# Hole Mill

> Hole Mill is a self-catering exclusive-use holiday cottage in Branscombe, Devon, EX12 3BX, in the United Kingdom. A restored 17th-century water mill that sleeps 12+ guests across 5 ensuite bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, with a 3-metre-deep organic swimming pond, a wood-fired hot tub and two private acres of garden, meadow and stream — approximately 1 mile from Branscombe Beach and the South West Coast Path on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.

Hole Mill is bookable directly at https://www.holemill.co.uk/availability. A 25% deposit secures the booking; the balance is due 8 weeks before arrival. Minimum stay is typically 3 nights off-peak, rising to 7 nights during school holidays, summer, Christmas and New Year. Linen, towels, pool and hot tub towels are included. Pets are welcome by prior arrangement. Average rating 4.98 / 5 across 54 verified guest reviews.

The canonical reference page for the property — with full quick facts, history, location and amenities — is /about.

## About and overview
- [About Hole Mill](https://www.holemill.co.uk/about): canonical reference page with quick facts, address, coordinates, distances, history, amenities and practical info
- [Property tour](https://www.holemill.co.uk/property): five ensuite bedrooms, four bathrooms, 2024-installed kitchen, glass-roofed dining hall, lounges, games room, full amenities list
- [Photo gallery](https://www.holemill.co.uk/gallery): photographs of every space — interiors, garden, pond, hot tub

## Outdoor features
- [Organic swimming pond](https://www.holemill.co.uk/organic-swimming-pond): naturally filtered, chemical-free pond — 3 metres deep at the centre, with a wooden diving jetty
- [Wood-fired hot tub](https://www.holemill.co.uk/hot-tub): cedar hot tub on the back lawn, lit on request
- [Garden and grounds](https://www.holemill.co.uk/garden): two private acres of garden, meadow, stream and woodland
- [Walks from the door](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks): mapped walks from Hole Mill — from a 1 km pub stroll to a 10 km coastal hike to Beer Head

## Walks from the door (individual routes)
- [Hole Mill to Fountain Head](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/hole-mill-to-fountain-head): 1.0 km · Easy — A short stroll through the valley to the Fountain Head Inn — a centuries-old thatched pub for a pint by the fire. About 20 minutes each way.
- [Hole Mill to Branscombe Beach](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/hole-mill-to-branscombe-beach): 2.4 km · Easy — The classic. Down through the lanes to Branscombe pebble beach — the Sea Shanty café and beach sauna are waiting at the bottom. Around 40 minutes.
- [Hole Mill to Beach by Footpath](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/hole-mill-to-beach-by-footpath): 2.6 km · Easy — A quieter alternative to the beach, mostly off-road via field paths and woodland. Slightly longer and more scenic than the lane route.
- [Branscombe to Swim Point](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/branscombe-to-swim-point): 4.1 km · Easy — Park at Branscombe Beach and walk east along the coast path to the natural swim point — perfect for a wild swim on a calm day.
- [Hike to Branscombe Beach (long way)](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/hike-to-branscombe-beach-long-way): 9.2 km · Easy — A scenic loop down to Branscombe Beach taking in cliff-top views and the village. Around an hour and a half if you keep moving.
- [Hole Mill to Beer Head and back](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/hole-mill-to-beer-head-and-back): 10.0 km · Moderate — A serious half-day on the South West Coast Path: up over Hooken Cliffs, past the Tombstone Cliff and East Cliff Viewpoint to Beer Head, with a well-earned pint at the Mason's…
- [MTB: Branscombe Loop](https://www.holemill.co.uk/walks/mtb-branscombe-loop): 23.1 km · Moderate — A 23 km mountain bike loop from Branscombe through the lanes, bridleways and forested singletrack of the East Devon National Landscape. Around 1h 35m of moving time with 440 m of…

