Hele Corn Mill
A 16th-century working watermill and award-winning tea room serving delicious scones and cakes made with on-site milled flour.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Hele Corn Mill
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century working watermill and award-winning tea room serving delicious scones and cakes made with on-site milled flour.
"The best scones I've had in the country, let alone in Devon & Cornwall."
🎯 Scone Debate: Jam or Cream First?
Devon tradition is cream first, then jam! How do you take yours?
🐾 Dog-Friendly Oasis
Bring your furry friends along for a delightful experience in their dog-friendly garden.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Freshly Baked Scones
Tea Room
Indulge in award-winning scones, made with flour from the working mill. Served with clotted cream and jam, they're a must-try!
Working 16th-Century Mill
The Mill
Step back in time and explore the historic watermill, still producing flour for the on-site bakery.
Charming Garden Setting
Outdoor Seating Area
Enjoy your treats in a picturesque garden, often described as a 'fairy glen' with birds hopping nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Mill's History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Scone Debate: Jam or Cream First?
Devon tradition is cream first, then jam! How do you take yours? 
🐾 Dog-Friendly Oasis
Bring your furry friends along for a delightful experience in their dog-friendly garden.
🎟️ Book Ahead to Avoid Disappointment
This popular spot can get busy; booking online or via Facebook is recommended.
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Detour
Combine your visit with a scenic walk from Ilfracombe along the coastal path.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Scone Debate: Jam or Cream First?
Devon tradition is cream first, then jam! How do you take yours?
🐾 Dog-Friendly Oasis
Bring your furry friends along for a delightful experience in their dog-friendly garden.
🎟️ Book Ahead to Avoid Disappointment
This popular spot can get busy; booking online or via Facebook is recommended.
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Detour
Combine your visit with a scenic walk from Ilfracombe along the coastal path.
🍰 Cakes Made with Mill Flour
Taste the difference! Cakes and bakes use flour milled on-site.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hele Corn Mill as a 'gem' and a 'must-visit' for its award-winning scones, delicious cakes made with on-site milled flour, and charming garden setting. The friendly service and the unique experience of exploring a working 16th-century mill are frequently highlighted as major positives. While generally overwhelmingly positive, some mention it can get busy, reinforcing the advice to book ahead.
"What a gem of a little place this is. I came across this place searching for "best scones" and I can guarantee the reviews aren't a let down. The gentlemen (Presumably who runs the place) is a kind, attentive man who took our orders. They have 2 types of scones (plain and fruit) and few choices of cakes. The scones were freshly baked, served with clotted cream and jam and the price was so reasonable compared to other places. And so were the cakes that my kids tried. The mill (wasnt operational at that time due to no water - time of the season) was opened for us to have a walk around and there is a little gallery where a video is shown on how the grains are turned to wheat etc - very informative. It was quiet and peaceful place, where you can have your cake and eat it too (pardon the pun) - with a nice cup of tea."
Hari Sivasubramaniam
"I can't say enough good things about this place. The best scones I've had in the country, let alone in Devon & Cornwall. Fantastic cakes and sandwiches with flour from the mill. A delightful garden setting, and gentle warm service which makes you feel right at home.
It's also always a joy to look round a mill and learn more about how wheat, our country's staple crop, is produced and processed. Seeing the benefits of doing it right really shows how wrong we've gone with commercial agriculture and food production."
Jacob Ward
"Oh my gosh- what a find!!! The cutest, friendliest little tearoom in Devon!!
It's a working mill, using the flour to make cakes!!
Didn't catch the owners name but he was really friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming.
I managed to book online as the Facebook page said it does get very busy (it wasn't too busy when we arrived so walk-ins are definitely ok).
The mill is working and has lots of info included to enjoy walking around.
Huge choice of scones and cakes; we tried a variety of things Including fruit scones, cheese scones, chocolate cake and raspberry cakes (all made on site!).
(My little boy gave the double chocolate cake 1000/10 so it's have been good!)
Everything was fresh and delicious!!
There's such a lovely, relaxed atmosphere, surrounded by the sound of the water mill and lots of lovely wildlife.
