The Sawmills

4.0 star property
4-star inn near Ilfracombe Harbour

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for The Sawmills

Enjoy a casual dining experience at our rustic bar area with a central counter and cozy seating.
Experience the charm of SAWMILLS, a traditional pub or restaurant surrounded by lush greenery.
Discover the charm of Saw Mills, a local eatery nestled in a quaint village.
Experience a serene retreat with a neatly made bed, bedside table, and comfortable chair.
Sit and enjoy a meal in our outdoor seating area, surrounded by lush greenery and a charming stone building.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Housekeeping
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Watermouth, Ilfracombe, England, EX34 9SX
  • Combe Martin Beach
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Hele Bay Beach
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Ilfracombe Harbour
    ‪7 min drive‬

Room options

Room 3 (Dog Friendly Room)

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
(6 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Room 2 (Dog Friendly Room)

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Room 1 (Not Dog Friendly Room)

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
(7 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

Room 4 (Not Dog Friendly Room)

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(11 reviews)
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds

About the neighborhood

Ilfracombe

Close to the beach.Within 2 miles (3 km) of this Ilfracombe inn, you'll find Broadsand beach and Newberry Beach. Watermouth Castle and South West Coast Path Section 4 Trailhead are also within 2 miles (3 km).

What's nearby

  • Watermouth Castle - 2 min drive - 1.1 miles
  • Combe Martin Beach - 3 min drive - 1.3 miles
  • Hele Bay Beach - 4 min drive - 2.8 miles
  • Ilfracombe Harbour - 7 min drive - 4.0 miles
  • Verity Statue - 7 min drive - 4.2 miles

Getting around

  • Barnstaple Station - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Stables Bar and Lounge - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Hele Bay Pub - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Dolphin Restaurant - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Larkstone Cafe and Leisure Park - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪S & P Fish Shop - ‬8 min drive

About this property

The Sawmills

4-star inn near Ilfracombe Harbour
There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. WiFi is free in public spaces. The Sawmills also features a terrace, a garden, and a fireplace in the lobby. Self parking is free.

This 4-star Ilfracombe inn is smoke free.

  • 4 guestrooms or units
  • 2 levels
  • Built in 1674
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Fireplace in lobby
  • No smoking on site
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
The Sawmills offers 4 accommodations, which are accessible via exterior corridors and feature DVD players and hair dryers. Each accommodation is individually furnished. Flat-screen televisions are featured in guestrooms.

Bathrooms include showers. Business-friendly amenities include desks and desk chairs. Housekeeping is offered daily and irons/ironing boards can be requested.

Languages

English

Similar properties

Property amenities

Family friendly

  • DVD player

Internet

  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant

Accessibility

  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevator

Room amenities

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Flat-screen TV

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Electric kettle
  • Tea bags/instant coffee

More

  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Individual furnishings
  • Iron/ironing board on request
  • LED lighting

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:30 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

There is no front desk at this property
The host will greet guests on arrival

Access methods

Host will greet you

Pets

  • Pets: GBP 10 per accommodation, per stay
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Certain rooms only
  • You can request a pet-friendly room by reaching out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cribs (infant beds) are not available.

Property payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Pet fee: GBP 10 per accommodation, per stay
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards, mobile payments, and cash
Safety features at this property include a smoke detector, a security system, and window guards
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, debit cards, cash, and mobile payments. For guests' safety, the property includes a smoke detector, a security system, and window guards in each accommodation.

We should mention

  • Pets are welcome in specific rooms only, which can be requested by contacting the property directly at the number on your booking confirmation (please see the Fees section for related charges).

Property is also known as

Sawmill Ilfracombe
Sawmill Inn Ilfracombe
The Sawmills Inn
The Sawmills Ilfracombe
The Sawmills Inn Ilfracombe

Frequently asked questions

Does The Sawmills have an airport shuttle?

Airport shuttle services are not available at The Sawmills.

How much does it cost to stay at The Sawmills?

As of Aug 8, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at The Sawmills on Aug 10, 2025 start from $134.48, excluding taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How close is The Sawmills to the beach?

This inn is 10 mi (27-min drive) from Woolacombe Beach and 14.5 mi (35-min drive) from Saunton Sands. Don't forget your sunscreen!

Does The Sawmills offer free breakfast?

The Sawmills does not offer free breakfast.

Is there a casino at The Sawmills?

No, there is no casino at this inn.