## Quick facts (one URL per topic)
- [Sleeping Arrangements](https://www.holemill.co.uk/facts/sleeping-arrangement): Hole Mill sleeps 12+ guests across 5 ensuite bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, split between the main cottage and the connected mill. Travel cots, high chairs and extra sofa beds are available on request.
- [Distances & Travel Times](https://www.holemill.co.uk/facts/distances): Hole Mill is in a hidden valley about 1 mile from Branscombe Beach on the Jurassic Coast. The nearest mainline rail station is Honiton (~25 minutes), and Exeter Airport is ~30 minutes by car.
- [Full Amenities List](https://www.holemill.co.uk/facts/amenities): Hole Mill is fully equipped for self-catering groups: Starlink WiFi, EV charger, dishwasher, washer/dryer, wood-fired hot tub, organic swimming pond, and all linen, towels and starter consumables included.
- [The Organic Swimming Pond](https://www.holemill.co.uk/facts/swimming-pond): Hole Mill's organic swimming pond is a spring-fed, chemical-free natural pool — 3 metres deep at the centre, with a wooden diving jetty. It's open year-round for cold-water swimming and is a working ecosystem of newts, dragonflies and waterlilies.
- [The Wood-Fired Hot Tub](https://www.holemill.co.uk/facts/hot-tub): A handcrafted cedar wood-fired hot tub sits on the back lawn at Hole Mill, lit on request by the host. It seats 6–8 adults and is new for 2025.
- [Booking, Deposits & Cancellation](https://www.holemill.co.uk/facts/booking-policies): Hole Mill takes a 25% deposit at booking with the balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Minimum stays are typically 3 nights off-peak and 7 nights during school holidays, summer and Christmas/New Year.

## Booking and availability
- [Live availability](https://www.holemill.co.uk/availability): direct booking calendar with live prices and instant confirmation
- [Last-minute offers](https://www.holemill.co.uk/offers): discounted recent gaps in the calendar
- [Events and weddings](https://www.holemill.co.uk/events): exclusive-use weddings, milestone birthdays, yoga retreats, hen parties — up to 50 daytime guests, 30 evening
- [Guestbook](https://www.holemill.co.uk/guestbook): photos and stories from past guests at Hole Mill (averaging 4.98 / 5 across 54 reviews) — verified by the host before publishing

## Local area
- [Local area guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/local-area): hand-picked beaches, pubs, restaurants, towns and activities within 25 miles of Hole Mill on the Jurassic Coast
- [Editorial guides index](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles): long-form Devon travel guides written from the doorstep at Hole Mill
- [Private chef at Hole Mill](https://www.holemill.co.uk/private-chef-devon): guide to hiring a private chef for on-site group dining at Hole Mill — recommended partner Nina Groves of Private Chef Devon (devoncooks.com)
- [Getting here](https://www.holemill.co.uk/getting-here): directions, public transport options, parking and travel times to Hole Mill from London, Exeter, Bristol and Honiton railway station

## Use-case landing pages
- [Devon group accommodation](https://www.holemill.co.uk/devon-group-accommodation): exclusive-use Devon group cottage sleeping 12+ across 5 ensuite bedrooms — built for multi-generational families and friend reunions
- [Dog-friendly cottages in Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/dog-friendly-cottages-devon): dog-friendly Devon cottage on 2 private acres with direct footpath access to the South West Coast Path and Branscombe Beach
- [Wellness retreats in Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/wellness-retreats-devon): Devon wellness retreat venue with a cold organic swimming pond, wood-fired hot tub, yoga space and exclusive use
- [Jurassic Coast cottages](https://www.holemill.co.uk/jurassic-coast-cottages): self-catering cottage 1 mile from Branscombe Beach on the UNESCO Jurassic Coast — fossil hunting, sea kayaking and coast path walks
- [Winter breaks in Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/winter-breaks-devon): off-season Devon retreat with log-burning stove, wood-fired hot tub and winter pond swimming — perfect for cosy autumn and winter escapes
- [Christmas at Hole Mill](https://www.holemill.co.uk/christmas-at-hole-mill): family Christmas in a decorated Devon water mill — real tree, wreath, sleeps 12+, games room, hot tub and pond

