One of the best things about coming to Devon is the chance to enjoy a real Devonshire cream tea – there’s none of this jam first malarky, plenty of locally produced, thick, fresh cream and moreish home made scones. Devon has a lot of delicacies, but when it comes to the cream tea, we do it better than anyone else.
You can find cafés, restaurants and hotels all over the county offering cream teas, both the traditional and their own varieties – you can even find gluten free and vegan versions so everyone can join in the fun and of course, there are some for special occasions too, with champagne and wine available alongside the cream and jam!
That being said, if you’re stuck for where to go to enjoy a cream tea, here are some suggestions to help get you started. Why not sample a couple of them? It’s only right as you’re in Devon after all!
If you want a cream tea in picturesque surroundings, head to the White Hart on the Dartington Estate near Totnes. Dartington Hall is an inspiring historic house with acres of grade 2 listed gardens. The estate’s White Hart restaurant serves a range of seasonal and sustainable dishes, including a traditional cream tea! On a sunny day, while sat in those beautiful gardens, it is a real experience.
Speaking of experiences, how about eating a Devon cream tea while out on the waves exploring the Jurassic Coast? Book a cruise with Stuart Line Cruises and you can do just that! Operating all year round, they offer a range of cruises, including themed excursions where you can find some of the nation’s birds and even book a private charter. Each of the cruises is fully equipped with fully licenced bars and offers table service – perfect!
Like we said, many accommodation providers offer cream teas. Some are even complimentary on check in! At the Victoria Hotel in Sidmouth, they offer outstanding cream teas in their White Room eatery. Being based in Sidmouth there is the iconic Jurassic Coast to provide the perfect backdrop to your refreshing cream tea.
Similarly, the Highbullen Hotel in North Devon’s Drawing Room and Morning Room are perfect for a cream tea. From here you have unrivalled views across the Exmoor National Park, and with the choice to sit inside or outside on the terrace – you can really immerse yourself in nature.
You can also find a good cream tea in some unlikely places – many of the region’s top attractions offer a cream tea – ideal for relaxing after a day exerting all that energy. Canonteign Falls’ eateries have a range of locally sourced options, including a wonderful cream tea that you can eat while looking out over the Lily and Swan Lakes.
This is just a small selection of the places where you can find a cream tea in Devon – if you have any favourite spots, make sure to let us know on Facebook and remember – it is always cream first!
