Hele Corn Mill and Tea Room in North Devon

What a beautiful tea room set in a covered little courtyard. We discovered this place after reading amazing reviews. The scones are home made and absolutely delicious with a fresh filtered coffee. Although slightly hidden away, it is well worth a drive for afternoon tea

Welcoming, quiant, yummy! Do not miss this little gem if you're staying in North Devon. Loved everything about this place.

Great find. We stumbled across this place online and after reading the reviews had to visit. Highly recommend booking in as we did for 3pm and most of the tables that are covered were taken by bookings. We had sandwiches, soup, cakes and scones and weren't disappointed with any of it. It was all fantastic! The hosts are lovely and really friendly. Quick service, well worth a visit. We also went into the mill which is free to enter and is great for kids and adults alike. Devon in one place.

A superb Mill, free visit inside the old workings, still used today. The film show about history of Mill is great. But the flour and home made foos is the best. Lovely people Thanks

What a great gem. Definitely worth making the effort to visit. Such a wonderful family run experience. Great hospitality from the family. We had tea and cake, which was wonderful, made from the flour from the mill. The table next to us had sandwiches and coffee, cream tea and savory tea which looked wonderful. We watched the film of the mill, which was just great before looking round the mill. I will definitely make the effort to visit again soon. Thank you

Come hungry! Amazing fresh cream tea for me. Vanilla ice cream milkshake for my little one Scrummy sausage roll and lentil soup for hubby. Biscuits for the dogs. Relaxing fairy lights, sound of running water. A hidden away gem with friendly hosts We will definitely come back.

The cakes are great and made on the premises as are the scones for a cream tea. Nice friendly owners and good service

What a wonderful find - a working mill where they make their own flour for the baked goodies. The cream tea was outstanding and looking around the mill, seeing the film about how it all runs, was fascinating. Well worth a visit - highly recommend.

Essential to book. This place was very busy. We pre-ordered gluten free scones, which unfortunately due to the oressures of the busy day had not been put in the oven for our arrival. Being adaptable, we used the time to explore the mill with its interesting information and history. The gardens are beautifully wild and full of well established plants and trees. Butterflies flutter about, robins dart around in a lovely environment to enjoy delightful Devon cream tea. The baked goods are exceptional, including the gluten free scones and the owners are friendly, if a little disorganised under pressure. Definitely worth a visit and we agree that this could be the best Devon cream tea around.

This little gem is tucked away but worth finding. The setting is a restored mill which is open to explore. Some of the food served uses flour ground at the mill itself. The coffee and scones we had were delicious. The range of cakes looked amazing as well. The owner was very accommodating as we hadn’t booked, but it probably is best to book to be sure of a table. Will definitely return

We decided to walk to the tea room from Ilfracombe (over Hillsborough) on a very rainy day. We had booked ahead thankfully as it got busy! I was a little apprehensive about the outdoor seating, but it was very well protected from the awful torrential rain and felt remarkably cosy. We had sandwiches and cakes for lunch and it was all delicious. The scones were light as a feather and the kids were delighted with their huge slices of cake! It was a memorable lunch in a memorable place and we were really happy to have made the effort to walk there (and back!).

Free to explore the mill. Very interesting. The cheese scones with cream cheese and their own chutney were awesome

Loved this place. It's in an odd place behind and estate but the couple running it are so friendly and even through they were closed they happened to be in and they still had cream teas available. Great to learn about the mill, how it works and also they still use it to make the cakes they sell in the shop. Friendly, historic and good food. What more could u want?

Amazing food and even lovelier people! Enjoyed an afternoon tea with friends in a beautiful setting and spent the rest of the afternoon learning about the mill. Would be a lovely place for couples, friends and families of all ages - would highly recommend! Just make sure you book as even with the rain it was still very popular!

We visited this place on a whim and am so glad we did. The mill was very interesting and there was also a short video in a different building. I would suggest watching the film before touring the mill as you will get more out of it that way round. We went to the cafe and had tea with a slice of cake each. The mill is still working and they grind their own flour to make their cakes. I have to say the cakes were really special and lovely, partly because the flour is ground coarsely so it has a better texture.

Excellent cream tea and tour of the mill I was looking forward to seeing the mill. I bought some wholemeal flour which made excellent bread. Tea was lovely took home some cherry Bakewell and chocolate roll cake for later both delicious.

