Camping at Shilla Mill: Sleep Where History Lives in Polzeath
Tucked away in the rolling hills of North Cornwall, just a stone’s throw from Polzeath beach, lies one of the region’s best-kept secrets: Shilla Mill Camping. But this isn’t your average camping spot — it’s a rare chance to sleep in a place where centuries of Cornish history echo through the trees, the stream, and even the stone walls.
The Heart of Polzeath’s History
Shilla Mill is no ordinary campsite. This remarkable location is home to the first property ever built in Polzeath, dating all the way back to 1591. Originally a working water mill, it was constructed using timbers salvaged from shipwrecks, giving it a storied character that can't be replicated.
The property has a wealth of original features that whisper tales of the past: an authentic Captain’s door, a striking six-foot lion’s head figurine, and various period details that remain untouched by time. These features serve as reminders of Shilla’s deep-rooted connection to Cornwall’s smuggling heritage — with whispers of a sealed cave that adds a sense of mystery to your stay.
Where Poets Found Inspiration
For lovers of literature, camping at Shilla Mill offers something truly unique. This was a beloved retreat of Sir John Betjeman, one of Britain’s most celebrated poets and the former Poet Laureate. He regularly visited Shilla Mill, drawing inspiration from its rugged charm and quiet solitude.
In fact, the mill is even mentioned by name in his poem Trebetherick, immortalising it in verse and firmly placing it on the literary map. As you drift off to sleep under the stars, you’ll be lying in the very place that stirred one of the 20th century’s great literary minds.
Home to Cornwall’s Only Gravity Tree
In October 2023, Shilla Mill added another fascinating chapter to its story. In collaboration with the National Trust and Blue Diamond Garden Centres, it became home to one of only ten direct saplings in the world from Sir Isaac Newton’s iconic Gravity Tree, grown at Woolsthorpe Manor in Lincolnshire — the very place where Newton is said to have first pondered the laws of gravity.
This makes Shilla Mill the only location in Cornwall to host a true descendant of this historic tree. Planted with the help of St Minver Parish Council Members and our local MP, it’s not just a tree — it’s a living symbol of history and discovery, curiosity, and inspiration.
The Experience: Nature, Peace & Wildlife
Shilla Mill offers a camping experience like no other. Pitch your tent or park your camper among lush greenery, listen to the gentle babble of the mill stream at night, and keep an eye out for abundant wildlife — from deer and foxes to rare birds and Hedgehogs.
Whether you’re a history buff, a poetry lover, or just someone looking for a peaceful place to reconnect with nature, Shilla Mill invites you to experience Cornwall in its purest form.
Come Sleep Where Stories Were Written
Visit www.shillamill.co.uk to book your stay and be part of a living, breathing piece of Cornish history.
Shilla Mill Camping – Where the Past Meets the Peaceful Present.
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