## Guides and editorial
- [Wild Swimming the River Dart: A Complete Walking and Swimming Guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/wild-swimming-the-river-dart-a-complete-walking-and-swimming-guide): Discover the River Dart's crystal-clear pools and ancient woodlands on this spectacular day trip from Hole Mill. Perfect for wild swimming enthusiasts and adventurous walkers.
- [Events & Festivals Near Branscombe — A Year-Round Guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/events-festivals-near-branscombe): Sidmouth FolkWeek, the Dawlish Air Show, Beer Regatta, the Ottery Tar Barrels, Budleigh's literary festival and the Mason's Arms spit roasts — the events worth planning a Devon stay around.
- [The Jurassic Sauna, Branscombe Beach](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/jurassic-sauna-branscombe-review): The wood-fired beach sauna ten minutes' walk from Hole Mill — what to expect, when to book, what to bring, and why winter sessions are the best.
- [The Best Pubs Near Branscombe — A Local's Guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/best-pubs-near-branscombe): The Mason's Arms, The Fountain Head, The Pig at Combe, The Salty Monk and the wider local circuit — honest notes on the pubs we actually recommend.
- [Wild Swimming in Devon: Our Organic Pond and the Best Spots Nearby](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/wild-swimming-devon): From our chemical-free swimming pond to the chalk-bottomed sea at Branscombe and the red sandstone stacks at Ladram Bay — six of the best wild swimming spots within easy reach of Hole Mill, plus the safety notes that…
- [The Best Walks from Branscombe — A Complete Guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/best-walks-from-branscombe-devon): Seven walks from the door of Hole Mill — from a 1 km stroll to the Fountain Head pub to the full 10 km Beer Head coastal loop. Where to go, what to take, and where to stop for lunch.
- [Things to Do in Exeter with the Family — A Day-Out Guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/things-to-do-exeter-family): A family day in Exeter from Hole Mill — the free RAMM museum, the medieval Underground Passages, the cathedral, the quayside and Crealy Theme Park, with a rain-or-shine plan.
- [Ottery St Mary — The Town That Sets Itself on Fire](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/ottery-st-mary-tar-barrels): The Tar Barrels Festival on the 5th November, plus the parish church (a miniature Exeter Cathedral), the River Otter walks and a complete guide to one of Devon's most extraordinary day trips.
- [Branscombe Village — History, Hidden Gems and What to See](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/branscombe-village-guide): The longest village in England, the National Trust forge, the working bakery, the medieval church and the dramatic geology of Branscombe Mouth — a complete local's guide.
- [A History of the Branscombe Valley — Hole House, Hole Mill, the Forge, and 1,300 Years of a Devon Village](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/branscombe-valley-history): The deep history of Branscombe valley — the Saxon origins, the medieval mill and the Forge, the smuggling era, the National Trust years and the story of Hole House and Hole Mill in the lower valley.
- [Planning a Private Celebration in Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/planning-private-celebration-devon): Practical lessons from running a private celebration venue in East Devon — choosing the format, catering, dealing with day guests, music and noise restrictions, and what your guests actually want versus what you…
- [Planning a Yoga or Wellness Retreat in Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/yoga-retreat-devon-venue): Why East Devon works for a small-group retreat, what to look for in a venue, a sample 4-night schedule, catering options and practical tips for retreat leaders.
- [Family Holiday in East Devon — The Complete Planner](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/family-holiday-east-devon): A week-long East Devon family itinerary for ages 4-14, plus the best activities by age, wet-day plans and practical tips. From a base in Branscombe.
- [The Ultimate Hen Party Guide to East Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/hen-party-devon-ideas): A two-night hen weekend at a private Devon cottage that sleeps 12+ — activities, food, logistics, and how to organise it without the usual chaos. The complete planner.
- [Devon Cream Tea — The Best Places Near Branscombe](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/devon-cream-tea-near-branscombe): What a proper Devon cream tea is, where to find the best near Branscombe, the cream-first vs jam-first question — and how to do a perfect cream-tea afternoon from Hole Mill.
- [Fresh Seafood in East Devon — Where to Find the Best](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/seafood-restaurants-east-devon): Lyme Bay crab, scallops, mackerel and the local fishing fleet — where to eat the best East Devon seafood and where to buy it to cook at home.
- [Where to Eat Near Branscombe — From Beach Cafés to Fine Dining](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/restaurants-near-branscombe): Beach cafés, smart gastropubs, fine dining and the destination Sunday lunches — the practical local's guide to where to eat near Branscombe and Hole Mill.
- [The Best Beaches in East Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/best-beaches-east-devon): Seven beaches within easy reach of Hole Mill — from our local pebble cove to the red sandstone sea stacks at Ladram Bay and the fossil shores of Charmouth. Where to swim, where to walk, where to fossil-hunt.
- [A Visit to The Donkey Sanctuary — What to Expect](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/donkey-sanctuary-devon-guide): The 200-acre rescue sanctuary on the cliffs above Branscombe — what to see, where to eat, opening times and how to combine it with a coastal walk. A genuinely lovely free day out.