What time is check-in at The Sawmills?

Check-in start time: 3:00 PM; Check-in end time: 9:30 PM.

Is there free parking at The Sawmills?

This inn offers free self parking.

Does The Sawmills have a pool?

The Sawmills does not have a pool.

Does The Sawmills have a restaurant?

Yes, there is a restaurant on site.

Does The Sawmills have a spa?

There are no spa services available at this inn.

How close is The Sawmills to downtown Ilfracombe?

The Sawmills is 0.3 mi away from Berrynarbor.

The Sawmills Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 147 out of 199 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 42 out of 199 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 199 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 199 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 199 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Staff & service

9.2/10

Amenities

9.4/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.0/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Stayed 1 night in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Natasha

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Rooms above a pub, what’s not to love! Staff very friendly, room clean and comfortable, walking distance to the wedding we were attending, great location by a river, very tasty breakfast.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We were warmly welcomed when checking in and all the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was great - delicious and large portions at dinner and a good breakfast the following morning. Our only minor complaint is that the room was on the cool side and the heating didn’t work.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amanda

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kyle

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The venue has a nice rustic feel and is located in a very nice quiet place. The restaurant was very nice & inviting and the food was delicious. The accommodation is also very nice, clean and modern. The staff were very attentive and friendly. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Extremely friendly and helpful staff, excellent food and service, lovely location - thanks for a really enjoyable stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

David

Liked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

8/10 Good

Sue

Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mike

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We liked everything about the place, fantastic, nothing to dislike, will definitely go back,
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

Martin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Clean and comfortable room, with excellent breakfast. Staff very welcoming
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Martin

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great staff and great choice of food especially the daily specials board
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Chris

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Solo motorcycle trip stop

Really amazing place in stunning location. Friendly staff and awesome food
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Penelope

Traveled with partner, Traveled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The accomodation was clean & functional, the staff were very friendly and helpful and the food in the restaurant was fantastic and good value for money. Situated on the south west coastal path - great base for walking.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andy

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
This is a lovely pub right on a stream. Food is great and the accommodation is clean and comfortable, will stay again
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Roy

Everything, staff, settings, food no complaints at all
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlotte

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Fantastic place to eat and stay

We love staying at The Sawmills! The accommodation is clean, comfortable and well equipped. The staff are so helpful and welcoming and made our stay really enjoyable. The breakfast was amazing as were the roast dinner which was HUGE!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Elizabeth

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Lovely building and decor with lovely wood burner but underwhelmed by the service. Dont stay overnight if you want a continental style breakfast- only full English available with disgusting instant coffee. Shame as we looked forward to staying there as we pass it regularly and it looks so inviting. Hopefully better in season rather than in February.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark

Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

s

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Had an excellent stay!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ben

Traveled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
I booked The Sawmills as it was close to where a family member lives and had no idea how great it would be. It is so well run by John, the food is fantastic, all the staff are great, the chairs by the fire are super comfy (the ideal spot for an excellent baked Camembert) and the rooms are incredibly clean. Oh and the espresso martinis are first class and the full English breakfast was just about as good as they get. I highly recommend this place and I never normally leave reviews. Will definitely be returning!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Ian

Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah

Traveled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Met my good walking friend here. We walked the coastal path from the Sawmills to Lee Bay. The coastal path was a stones throw from the pub. Staff were able to signpost us to the path well. They even checked us into our room at 0945 !!!! Wow!! Loved the fairy lights on our return! Loved the menu: we both had curry, one fish, one sweet potato... So yummy!!! Lovely comfy room and dog friendly too!! After out 9 miles,and a quick end of day dip in Coombe Martin, we both loved the huge sunflower showerhead and loved the wood burning fire!!! Smashing full breakfast before setting off the next morning and such friendly staff. Very attentive . Please please please make Irish / tipple style coffees possible!!! That would have crowned my evening !!! Would definitely recommend the Sawmills to friends and stay again!! Thank you!!
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

David

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Great place to stay- unfortunately we were given Room 1 again and the constant noise from what must be the heating or kichen extractor meant a poor night's sleep.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

The accommodation was exceptional, the food was be

The accommodation was exceptional, the rooms was very comfortable, the food was better than excellent, the staff were very friendly and helpful. And the surrounding area was beautiful
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nigel

Traveled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a very nice hotel, large bedroom, all clean. The breakfast was great and generally potion sizes were plentiful. The staff were all very friendly
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024