt for a relaxing time floating down the stream in the punts or pedalos, seeing the nature around you in a completely unique way.
Calbourne Water Mill café
The café uses flour made from the mill in its dishes, as well as locally sourced produce where possible, so you can be sure of mouth-watering freshly cooked food. Enjoy a selection of delicious meals and light lunches from their menu, including freshly made soup, sandwiches, pancakes and a range of children’s meals too.
The café also serves a variety of delectable homemade cakes and a wide range of wonderful cream teas to enjoy, while soaking up the surrounding views.
opening times & prices
The Calbourne Water Mill is located in the picturesque town of Calbourne on the Isle of Wight. Dogs are welcome at the mill, but it is requested they remain leashed.
Opening: March to November. Every day. 10am – 5pm.
| Ticket Type | Cost |
|---|---|
Adult |
£10 |
Child 3 – 6 Years |
£6 |
Family (up to 5) |
£25 |
You’ll thoroughly enjoy a day out at Calbourne Water Mill and be pleasantly surprised with all the things you can do, as well as learning about the islands oldest and only working water mill.
Our five-star, luxury holiday destination Woodside Bay Lodge Retreat is located only a half hour drive away from the water mill, making it the ideal place to base yourself on the island.
Woodside Bay offers wonderful facilities, including our Woodside Bay Spa Lodge which is home to our fully trained therapists, who offer luxurious Aromatherapy Associates treatments and beautiful views over the Solent from the decking. Indulge in a delicious meal from our Bistro Restaurant, serving a range of family favourites, after your meal head out to our outdoor sitting area to take in the panoramic views and relax with a drink from our fully stocked bar.
We offer a wide range of self-catered accommodation, from our quirky treehouses, where you can enjoy the peaceful escape of being surrounded by the treetops and the luxurious touches of copper finishing’s and a hot tub, only sleeping 2, this is the ideal place for a romantic getaway away on the island. Our variety of beautiful lodges are also on offer, these all come with large open plan living spaces, fully fitted kitchens, sumptuous sofas, spacious decking with wonderful views and a selection of our lodges come with hot tubs too.
Why not book your escape to Woodside Bay today and enjoy a holiday break to the Isle of Wight?