- [Birdwatching at Seaton Wetlands and the Axe Estuary](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/birdwatching-seaton-wetlands): Avocets, spoonbills, hobbies, wintering ducks and bearded reedlings — what to see at the best birdwatching site in East Devon, with seasonal tips and a full hide guide.
- [The Seaton Tramway — A Complete Visitor Guide](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/seaton-tramway-guide): The three-mile heritage tramway from Seaton to Colyton — what to expect, opening times, prices, the best times to ride and what to combine it with on a day out from Hole Mill.
- [Beer Quarry Caves — Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/beer-quarry-caves-guide): The 75-acre underground stone quarry that built Exeter Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and St Paul's — practical visitor guide to one of East Devon's most surprising attractions.
- [The Jurassic Coast Explained — 185 Million Years in Plain English](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/jurassic-coast-geology-guide): From red Triassic desert at Exmouth to Cretaceous chalk at Beer and Jurassic shale at Lyme Regis — a plain-English guide to the geology of England's most famous coastline.
- [Beginner's Guide to Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/fossil-hunting-jurassic-coast-beginners): Where to go, what to look for, the best tides, the legal rules and the guided walks worth booking — the complete beginner's guide to fossil hunting at Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
- [Natural Swimming Ponds — How Ours Was Built (with David Pagan Butler)](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/natural-swimming-pond-david-pagan-butler): What a natural swimming pond actually is, how the biology keeps the water clear, and the story of how the Hole Mill organic pond was designed and built with help from David Pagan Butler.
- [The River Otter Walk — And How to Spot Wild Beavers](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/river-otter-wild-beavers): The only river in England with established wild beavers — where to find them, when to look, what to bring. The complete practical guide to the Otterton-to-Budleigh riverside walk.
- [Dog-Friendly Walks Near Branscombe](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/dog-friendly-walks-branscombe): Seven walks from Hole Mill's door, the local dog rules on every East Devon beach, and the dog-friendly pubs and cafés along the route. The complete dog-walking guide for Branscombe and the surrounding coast.
- [Walking the South West Coast Path: Sidmouth to Seaton](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/south-west-coast-path-sidmouth-seaton): The 10-mile route via Branscombe — three geological eras, four coves, the Hooken Landslip and Beer Head. Practical step-by-step guide with distances, difficulty, and where to stop.
- [The Branscombe to Beer Coastal Walk — Everything You Need to Know](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/branscombe-to-beer-coastal-walk): A step-by-step practical guide to the most spectacular short coastal walk in East Devon — three miles of chalk cliffs, the Hooken Landslip, and a fishing village pub at the end.
- [A Day in Honiton — Antiques, Lace and Devon Market Town Life](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/honiton-devon-guide): The antiques shops, the Tuesday market, the Allhallows lace museum and the long broad high street — what to do in Honiton, the inland market town fifteen minutes from Hole Mill.
- [A Guide to Colyton — Devon's Most Rebellious Town](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/colyton-devon-guide): The Monmouth Rebellion history, the cobbled streets, the medieval church and the heritage tramway from Seaton — what to do in Colyton, the small market town with the biggest rebellious streak in Devon.
- [A Complete Guide to Budleigh Salterton](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/budleigh-salterton-guide): The long pebble beach, the Fairlynch Museum, the Otter estuary nature reserve and the riverside walk to Otterton — what to do in Budleigh Salterton, the quietest town on the East Devon coast.
- [A Complete Guide to Lyme Regis](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/lyme-regis-guide): Fossil hunting, the Cobb, the Lyme Regis Museum, Dinosaurland and the Town Mill — what to do in Lyme Regis, the most-visited town on the Jurassic Coast, twenty-five minutes from Hole Mill.
- [A Complete Guide to Beer, Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/beer-devon-guide): The chalk cliffs, the working fishing fleet, the underground Beer Quarry Caves that built Exeter Cathedral, the boat trips and the walk to Branscombe — what to do in Beer, the working fishing village four miles from…
- [A Complete Guide to Seaton, Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/seaton-devon-guide): The heritage tramway, the Axe Estuary Wetlands, the Jurassic Coast visitor centre and a long shingle beach — what to do in Seaton, the gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, fifteen minutes from Hole Mill.
- [A Complete Guide to Sidmouth, Devon](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/sidmouth-devon-guide): Regency seafront, the Connaught Gardens, Jacob's Ladder beach, an intact independent high street and the legendary Folk Festival — everything to do in Sidmouth, the most elegant town on the East Devon coast.
- [Large Group Holiday Cottages in Devon: What to Look For](https://www.holemill.co.uk/articles/large-group-holiday-cottages-devon): Booking somewhere for ten or twelve people is not the same as booking somewhere for two. Ten things we have learned from running Hole Mill as a 12-guest cottage in Devon — and the questions to ask before you book…

