Welcome to Shilla Mill
You probably know Shilla Mill as a luxury campsite in Cornwall, it is a secret getaway that is in Cornwall’s most prestigious location.
This gorgeous area is surrounded by a sandy beach and it is a very popular holiday destination, especially for surfers and people wanting to learn water sports.
Everyone that comes to this area falls in love with the surroundings and the gorgeous campsite, but not many people know about the history or Shilla Mill and its royal connections.
Knowing the story of how Shilla Mill got to where it is today adds so much character to the area. A long history is celebrated here, and it will change your experience of Polzeath and Shilla Mill forever. Making your trip even more unforgettable and luxurious!
Did you know that Shilla Mill was built around 1591? When it was first built it was used as a Mill.
It stopped being a working mill in 1885 when it became a house, and it not much has changed since! Shilla Mill has always celebrated its history which is why it remains largely unchanged to this day.
The old mill is full of vibrant stories and sometimes a dark history. It was loved my many, and it still is but it was adored by Sir John Betjeman where he would often be found in the paddock which is now the luxury campsite of Shilla Mill. He used this area to get inspiration for his writing and poems even naming Shilla Mill in a variety of his pieces by name.
He thought of it as a relaxing place to let his mind wander, which is exactly what it can do for you too.
History like this isn’t just forgotten and you can feel the amazing presence when you visit Polzeath. There are so many stories to be heard about Polzeath’s history which makes up the atmosphere you get when you visit.
Shilla Mill has had a variety of owners in its time, and if you have ever felt a sense of royalty when you’ve visited then this would be because Shilla Mill has a very royal connection! It was owned for a very long time by the Mabley/Maberly family who are related by marriage to our Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It isn’t uncommon for royal connections to be spotted around the Polzeath area as Polzeath beach was partly owned by the Duchy of Cornwall and was amazingly a favourite spot for Prince William and Harry to go surfing in their teenage years. You can’t get much more royal than that!
Shilla Mill has kept its luxury and you can feel just like royalty with the campsite as it is equipped with your own firepit and BBQ supplies! The huge tent pitches are big enough to fit a large family tent with extra space, so you don’t need to worry about bumping into any fellow campers.
We mentioned earlier Shilla Mill is home to some dark history, it wouldn’t have proper character without even more stories to tell! During the major evacuation of children in London during the Second World War, many children were sent to areas near and in Polzeath and some of them can even remember playing around Shilla Mill and its glorious streams.
Diana Robinson who was one of these children remembers specifically playing around Shilla Mill and the old footbridge that crossed the streams. Whereas others have remembered the “Dragons Teeth” tank traps that are located in the village and scaffolding stretches across the beach.
Shilla Mill was reportedly owned by The Tame’s family at the time of the war and a lovely woman shared her memories of the beaches accessible by Shilla Mill saying “My memories are of lovely sunny days on the beach wielding a bucket and spade along with my big brother. We went body surfing with our father, who taught us how to catch the waves”.
Shilla Mill and Polzeath have been a sanctuary for many where they have enjoyed doing activities and having a great time!
There is even more dark history here at Shilla Mill as it was the home of the most prolific smugglers. Cornwall was no doubt home to smugglers and the trade of illicit goods.
Smuggling reached its peak in Cornwall in the 18th century with smuggling or illegal content such as Brandy and Gin.
Local smugglers would target and wreck trading ships from the West Indies and Ireland, if anyone was caught or arrested others would always say they “had not seen anything” as hearing about it was not the same! Ships that were heading to Bristol would even meet with small vessels off the coast so that they could part with the contraband that would be brought into Polzeath and Padstow.
There was one smuggler who was known for his cruelty called ‘Cruel’ Coppinger. He became a legend in his own time, and he was known for his brutal and criminal behaviour as he led both smugglers and pirates. Cruel Coppinger was believed to be based in Port Isaac and there is even some suggestions that he managed to hide from the local excisemen at Shilla Mill for three days after using his ship which was called the Black Prince to lure a revenue cutter ashore at Gull Rock.
Shilla Mill is full of history and you can really feel that when you visit. If you want to feel a little closer to royalty or sense the dark history of Cornwall then you certainly can at Shilla Mill. Whilst most of the place has stayed the same since 1885 it is still a luxury place to camp and enjoy the beautiful beaches and take on water activities.
Next time you come to Polzeath take a nod at the history surrounding the area and embrace the historic atmosphere that you will be welcomed with.
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