Shilla Mill

From £35 For 1 night, 3 adults 9.4 38 reviews
View across a pitch into the site (added by manager 26 Aug 2022)
Big tent fits (added by visitor 05 jul 2022)
The rumps (added by manager 18 jul 2021)
Two of the pitches (added by manager 10 apr 2022)

  • Quiet campsite between a golf course and Polzeath beach
  • Wadebridge 20 minutes' drive; Padstow half an hour
  • Picnic bench, barbecue and firepit provided at every pitch
If there ever was a historic setting for a holiday in Polzeath, Shilla Mill is it. Built in 1591, the historic house is widely believed to be the first property in Polzeath (which is a pretty seaside destination and a very hot surfing spot, by the way). Set at the end of a private lane surrounded by greenery, Shilla Mill's spacious camping pitches are equally as peaceful. The pitches lie between Polzeath's beach and a golf course, roughly half a mile from the centre of this smart little Cornish resort. Sir John Betjeman took inspiration for some of his poems from Shilla Mill's gardens and the surrounding area, and when you see this coastal hideaway in person it's easy to appreciate why. The grounds set aside for camping here are well-maintained, level and grassy, with a good amount of room between the pitches and a good clutch of facilities – each of the pitches has a picnic bench, barbecue and firepit. Simple facilities like toilets and hot showers are available, but for most other things you'll want to take a wander towards the centre of Polzeath, where there are several shops, cafés, restaurants and other attractions, including surfing opportunities, of course. Dogs are welcome at this friendly site (on leads, please), and there are plenty of places to take them for their walkies. For a stretch of the legs and some big gulps of fresh sea air, wander the couple of miles over to Pentire Point, a spectacular peninsula with views out over the Atlantic.

Site type

Tent pitches 6
Open now

Tourist board rating

Please note
  • Under 18s must be accompanied by their parents or legal guardians.
  • Your dog must be tattooed or microchipped.
  • The site does not accept breeds/crossbreeds listed in the Dangerous Dogs Act (i.e. Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro).
  • Commercial vehicles (vehicles used for work-related purposes, carrying goods or fare-paying passengers) and sign-written vehicles are not permitted on site.
  • The site caters for families (immediate members) and couples only - bookings from all other forms of groups are not accepted.
  • Discount cards and gift vouchers cannot be applied to bookings made via Pitchup.com.
  • At least one of the party members must be aged 18 or over.
  • This is a quiet site: no music is allowed.
  • If making a fire, the fuel, logs and coal have to be purchased on site.
  • Guests are advised to bring a good quality torch with them as parts of the site are unlit.
  • Please note that the toilet/shower facilities are unisex.
  • Please note that the toilet facilities are unisex.
  • Please note that the shower facilities are unisex.
  • The charging of electric vehicles is not permitted on site.

Languages spoken

English

Open from Mon, 1 Apr to

Reviews

89%

would recommend this site to a friend

89%

would stay here again

  • 78%
    10
  • 0%
    9
  • 10%
    8
  • 0%
    7
  • 10%
    6
  • 0%
    5
  • 0%
    4
  • 0%
    3
  • 0%
    2
  • 0%
    1

Only showing reviews for the last 30 months.

campsite was amazing the grass and paths were well kept and toilets…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
dean c. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: campsite was amazing the grass and paths were well kept and toilets always clean. electric hookup point and wifi were always reliable. and the picnic benches on every pitch was a brilliant idea; lovely for chilling in the evening

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fabulous

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Roger B. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: We are so glad we found Shilla Mill, which only has 4/5 pitches, so it was like having your own personal camp site. The location is idyllic at the end of a narrow lane, and has great history with the old house being dated 1591. Just a couple of hundred yards walk from Polzeath beach which is a surfers heaven. The site is level with hard standing for vehicles right next to your tent, but a little uneven in places but that doesn’t really affect comfort. The area is so close to nature with Owls, heard at night, and we had beautiful star gazing with no light pollution. We were greeted by Ali and James who are so friendly and clearly passionate about what they do. The facilities were very clean and fresh, with excellent dish washing facility, two toilets and two showers which were lovely and warm. There is strong Wi-Fi available and also electric hook up for all pitches. Just be aware we did encounter a fox who was snooping around our tent early one morning, so don’t leave food or bin bags out in the open. It was lovely to see him up close but I wasn’t so happy as he tried to run off with our washing up sponge!! (Laughing). Great place to explore the coast with lovely walks, out favourite being over to Daymer Bay then catch the ferry to Padstow. If you’re looking for a secluded site where you’re made to feel special - this is it.

