North Devon is notable for several things: we’re England’s Adventure coast, we have some of the best beaches in the UK, and we’re well versed in the essential art of making a proper cream tea.
There are fewer things in life finer than freshly baked scones, topped with homemade jam and Devonshire clotted cream (with the cream first of course!) and luckily, we’re not shy of places to enjoy them. Here are our ten best recommendations.
The Commodore Hotel, Instow
Credit: The Commodore Hotel
A beautiful hotel overlooking Instow’s picturesque waterfront, the Commodore Hotel offer delicious, fresh cream teas every day between 3-6pm.
Perfectly enjoyed whether you’re staying at the hotel, or just passing through Instow of an afternoon, we recommend combining with a scenic trip along the Tarka Trail or meander along Instow beach.
The Corn Dolly Tea Shop, South Molton
Photo Credit: The Corn Dolly
An award-winning, traditional tea shop tucked away in South Molton, the Corn Dolly is a favourite for homemade sweet treats, baked using the finest and freshest local ingredients. Mary Berry has even visited! If she likes their baked goods, we’re sure you will too.
Their unique cream tea is one of North Devon’s finest, with huge, homemade scones accompanied by plenty of cream and jam.
The Cream Tea Cafe, Barnstaple
Photo Credit: The Cream Tea Cafe
The clue is in the name. Just a short walk from Barnstaple’s bustling pannier market, a trip around the vibrant stalls is best fuelled by one of the traditional Devon cream teas on offer, at the Cream Tea Cafe. Aiming to cook the freshest possible treats, ingredients are sourced from small local businesses, and their scones are freshly baked in-house.
The Upalong Bar, Clovelly
Credit: The New Inn at Clovelly
Located in the heart of the famous maritime village of Clovelly, at the cosy New Inn, is the Upalong Bar.
Steeped in history and framed by channel views and cobbled streets, a cream tea is ideal for completing a day spent exploring the village or meeting the famous Clovelly donkeys. Homemade by the New Inn’s manager, Bea, these freshly baked scones are famous among locals and tourists alike.
Royal & Fortescue Coffee House
Credit: Royal & Fortescue Coffee House
Whether you’re staying at the luxurious Royal & Fortescue Hotel, or simply passing through the busy town of Barnstaple, the Royal & Fortescue Coffee House offers a warm and welcoming environment to fuel up for whatever it is your day holds.
Cream tea is available with the choice between a homemade scone and butter, or a traditional cream tea - freshly baked scones with preserve and Devonshire clotted cream, deliciously washed down with freshly brewed leaf tea.
Nelly May’s Parlour, Ilfracombe
Credit: Nelly May’s Parlour
A traditional tea parlour in the vibrant seaside town of Ilfracombe, Nelly May’s Parlour is well known for whipping up delicious treats perfect for every sweet tooth.
Their homemade scones are made with organic flour and free range eggs, accompanied by their very own fresh homemade jam, for a truly authentic taste of North Devon. The parlour is perfect for a lunchtime pitstop whilst exploring the harbour and its beautiful views.
Johns of Instow and Appledore
Credit: Johns of Instow & Appledore
Two waterfront villages visible to each other from across the water, Instow and Appledore are both vibrant and idyllic. Whether you’re crabbing on Appledore Quay or enjoying a gentle stroll along Instow beach, a stop into Johns - with a site located in each - is a must.
Their cream teas are North Devon favourites. Baked fresh on-site, their scones are topped with local farm clotted cream and local strawberry jam, accompanied perfectly with a pot of Miles tea.
Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room, Hele
Credit: Hele Corn Mill & Tea Room
Located just 300m from the stunning Hele Bay Beach, Hele Corn Mill is a unique 16th century watermill, offering interactive and educational tours on the history of the flour mill. The miller’s wife runs the cosy and traditional tea room - and if you’re looking for a taste of the traditional Devonshire cream tea, there are few better places.
Renowned for their range of cream teas including fruit or plain scones, as well as Devonshire splits, you can opt for a clotted cream and jam fix - or mix it up with golden syrup, cream cheese, or caramelised onion marmalade.
Tea on the Green, Westward Ho!
Credit: Tea on the Green
Famous for its bright and vivid exterior along Westward Ho!’s famous seafront, Tea on the Green stands out with its cosy and vibrant interior and a range of sweet treats well known throughout North Devon.
Alongside their huge homemade cakes, their traditional cream teas are an ideal fix inside the cosy cafe on a rainy day, or beneath blue skies in the outdoor seating area. Complete your day with a wander along the picturesque Blue Flag beach, or by trying your luck in one of the many popular arcades.
Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton
Credit: Saunton Sands Hotel
A traditional cream tea is enjoyed with a view in the Terrace Lounge at the Saunton Sands Hotel, overlooking the breathtaking Saunton Sands beach and the rolling sand dunes of Braunton Burrows, one of North Devon’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Available from noon, it makes for a wonderful light lunch before a busy day spent on the beach, with two freshly baked scones, local clotted cream, strawberry preserve and a pot of fresh tea.
So there you have it - plenty of choices of cream tea locations to enjoy on your days trips around North Devon.Have we mentioned any of your favourites, or are there any other go-to locations that you think we’ve missed? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get in touch and give them a shout out!