We were offered some puzzles and brain teaser games which the kids (And adults) enjoyed.
We will most certainly be back!"
Laura Geary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hele Corn Mill is a short drive or a pleasant walk from Ilfracombe. Many visitors enjoy walking along the coastal path, which offers beautiful views.
While specific bus routes can vary, it's generally recommended to check local bus schedules for services running towards Hele Bay or nearby areas from Ilfracombe.
Yes, it's a lovely walk from Ilfracombe, especially along the coastal path. It's a great way to combine sightseeing with your visit.
Yes, there is parking available at the mill, but it can become quite full during peak times. Arriving early is advisable.
Many visitors arrive via a scenic walk from Ilfracombe, enjoying the coastal views. Driving is also an option, with on-site parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the tea room and garden is generally free, but you'll pay for any food and drinks you order. Exploring the working mill is often included with your visit or a small fee.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official Facebook page or website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Yes, booking online or via their Facebook page is recommended, especially during peak season or weekends, as it can get very busy.
A free tour of the working mill is often available, providing an informative look at the milling process.
Weekday afternoons are generally less crowded than weekends or peak holiday times.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy freshly baked scones and cakes in the tea room, explore the historic working watermill, and relax in the charming garden.
Yes, children often enjoy the unique setting, the working mill, and the delicious treats. Some reviews mention puzzles and games available for kids.
Absolutely! Hele Corn Mill is dog-friendly, and your canine companions can join you in the garden area.
Visitors describe the atmosphere as serene, peaceful, charming, and friendly, with the sounds of the watermill and wildlife adding to the ambiance.
The working mill itself is fascinating for all ages. Some visitors have mentioned puzzles and brain teaser games being available for children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
They are famous for their freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, as well as a selection of delicious cakes and sandwiches, all made with flour from their mill.
Yes, the scones are highly praised and often described as the best in the country, with a slightly thicker texture due to the mill's flour.
You can enjoy a traditional pot of tea, coffee, and other beverages to complement your baked goods.
The flour is milled on-site at the working Hele Corn Mill, making it a unique and locally produced ingredient.
Reviews suggest the prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality and freshness of the homemade goods.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! The charming mill, the picturesque garden, and the delicious food make for beautiful photo opportunities.
Capture the working water wheel, the quaint tea room hatch, the blooming garden, and of course, your perfectly presented scones.
Yes, you can explore the mill and take photos, learning about the milling process as you go.
Morning light can be lovely in the garden, while late afternoon might offer softer light for capturing the mill's exterior.
Look out for the 'Hobbiton-style' ordering hatch and the wrens' nests often spotted in the garden.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Lovers
It’s a great spot to stop after a coastal walk with your dog, making it a perfect outing for the whole family, including your four-legged members. 🚶♀️ Walkers & Hikers
The mill offers a perfect opportunity to rest, refuel with delicious scones and tea, and break up a longer walk. The surrounding area also provides ample opportunities for exploring local trails and countryside. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Working Mill
This historical aspect adds a unique layer to the visitor experience. It’s not just about enjoying a scone; it’s about appreciating the heritage and the craft. The gentle sound of the waterwheel and the rustic charm of the mill itself create a truly immersive atmosphere.
Many reviewers emphasize the educational value, making it a perfect stop for families and anyone interested in local history and sustainable practices. A Culinary Delight: Scones and Cakes
Visitors often highlight the quality and freshness of the food, with specific mentions of chocolate and raspberry cakes receiving high praise from younger diners.
The Enchanting Garden Ambiance
+1 Outdoor seating is available under handmade pergolas, allowing visitors to soak in the peaceful atmosphere. It's common to see birds hopping around your feet as you enjoy your refreshments, adding to the natural charm. This delightful garden setting is perfect for a relaxed afternoon, whether you're enjoying a cream tea, a coffee, or simply taking in the surroundings. It's a place where you can truly unwind and escape the hustle and bustle. The combination of the historic mill, the delicious food, and the tranquil garden makes for a complete and enchanting experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit