The only working Water Mill on the Isle of Wight is situated just outside the pretty village of Calbourne. The village itself named after the stream or ‘bourne’ that powers the millstones which still produces between 30 and 40 tons flour the ‘traditional way’.
Calbourne Mill sits in 35 acres of beautiful countryside as in one of the oldest water mills in the UK, with a history that can be traced right back to the 11th Century. It was first mentioned almost a thousand years ago in the Doomsday Book in AD 1086 when there were two mills in Calbourne which together were worth 6s 3d!
You’ll be surprised at quite how much there is at Calbourne Water Mill, apart from feeding the peacocks, geese, ducks, moorhens and doves there is a beautiful ancient oak woodland which is home to badgers, red squirrels, foxes and many many more birds and small mammals.
Depending on the season, the stream at the bottom of the hill (running behind the café) is home to eels. Not forgetting the large fish stock in the mill stream, buy a bag of fish food (and watch them almost leap out of the water to get it!)
We have some of the best views of the Island for those who are able (and willing!) to take the short walk up to the top of the hill.
There is a small but very interesting war museum. Many little rural museums, displaying a selection of memorabilia from a bygone age (such as Granma’s kitchen, Granfer’s Shed, Fire Station, Old Bakery and much more!) The Water Mill has a Pottery producing hand-made souvenirs on site. Family Clay-play area (We use air drying clay, so you can take home what you make; Only £2 per child). Lego Tables and Giant Chalkboard – entertainment for all ages.
There is Adventure golf by the side of the mill stream, a bargain at just £3.00 per person! There are punts for those who fancy a relaxing float down the stream. Pedalos for those with more energy! (£7.50 per punt/pedalo for 30 minutes). Have a go at croquet, or petanque, for £1 per person.
With a fully licensed café serving a delicious menu of daily specials, sandwiches, freshly made soup, pancakes, as well as a children’s selection, you don’t even need to worry about food! If you don’t want a full meal, why not sample some of our homemade cakes or wonderful cream teas. We sell a large range of alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, herbal teas and coffee.
All our food is freshly made, using our own flour and oats, and local island produce whenever possible. The gift shop sells a wide range of gifts to suit every pocket, from souvenier pencils and postcards, to our own Water Mill Pottery (hand made on site). You can buy our attractive range of Muesli and Porridge Oats.