Best cream tea in Devon and Cornwall by Luxury Coastal UK

Is there any person at all who doesn’t like (dare we say LOVE) a cream tea!

As you may already know, here in Devon and Cornwall we’re rather well known for them, in fact the whole cream tea idea is said to have originated in Tavistock Abbey, Devon in the 11th Century when monks would ply their workers with bread, jam and home-churned clotted cream to ensure they had the energy to get the job done.

Today we’ve replaced boring old bread with something far more delicious, while partaking for pleasure rather than purpose. And no matter which order you prefer to layer yours in (the debate rages on), or how you like to pronounce the word – no afternoon tea would be complete without the quintessential scones (skon or skones), jam and cream.

Being huge fans ourselves, and with plenty of tasting sessions under our belts, the team have put together a list of their favourite places to enjoy some of Devon and Cornwall’s finest…and here they are.

Café on The Green

Dartmoor, Devon

A real gem this place is. Tucked into the small village of Widecombe in The Moor, the café has a lovely outside area with seating (which does get busy on sunny days) and serves one of the best breakfasts around.

Of course, it’s their cream teas we’re here to talk about which are served all day, and you can expect your choice of fruit or plain freshly baked scones to come with lashings of jam and a pot piled high with clotted cream.

@cafe.on.the.green

Someday Something

Sidmouth, Devon

Set just a short stroll from the Esplanade and seafront, this delightful tearoom flaunts its flamingo pink décor and delicious home bakes like a beacon of baking to patrons and passers-by.

Having expertly perfected their recipe, the owners bake fresh batches every day, and the scones are said to be some of the best in the South West.

@somedaysomethingsidmouth

Otterton Mill Café

Budleigh Salterton, Devon

Just down the coast from Sidmouth lies the slightly slower-paced Budleigh Salterton with its beautiful shingle beach and stunning nature reserve.

And sitting right beside the Otter River you’ll find Otterton Mill with its historic working watermill, farm shop, gallery and award-winning café.

Available all day, the cream teas here are award-winning too (literally) and include buttery scones, their own home-made conserve, and local clotted cream. Booking in advance is wise.

@ottertonmill

The Copper Spoon

Marazion, Cornwall

A seaside town on Cornwall’s south coast most famous for St Michael’s Mount (a tidal island with its own castle and beautiful botanical garden), Marazion has a few more aces up its sleeve that you may not already know about.

There’s its wonderful beach which is perfect for families and dogs, a charming atmosphere with independent shops, galleries and cafes…and this delightful place, The Copper Spoon, which has quite the reputation for being the go-to place in the area for light lunches and fabulous afternoon teas.

@thecopperspoon

Woods Café

Near Bodmin, Cornwall

This is an absolute favourite of ours. Woods Café in Cardinham Woods pairs a fairytale location with delectable food and is the perfect pitstop when you’re out enjoying the area’s incredible woodland walks with your dogs and your kids.

Their proper Cornish Cream Tea is hailed as ‘outstanding’ on Instagram and includes chubby buttery scones, locally made jam, and cream a’plenty.

woodscafe.co.uk

Anne of Cleaves

Totnes, Devon

Blink and you’ll miss it. This properly gorgeous little tearoom, though placed right on Totnes’ main street can get missed if you’re not looking out for it.

Surrounded by all the eclectic wonder of the town, step inside and you’ll feel instantly removed from the hustle and bustle.

Old worldy and very pretty indeed, the quality of its cakes and bakes wholeheartedly live up to expectation as do its marvellous cream teas.

@anneofcleavestotnes

Cream tea? Yes please!