## Ask the owner (real guest questions)
- [Is the house suitable for someone very elderly with mobility issueS?](https://www.holemill.co.uk/ask-the-owner/is-the-house-suitable-for-someone-very-elderly-with-mobility-issues): Hi John, Thanks for your question about accessibility. I'm afraid Hole Mill isn't ideally suited for guests with significant mobility issues. The property is a 350-year-old converted water mill set in a natural valley…

## Frequently asked questions

**How many guests does Hole Mill sleep?**

Hole Mill comfortably sleeps 12+ guests across 5 ensuite bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. The mill is regularly booked by extended families and groups of friends — typical bookings are 8 to 12 adults with children. Travel cots and high chairs are available on request.

**Is Hole Mill suitable for children?**

Yes — Hole Mill is a wonderful place for families. The two private acres include woodland, a stream, wildflower meadows and a wood-fired hot tub, and there are travel cots and high chairs available. Please note the organic swimming pond is 3 metres deep at the centre and is a sensitive ecosystem, so children must be supervised at all times near the water and on the diving jetty.

**Are dogs allowed at Hole Mill?**

Yes — well-behaved dogs are welcome at Hole Mill at no extra charge. The grounds are private and there are countless dog-friendly walks from the doorstep, including direct footpath access to Branscombe Beach and the South West Coast Path. Dogs are not permitted in the organic swimming pond (to protect the ecosystem) but love the stream and woodland.

**How far is Hole Mill from the beach?**

Hole Mill is roughly 1 mile from Branscombe Beach, a beautiful Jurassic Coast pebble-and-sand beach. It is a 4-minute drive or a 25–30 minute walk through the village or along the South West Coast Path. Branscombe Beach also has a wood-fired beach sauna and the highly-rated Sea Shanty café.

**Is there parking at Hole Mill?**

Yes — Hole Mill has private off-road parking for up to 6 cars, plus a dedicated 7kW Type 2 EV charger on-site. Access is via a single-track Devon lane and the driveway is lit at night.

**Can you host a wedding at Hole Mill?**

Yes — Hole Mill is a private exclusive-use venue ideal for intimate weddings, celebrations and yoga retreats with up to 12 overnight guests, plus additional day guests by arrangement. The glass-roofed dining hall, organic swimming pond and secluded valley setting make for an exceptional backdrop. Visit holemill.co.uk/events or contact us to discuss your plans.

**What is the organic swimming pond like?**

The organic swimming pond at Hole Mill is hand-dug, spring-fed and naturally filtered — no chlorine, no pumps, just clear cold water and a thriving ecosystem of newts, dragonflies and waterlilies. It is approximately 3 metres deep at the centre with a wooden diving jetty and roughly 50cm at the edges. Spring algae is normal and beneficial. We recommend swimming only for confident cold-water swimmers.

**Is there WiFi at Hole Mill?**

Yes — Hole Mill has fast Starlink WiFi covering the entire house and grounds, perfect for remote working, video calls and streaming. Mobile signal in the secluded valley is patchy on most networks, so the WiFi is the recommended way to stay connected.

**Can you get food delivered to Hole Mill?**

Yes — online grocery delivery is possible. Sainsbury's and Tesco both deliver to Hole Mill in Branscombe (postcode EX12 3BX). Order before you arrive or during your stay and schedule a slot to suit your check-in. The nearest village shop is in Branscombe; larger supermarkets are in Seaton and Sidmouth if you prefer to shop in person.

**What is the minimum stay?**

The minimum stay at Hole Mill is typically 3 nights off-peak, rising to 7 nights during school holidays, summer, Christmas and New Year. Last-minute 2-night stays are sometimes available — check live availability or our last-minute offers page for current options.

## Contact and policies
- [Privacy policy](https://www.holemill.co.uk/privacy): how Hole Mill handles personal data and cookies
- [Terms and conditions](https://www.holemill.co.uk/terms): booking terms, deposits, cancellation policy, house rules

## Optional
Postal address: Hole Mill, Branscombe, Devon EX12 3BX, United Kingdom. Coordinates: 50.6876° N, 3.0843° W.

- [Sitemap (XML)](https://www.holemill.co.uk/sitemap.xml): machine-readable list of all public pages and their last-modified dates
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/holemillbranscombe): photographs of the property, the seasons and recent guest stays