Disliked: None what so ever.

Recommend to friends Visit again

It benefits from being a small but well maintained and attractive campsite.…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: It benefits from being a small but well maintained and attractive campsite. The washing facilities are really good and very well looked after. Highly recommended

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely, lovely hosts, immaculate toilets and showers. Great location.…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 8
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 8
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: Lovely, lovely hosts, immaculate toilets and showers. Great location.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Great little campsite conveniently located.

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 8
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: Great location, good clean facilities, friendly and helpful site owners, level pitches, electric hookup, quiet after 23.00, fire pit and picnic bench provided.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Such a gorgeous find close to the centre of Polzeath but down…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Elly G. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: Such a gorgeous find close to the centre of Polzeath but down a quiet track in a tranquil location. This is a small, friendly site, just 5 pitches, all spacious and very comfortable. We loved our picnic table under the tree and toasting marshmallows on the fire pit, proper camping with the added luxury of power showers. The owners Ali and James were so welcoming, friendly and helpful. This was my first camping trip as a single parent and it couldn’t have been a better experience.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Premium camping with owners who really care!

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Rebecca S. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: Ali and James are lovely! They couldn't do enough to make our holiday great, and they put so much thought and hard work into this beautiful site. The campsite is quiet and peaceful, with a lovely stream trickling along the back - lovely to listen to as you drift off to sleep. Pitches are big with trees to provide some shade. The facilities are excellent, very thoughtfully appointed and spotlessly clean - more than you would expect from a campsite with thoughtful touches such as nice handsoap and air fresheners, clean washing up sponges and washing up liquid. We never had to queue for showers/loos. It's a lovely stroll down a quiet lane dead end lane (no traffic) to the beach, shops and restaurants of Polzeath. We loved the walks along the coastal path, and found 2 local breweries a short walk across the neighbouring golf course! We would highly recommend this site to everyone...but we don't want to, in case it's booked up when we want to come back! 😀

Disliked: Nothing!

Recommend to friends Visit again

Excellent site with great facilities and hosts

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Fiona W. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: The hosts Ali and James are super friendly and accommodating Great size pitch with easy hook up points Fabulous facilities Immaculately clean Can't wait to go back

Recommend to friends Visit again

Lovely small family friendly site near the beach. Clean and level.

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Ursula M. The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: Great showers, small size of overall site, removed from the beach but close enough to walk in. Very nice owners. Convenience of tables and fire pits.

Recommend to friends Visit again

Fantastic stay on great pitch with amazing hosts. 'Will be back!!'…

Overall 10/10
Location 10
Value for money 10
Accommodation 10
Facilities / Activities 10
Customer service 10
Child friendliness 10
Cleanliness 10
Wifi 10
Anonymous The reviewer booked through Pitchup.com

Electric optional grass tent pitch (XL)

Liked: Fantastic stay on great pitch with amazing hosts. 'Will be back!!'

Recommend to friends Visit again


Features

Leisure on site

Bar or club house

Cycle hire

Evening entertainment

Fishing

Fitness centre

Games room

Indoor swimming pool

Kids' club

On-site cafe

On-site restaurant

On-site restaurant/cafe

Outdoor swimming pool

Play area

TV room

Take away

Tennis

Watersports

Amenities on site

Bath available

Car parking by pitch/unit

Composting toilet

Disabled facilities

Dog park

Drying room

Food shop

Free wifi

Ice pack freezing

Internet access

Launderette

Local produce

Parent & baby washroom

Pick-up from public transport

Picnic table

Portable toilet

Pub toilets

Public telephone

Shower available

Toilet block

Washing-up area

Wifi

Groups welcome

Family friendly

Motorcycle friendly

Rallies welcome

Single-sex groups welcome

Student groups welcome

Rules

Barbecue provided

Barbecues allowed

Campfires allowed

Commercial vehicles allowed

Dogs allowed

Dogs allowed all year

Themes

Forest

Luxury

Peaceful

Remote location

Spectacular scenery

Walkers' paradise

Wildlife haven

Utilities

Charging facilities

Chemical disposal

Electric car charging point(s)

Gas cylinders available

Recycling available

Renewable energy

Nearby amenities

Bar nearby

Dog walk nearby

Nearby farmers' market

Public transport nearby

Shop nearby

Type

Tiny (1-10 pitches)

Nearby leisure

Canoeing/kayaking nearby

Climbing nearby

Cycle hire nearby

Cycling nearby

Fishing nearby

Golf nearby

Horse riding nearby

Indoor pool nearby

Leisure/theme park nearby

Restaurant nearby

Sailing nearby

Surf school nearby

Tennis nearby

Location

Shilla Mill

Polzeath

Cornwall

England

PL27 6SS

Directions

Timezone

Europe/London BST (GMT+01:00)

GPS

50.56834°N
-4.91009°W

Route directions

Keeping Vanilla (a café) on your left, turn left opposite the beach onto Shilla Mill Lane. Drive past Valley Caravan Park's reception onto the private road and continue until you reach the very end.