We turned up before official opening, to a warm welcome. The story of the Mill, with a well put together film was a great introduction. The flour is used to make the delicious stones and wonderful cakes! Sitting in the peaceful garden, with the birds coming within feet to eat the crumbs was a truly magical experience. I recommend using the footpath from the road behind the Premier convenience shop to get there as this is more scenic route. Dogs are welcome, but cannot go inside the Mill itself which is understandable. A wonderful place…. And had to take some cake home for later.

We live locally and stopped by for takeaway cake. Homemade Victoria Sponge and Homemade Carrot Cake. Very Good Sized Portions, and lovely tasting cakes. David and Kathy are very friendly and obliging. Great location with the chance to look around a working mill.

Every time we visit North Devon on holiday the tea room is top of our list to visit! A warm welcome is always guaranteed and the cakes and scones on offer are delicious. We had Simnel Cake and it was the best we'd ever tasted, so moist, packed with fruit and topped with a generous amount of marzipan. It was so good that we returned two days later for more Simnel Cake.

We wanted to have a cream tea before we left Devon to go home and with so many places that do them, I’m glad we found this through Tripadvisor. This place is set within an old working mill, when we arrived we were greeted by the charming owner where he sat us down outside at our table. He was very welcoming, engaging and nice to our grandchildren which is always a big positive. We all had the cream tea and it was definitely worth the wait. The scones were freshly made and big and with the jam and clotted cream…wow…delicious! I’ve mentioned about the owner being charming but the wooden puzzle that he gave to us to figure out was not! however it did give us a good laugh and memories of being there! I will be back when in Ilfracombe again :-)

We got a taxi there and back from Hillsborough Terrace to the tearoom as there is no parking, which was 5.00 each way. Yet we all agreed it was worth it! We had plain and fruit scones which arrived warm with jam and cream, delicious...

Booked over the phone for afternoon tea , but sadly when we arrived it had not been written down and no offer of the afternoon tea was mentioned ! We were pleased to be allocated a table. Couldn’t see afternoon tea on the blackboard menu...

My wife and I visited the Cornmill and tearoom in July2022. The tour of the Cornmill was very informative as was the visitor projector room which is just up the path from the Cornmill. We had a coffee and cream and scones in the tea...

Well, what a find this was. Having read the reviews we were very keen to check out the Hele Corn Mill and Tearoom. It did not disappoint. We went as a 3 generation family on what was supposed to be the hottest day on record...

Beautiful tea room situated just off the main road by the side of the old hele mill. Cream tea was delicious, followed up with two slices of homemade blueberry cake. Definitely worth a visit if your in the area.

Fantastic tea garden at Hele corn mill. Covered garden area so no need to worry about the British weather. Currently decorated for the jubilee and looks great. Homemade cakes and scones made from the mill’s own flour and run by the mill owners. High tea...

I rang at 11am, and when we arrived at 3.30 I had a freshly baked gluten and dairy free scone warm from the oven! It was delicious, as was my families cream teas. The cliff path walk from ilfracombe took 50 mins through woodlands and...

We have been a couple of times previously. Drawn by the allure of the wonderful cakes... The owners make you feel welcome from the moment you arrive. Our children thoroughly enjoyed the story cubes while they waited for their food. One of our children had...

What a fabulous place David and Kathy have developed here. It’s not just the best tea room for miles, but a destination that offers a fascinating step back in time to see a working water mill and delightful gardens. Deserves 6 stars.

Walked from Ilfracombe about 40mins lovely home made cheese scone still warm from oven and tea lovely hosts and free entry to mill outside seating please go you won't be disappointed

Incredible tea room. With completely home made scones, cakes and bread for the sandwiches. Food and drinks are very, very good. Atmosphere is amazing looking at the mill and wheel and the owner is very sociable and knowledgable.There is a covered outside seating area and...

Brilliant afternoon tea in a lovely setting, really enjoyed it. Nice sandwiches, lovely scones with jam & cream, and of course - tea! It's a nice touch being able to look around the old mill too. A very welcoming and well-run operation, totally worth booking...

