The Water Mill, Calbourne

The island's (non-working) water mill is an odd selection of curiosities stacked in old buildings. Some of these are intriguing antiques, some are definitely not (the TV museum includes a Ferguson TV from the 1990s). There's a lack of explanatory signage inside the mill so we had no idea what was on display half the time. Some of the other signage is just plain nonsense (see photo). The museum of household objects from the 1900s - 1950s includes nostalgia, such as the kind of electric heaters that my granny had in every room, that could simultaneously burn and electrocute anyone who touched them. The crazy golf was in poor repair. Overall, it's an expensive, though different, way to spend a morning with the family.

Really lovely location plenty of olde worldy stuff on show also cafe so can get a drink etc . It's like an old fashion museum but in different rooms

We went here with my elderly granny to see a working watermill...There isn't a working watermill.Instead it's just a weird jumble of buildings filled with random antique type stuff.One building had stuff from WW2 which was fair enough. But, another building had a load of old kitchen appliances and a hoover...not sure what that has to do with a watermill.The building that was originally the mill has fallen into disrepair and there's bird poo all over the upper floors.We heard a rumour the place is closing down/up for sale and I think the owners have just allowed it to fall into disrepair. The mill wheel was all rotted and falling apart etc.The only positive is the grounds were quite pretty and there was a peacock and geese roaming around.

Nice afternoon out, when main roads had flooded during our holiday. This place was 10 mins away and was not affected by floods. The cost of entry goes back into the mill. To keep it working. The war museum on site was interesting, they also had a showroom of all the old kitchen/household items and an old bakery look in. As well as crazy golf which was an extra £2.99 each. A nice cafe on site which was reasonable prices. And you could buy porridge and other items milled at the mill.

The mill wasn't working (a broken cog) which we were told about after we paid.The crazy golf was quite a bit extra, unexpected, we thought it would be included.A lot of the exhibitions were tired.The cafe was very good and the lady in there lovely.

The water mill is a delightful place to visit. It is a shame the mill isn't working at the moment but the site is still worth a look. The old outhouses are full of interesting exhibits on a wide range of topics - WW2 to printed milk bottles to TV sets - and the cafe is a delight, serving local home made produce in a very comfortable setting. The peacocks are noisy but offer a great photo opportunity. Quaint with a relaxed atmosphere.

The sign at the entrance led us to believe that the mill is working but we only learnt that the mill isn’t working after paying the entrance fee. The sign at the entrance needs to be updated with more detailed and accurate information. Otherwise a very interesting collection in the museums and good tearoom.

Look back in time at the Watermill which has a flour mill that grinds flour the old fashioned way & bread is baked on tge premises. There is also a war museum, old fire station room housing an old fire engine, a TV museum, etc. There is a play room for children along with a large green bothcsides of a stream. A large cafe / restaurant provides a wide choice of hot & cold food at reasonable prices.

Only stopped for kids to play a little mini golf. Course is 18 holes and was £5.95 per person. Course is looking a little tired but sits in the beautiful and tranquil setting of the mill. Didn't visit the mill.

Very nice visit to this lovely site. Enjoyed a talk about the history of the mill and the museum sheds, followed by a lovely cup of tea and freshly baked cake!