Otterton Mill, Otterton, Budleigh Salterton, Devon
Twice a month they still produce flour at Otterton Mill, just like they’ve been doing for over 1,000 years. The setting is lovely, beside the River Otter in the peaceful and picturesque village of Otterton near Budleigh Salterton in East Devon.
You can see the working waterwheel in action and find out how they make the stoneground wholemeal flour, sticking to tried and tested methods that have been used for centuries. The mill workings are all open to the public and you can even have a chat with the millers whilst they work, they’re a friendly bunch, just like the family who own and run this historic mill.
Have a browse round the shop where they sell all manner of local arts and crafts, greetings cards, gifts and homewares; creaky wooden stairs take you up to the gallery on the top floor where they hold regular exhibitions. Make yourselves comfortable at a table in the award-winning café-restaurant and try the delicious homemade cake, tuck into a light lunch, or treat yourselves to a tasty Devon cream tea. On sunny days, sit out in the courtyard garden with a refreshing organic fruit juice that’s made locally.
Wander along the river whilst you’re here, and keep an eye out for kingfishers, herons and swans; if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of an elusive otter or one of the beavers that have made their home on the river. Otterton Mill is a good starting point for cycling and horseriding on one of the many local trails, and after just a short walk you can join the South West Coast Path for bracing clifftop walks in this beautiful part of Devon.
Otterton Mill exudes a wonderful timeless air, which is part of the reason why folk love coming here; events are held throughout the year and there’s regular live music that helps to create a very upbeat ambience with lots of happy smiley faces. It’s a place where people like to linger and soak it all up. You must go there when you’re on your group holidays in Devon, you must.
Guided group tours of the mill are available for a small fee.
Open every day 10.00am-4.00pm
T: 01395 568251 All information correct at the time of writing