Really lovely setting, amazing scones and cake Really interesting to look around the mill Hosts were lovely

Like every other place in this area, there is no point turning up if you don't have a reservation. You can call or text on the morning of your planned visit and they get back to you straight away. They were turning walk-ins away while...

I booked up a visit while on holiday with our family. It was for our grand daughter’s 12th birthday. We were not disappointed returning yet again to our favourite tea rooms! The outside area has been totally revamped providing tables to eat outside. Thank you...

Cream tea savory and sweet. I recommend both as they are excellent. The garden is a lovely place to wind down and it's clearly maintained with love for the business. The outside space is amazing. Also the malteser cake was lovely. I'd definitely come back...

Had a fabulous visit, the mill is fascinating, food excellent and owners really welcoming. The scones and cakes are amazing

We booked before hand and had a very nice table in the top garden. The salmon sandwiches where excellent and the fruit scones, jam and clotted cream were to die for. Excellant place for families and friends plus my dog was welcome.

I’ve been trying to work out if it was the cream tea itself that made this place special, or the location, or maybe a combination of both. The mill itself seems quite unique and interesting to take a step back in time. We had a...

I visited Hele Corn Mill with my wife and two children as we were visiting Woolacombe for the week. The children had ice cream which they very much enjoyed and my wife and I both had a cream tea, a wonderful freshly baked scone served...

We stopped here and had a cream tea each and a slice of cake each. It was all very fresh and tasty and the staff were super helpful and friendly.

So happy to have been able to return to our favourite place in North Devon! As usual we were blown away by the scones! Best scones I have ever had!! Ended up coming two consecutive days! Great service as always! Thank you!! Hopefully be back...

Travelled in August. Well done for all your extra safety measures. Came twice, extra time for half price! See you again next year!

Fresh gluten free scones (you need to call beforehand) and cakes are available. Simply the best ever tasted. Huge cake selection. Takeaway available. Mill currently closed which was a shame but understood.

Had the most Devine cream tea here, the scones were freshly made and still warm. Plenty of jam and clotted cream to go with it and a pot of coffee to go with it. The quirky atmosphere adds to your visit, would definitely recommend.

Just a mile outside of Ilfracombe this place is lovely. You can walk here, but we drove and parked nearby in seashore carpark. Had a mixture of afternoon teas, Maltese cake and milkshake. All were excellent but the highlight was the warm (literally straight out...

Stopped here after reading the reviews. Obviously due to covid restrictions it wasnt the same but it was still lovely. We had to goto a small window and was given a table number to sit and they brought it to our table. The scones were...

Delicious cream tea, table given at short notice, staff obviously very busy but accommodated is well, didn’t wAit long, building with going on, but could not fault cream tea or drinks. Highly recommend

Ten of us enjoyed a fantastic afternoon tea in the Potting Shed. Brilliant food, especially the scones. These would rival any of those sampled in the top London hotels. Very warm welcome by the owners, nothing was too much trouble! Many thanks for a lovely...

Called ahead and booked a table, plus ordered vegan scones (must be ordered in advance). I called on the day at 8.30am and they were able to cater for my vegan option in the afternoon. We arrived at 1pm and they had just come out...

We went with 5 kids and 4 adults for a cream tea. What a lovely place and the man that served us was restoring the mill. He made us feel so welcome and gave the kids puzzles to solve and they really enjoyed it. The cream tea was amazing. You must visit if you are in Ilfracombe. They need donations to finish the restoration. Please help

We visited today with 4 kids and without doubt we'd go back in a flash. Lovely cream teas and soup for the kids, biscuits for the dog too. The owner brought a game to the table for the kids which I now need to buy for home. Kids also did a challenge in the garden. The mill was really interesting too. Thoroughly recommend. It's not often you visit somewhere and feel as important as every guest - please go visit

Previous 5* reviews don't lie. This place is an absolute gem. A self funded 16th century water mill is the enchanting backdrop to the quaint little teahouse tucked away behind the main road.We had sweet scone tea and a savory scone tea. The children had sandwiches with a side of crisps, orange juice and chocolate cake. The scones came out still warm and freshly made on premises.The watermill has been lovingly restored and is a wonder to watch working. The children were mesmerised by their self led tour around the mill but the visit was topped off with a visit to the little bunny rabbit house.A very friendly and entertaining owner/host will definitely see us return again next year!