Nearest transport

Coach
4.7 mi Lidl Superstore
4.7 mi Lidl Superstore
10.7 mi Car Park
Rail
10.9 mi Roche Rail Station
11.8 mi St Columb Road Rail Station
12.5 mi Quintrell Downs Rail Station
Ferry
1.8 mi Rock Padstow Ferry Landing
2.1 mi Padstow Ferry Landing
19.9 mi Fowey Custom House Quay Ferry Landing
Airport
9.4 mi Newquay St Mawgan Airport

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Local attractions

Surf’s up at Polzeath beach, 10 minutes' walk from the site. Catching swells is the sport of choice in Polzeath, as are walks up over the pretty Pentire Point (approximately 40 minutes' walk). Keen golfers will have distant sea views as their setting at The Point at Polzeath (10 minutes' drive) too. Those of you who are looking to potter around some other coastal spots (or go for a pint or a paddle, your choice) have plenty of options. Pretty Padstow (30 minutes), Port Isaac (20 minutes) or perhaps Tintagel (30 minutes), where there’s a grand clifftop castle with legends of Merlin and Arthur to dive into. In Wadebridge (20 minutes), cycle hire will help you get out on the Camel Trail, following where an old railway used to travel through countryside and along the estuary. If that gets you wanting a bit more history, head to Pencarrow House and Garden (25 minutes) for a Grade II-listed country house and Jamaica Inn (45 minutes), which was frequented by smugglers back in the day.

Water quality at nearby bathing waters

Name Distance Type 2020 2019 2018 2017
Polzeath 0.5 mi Estuary N/A Excellent Good Excellent
Daymer Bay 0.9 mi Estuary N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Trevone Bay 3.3 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Harlyn Bay 4.3 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent
Mother Ivey`S Bay 4.9 mi Sea N/A Excellent Excellent Excellent

Data source: European Environment Agency

Must see

Rock Beach 1.5 mi

Cornwall's Crealy Great Adventure Park 5.5 mi

Tintagel Castle 9.5 mi

Newquay Zoo 12.9 mi

Blue Reef Aquarium 13 mi

National Trust

Carnewas and Bedruthan Steps 8 mi

Tintagel Old Post Office 9.5 mi

Trerice 13.8 mi

Lawrence House 24.5 mi

Trelissick Garden 24.9 mi

Cycle routes

Find local routes on the National Cycle Network - over 12,000 miles of cycling routes.

Other

Pentire Point and The Rumps 0.4 mi

PRIDEAUX PLACE 2.3 mi

Padstow and the South-West Coast Path 2.3 mi

Trevone Bay - Constantine Bay - South West Coastal Path 3.4 mi

Harlyn and Constantine Bays 4.2 mi

Local events

  • Boardmasters (Wednesday 7 August 2024 – Wednesday 7 August 2024)

    Newquay, Cornwall 10.8 mi

  • Eden Sessions (Wednesday 12 June 2024 – Wednesday 12 June 2024)

    Par, Cornwall 16.2 mi

Please note: All distances on this page are calculated "as the crow flies" - please check actual distance depending on your mode of travel using the Get directions button above.

Want to know more about camping in Cornwall?

  • Does Shilla Mill have a swimming pool? No View all features
  • Is Shilla Mill dog friendly? Yes View all features
  • What attractions are near Shilla Mill? Surf’s up at Polzeath beach, 10 minutes' walk from the site. Catching swells is the sport of choice in Polzeath, as are walks up over the pretty Pentire Point (approximately 40 minutes' … Read more
  • When can I check in and check out of Shilla Mill?
    Camping and touring
    Arrive:  2:30 p.m. –  8 p.m.
    Depart by:  12 p.m.
    Read more
  • How much does it cost to stay at Shilla Mill? From £35 (for 1 night, 3 people) - prices may change depending on your dates and party.