We couldn’t be in the area and not pop in for a cream tea!! We weren’t disappointed, the fruit scones were freshly baked and made better with ample strawberry jam and clotted cream. It’s also a joy to look around the working mill. Children are made most welcome too, with games in the cafe and things to find in the garden area.

Had a great morning expoloring the Mill followed by a delicious cream team, generous portions, well made scones and a friendly service.

Stumbled across this place. No frontage. Accessed by unattractive walkway or grotty drop off area. But worth persevering. Lovely setting with good tea and selection of cakes. Sandwiches good. Pretty outside area and cosy inside.

Fantastic place - quaint little tea rooms adjacent to the old mill.You can walk around the mill and read about the history and see the old machinery and tools. I did rush through this bit however the bits that I stopped at and did read were informative and interesting.Decided to get an afternoon tea: tea (soya and oat milk options included), sandwiches (two types from a handful of options), crisps, salad, a savoury scone (with chutney and sour cream), a sweet scone (plain/fruit with jam and cream) and a generously portioned slice of cake (again, plenty of choice here and they all looked appealing).Afternoon tea was delicious. Couldn’t finish it all but the waitress kindly wrapped the rest for me to bring home.Stopped by at the bunny barn (down the drive) on the way out which was cute. I’d have scheduled my visit around the feeding/petting times had I known them in advance. I can’t remember off the top of my head when these were, but I think it was twice a day.Very sweet, quintessentially English place. A must-do for tourists/visitors, and I’m sure for locals alike.

Our 4th visit here and they didnt disappoint, my only criticism is that the scones are too big to have two! Thank you for making us all welcome including the dogs and children. We highly recommend the savoury scone. Thank you again and See you next year !

Very happy with the cream tea we have just enjoyed. Quality together with quantity. There is nothing worse than being given a skimpy small sealed pot with clotted cream in-insufficient to satisfy.Here there were two large scones, plain or fruited, and very generous measures of both clotted cream and jam. The scones themselves were crusty on the outside, soft on the inside.There were a few interested wasps around outside) but nothing that couldn’t be dealt with. Very good!

Slightly strange in that we didn't feel the owner made us feel particularly welcome. However, he was making a great effort engaging with some younger kids, which was nice to see, and was also pleasant when we left. Maybe we just caught him at the wrong moment.The cream tea was good but not exceptional by Devon standards and the coffee was slightly insipid. Their choice of other cakes did look tempting but the scones were enough for us.Clearly they are doing something right judging by their reviews and awards but for us it wasn't a 5-star experience on this occasion.Any animal lovers, particularly if you have younger children, should pop up to the bunny barn to see their delightful rabbits where feeding/petting sessions are held twice a day.

We first visited here 2 years ago, and had such a good experience that we had to come the next time we holidayed here. Scones and cakes all freshly made by the owner from flour milled in the mill. Big portions and a variety of cakes. We also had a savory cream tea- delicious alternative, although original cream tea is great too. Small, so booking advised but actually quite a lot of seating especially outside. Parking in cheap local beach carpark nearby. Owners are delightful and work really hard to make your visit enjoyable, with puzzles and games for children and adults to do whilst you are waiting for your good to be prepared (not long though!) You can look around the mill, or see bunnies if you go at the right time. We had children with coeliac disease and the owners were very accommodating- if you phone an hour before you go they can make gluten-free scones for you, and there is always GF cake of some sort. Remember it's not advised to look around the mill if you have coeliac disease/gluten intolerance!

We chanced upon this place while on a walk. We decided to stop for a drink and sat in the lovely little garden. Unfortunately as I was placing my order at the counter, I happened to rest my elbow on the edge of it, which caused the gentleman behind the counter to tell me that before i said anything else, to be careful as I was knocking everything over, which in reality was not the case. Had i been on my own I would have walked away. Such a pity about the attitude, as the place was lovely, and would have otherwise merited a five star review.

My husband, daughter and I had devon cream teas in this cafe - the most delicious scones we have ever had. If you get the chance, we recommend a visit to this tearoom. The hosts, Kathy and David, are wonderful and welcoming.

Visited the Corn Mill Tea Room - obviously very popular as just got the last free table! No wonder it's busy, the cream teas are outstanding, as is the service. Lovely friendly staff, reasonable prices considering Hele is a little seaside place.

We visited Hele corn mill after a recommendation from the campsite we were staying on. The cream tea was amazing! The best scones I’ve ever had. They were still warm from the oven and absolutely delicious. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and the service was great. The freshly baked cakes looked incredible and if I could’ve I’d have had a piece of every one of them! If you’re in the area don’t hesitate to visit, you won’t be disappointed!

We pre booked for a table of 6. Place is small but lots sat outside enjoying the sunshine too. Very busy for 2pm on a Wednesday but service was calm and unhurried.

Lovely surroundings and the food was delicious. Great scones and tea cakes and very restorative tea! They had a very wide selection of cakes which all looked really nice. Really glad we went.

We popped in with the kids as the rains came down. Parking is by Hele beach car park but it’s not too far to walk, and well worth it too.

What a delightful little place. I had been before and had be telling people that their cakes where so good they did takeaway

This is our 2nd time visiting this mill on recommendation from my sister-in-law who lives in Ilfracombe. We are no strangers to a cream tea but this place serves the best, biggest home made scones! We have only tried the fruit & plain but apparently their savoury scones are quite something too. Everything is hand made by the millers wife using locally sourced organic wholemeal flour. And if scones arent your thing then you can pick up a savoury pastie. Dont even get me started on their extensive selection of homemade cakes! The scones beat me so I bought a slice of cake to take home. The tea room & owners are simply delightful with stunning gardens to sit in on a sunny day. The original mill is also on-site & it's free to walk around & explore. The place is small & very popular so can be a squeeze but we would definitely wait for a table.

Lovely hidden gem. I had the High Tea as I wanted to try a bit of everything!

Had the most delicious gluten and dairy free scones (emailed a few days ahead, baked fresh for me). ‘Normal’ cake with many options to choose from for my husband - even the coffee was fab..very quirky, lovely family running it - thoroughly recommend.

I got married at The Tunnels Beaches over the weekend and wanted to organise a relaxed activity the day before for my female friends and family - especially those who had travelled a long way.

Great food and service, beautiful sunny day. They were obviously very busy on sunny days and deserve to be doing well. I forgot to leave the young girl server a tip so we will come down again in the summer and leave her double!!!!

A fantastic find and well worth the trip. Despite arriving late in the day we were given a warm welcome and the children were quickly entertained with some toys provided by the owner. The cakes and scones were delicious, I think the white chocolate and strawberry was the winner but it was such a tight contest! A small selection of brain teasing puzzles kept the older members of the party challenged while the children went up to the barn to feed the lambs and bunnies much to their delight. A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon, would highly recommend.

Off the track lovely scones the chocolate scone with Nutella was awesome but you can’t beat the plain scones or fruit scones. Owners chatty and welcoming explaining all about the mill that they use to make the flour for their cakes and scones! Would recommend going to go back later on this trip!!

A family of 7 visited for what is about our 4th time. Excellent quality of food, good variety of cakes & lovely service. Can recommend the white chocolate and strawberry cake and the scones are also delicious - well worth a visit

I booked high tea at the Hele Corn Mill Tea Room for my parents as a treat for a special wedding anniversary. Kathy was great on email during the booking process – she sent a lovely card in the post containing the gift voucher, as well as a leaflet with more information. When I made the booking, Kathy specifically asked if it was for a special occasion (she went to great lengths to make it a really lovely experience for them). Their visit was on a Friday, so they were also able to take the guided tour of the water mill, which they thoroughly enjoyed. I can absolutely recommend the Hele Corn Mill Tea Room (and the mill itself). Thank you very much Kathy. My parents had a wonderful (and delicious!) time.

The tearoom is in a really lovely setting next to the old water mill.

You get a good idea of life in a mill in days gone by, in the brief self guided tour. The owners are welcoming and friendly in the tea rooms. Enjoyed the cream tea.

Walked from Larkstone, pretty average place I must say. Male owner not very friendly although lady was lovely. Talking to male owner at till and he was more interested in serving the next customer. Personally I cannot see what all the fuss is about. Much better tea rooms in Ilfracombe with much nicer staff!

Delightful experience . Couldn't ask more of staff, excellent home produced food, apricot, leak and potato and chilli may sound a strange combination but was a delicious.

Took my mother and sister and her kids here as we’ve been meaning to go for ages. A lovely warm welcome, lots of choice and ample coffee. Kids kept busy by the puzzle they were given. We sat outside in the sun and the beautiful surroundings. I can’t comment on price as my mom paid .

Lovely setting and scones but owner condescending and rude. You’re better off getting your Cream Teas down at the Harbour.

Great scones , great cakes . It’s a must visit if you in Devon. The hosts are great and will give you local information about walks etc

We went yesterday and even though it was really busy the cook still managed to bake me gluten free scones whilst I waited! And boy was it worth the 30 minute wait - they were very light and very tasty!

Excellent food. The owners were lovely and wrapped up bits for takeaway. The pasty was delicious, chunky cheese scone and a new treat - a Devon split. Really good quality food, hunt them out after a paddle in the sea, escape the beach and soak up the lovely mill garden

Just came here for a cream tea and expectations were high from reviews we read. Did not disappoint. Cream teas were fantastic and it’s a beautiful little place with very friendly service. Def worth a visit.

Lovely little working mill and as it had been raining the water wheel was doing it's thing. Free to look around.

We visited Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room after a stroll around Ilfracombe and lunch in a cafe there (Adele's, since you're undoubtedly curious). On the basis that it had good reviews on TripAdvisor, we visited for an afternoon cuppa and some cake - 'cos who doesn't like cake!

I booked this tearoom for my husband and I as part of the celebrations of our anniversary. The staff had laid out a table with care which was appreciated. We had one of the best afternoon teas that we had ever had! The sandwiches and scones could not have been fresher even though they were very busy at the time. There was a spotters trail for children which was proving popular and the staff were very accommodating to customers with complicated order (even making sure that gave the cheapest options!). I would recommend this tea room to any one and it is easy to see why it has won so many awards.

We had an absolutely lovely visit here during our holiday it was one of the highlights! The scones are to die for, we tried both sweet and savoury and were equally impressed with both. Aside from the delicious food the surrounding gardens are beautiful, you really get the sense of being in a secret garden which my daughter's (and us adults)loved. The owner was very welcoming and accommodating to both my children and our puppy. The girls had fun playing in the gardens and completing the quiz. We would highly recommend a visit and will definitely be going back!

We had a really lovely cream tea here. The scone was excellent, and we were given plenty of clotted cream and jam to top it with! There was also an incredible looking selection of homemade cakes (made with their own freshly stone-ground flour) which we wished we were hungry enough to try! The owner was very friendly, and bought us a puzzle to do while we lazed in the sun. Very relaxed atmosphere and wonderful people; we will definitely visit again next time we are in the area!

Found this little gem on our recent trip to Hele Bay - gorgeous little place set back from the road with an old water mill and beautiful gardens. Amazing selection of cakes and treats. We had an afternoon tea for two with sandwiches, apricot sponge cake and Devonshire scones - absolutely spot on and great value. Service fast and friendly and would highly suggest a visit if in the area.... Top marks :-)

We were recommended to try the cream teas in this cafe by a lady in a different cafe!

Had a lovely lunch here while on holiday in Ilfracombe. We chose the Miller's lunch and it was fresh, tasty and beautifully served. Delicious home made cakes and a huge pot of tea to follow. Staff were lovely and friendly. We didn't look round the Mill but I am sure it would have been very interesting. This is a wee gem of a place. Delightful. Definitely visit here if you get the chance.

Very interesting free corn mill to look around as you please. The owners were very friendly and welcoming - great with the kids and kept them active and interested in finding various wheels outside the cafe and inside he kept them amused with story blocks. Coffees and scones (flour milled in their own mill) were very nice indeed and nothing to fault at all, I wish we lived closer to visit again!

We keep going back - says it all. A hidden gem with proper cake and wholesome home made scones. The owners were perfect for the place, making all customers feel valued and welcome. A one off experience within walking distance of Hele Bay. Can't praise this place enough!!

A lovely setting both inside and out. Brought our dog along and sat outside and a staff member even came to give our dog a treat. Disappointed that it was cash only so had to go back out so come prepared. The cream teas were sensational - fresh from the oven. The tearoom itself was very cute and quirky. A wide selection of cakes. Would thoroughly recommend!

Very helpful and friendly good choice of things to eat and drink and resonably priced and all under one roof