Top 5 places to enjoy a traditional Devon Cream Tea

With local specialties like Salcombe crab, Dartmouth plaice, clotted cream ice cream and local fudge, our region’s culinary expertise extends much further than the admittedly-delicious Devon Cream Tea. That said, there’s something about enjoying Cream Teas in Devon that simply can’t be beaten – especially when given the licence to indulge yourself since you’re on holiday!

Freshly baked scones, served with lashings of clotted cream and homemade fruit jam, along with a generous pot of English breakfast tea, is an afternoon treat that few can resist.

On the other hand, not everyone has as a sweet a tooth as most of the members of our locally-based team, so we’ve included some equally delicious savoury alternatives too.

• • • Our favourite five places for traditional Cream Teas in Devon
    • Alternative 1: A chilli tea
    • Alternative 2: A savoury (cheese) tea
    • Vote in our Devon Cream tea poll

Our top five places to enjoy traditional Cream Teas in Devon

Starting with traditional options, here are five of our favourite places to enjoy Cream Teas in Devon, chosen for a combination of beautiful surroundings and of course the food itself.

Avon Mill Garden Centre and Café

Situated on the banks of the River Avon, this hidden gem is a delightful place to visit – whether you want to pick up some plants from the garden centre, some treats from the deli, or perhaps a new outfit from the boutique on site, there is something for everyone. Once you’ve looked around the shops, head to the café where you can enjoy a spot of lunch… including of course a delicious Cream Tea option.

Buckland Tout Saints

If you are looking to spoil your loved one, head to the luxury country house hotel Buckland Tout Saints for a romantic Cream Tea. Here, they offer a ‘His and Hers’ Afternoon Tea which includes:

• hearty treats and a pint of local real ale for the man
• a delicate selection of cakes and sandwiches for the lady (as well as a glass of bubbly)

During the winter months, tea can be enjoyed by the fire in the drawing room – perfect for those planning an ‘out of season’ break in South Devon.

Venus Café, Blackpool Sands

From a rural retreat in the countryside, to a popular coastal café! Venus Café is situated right on Blackpool Sands, a breathtakingly beautiful Blue Flag beach on the Start Bay coastline, which you’ll find just a 10-minute drive from historic Dartmouth.

Offering unspoilt views over the fine shingle beach and out to sea, this vista is second to none when it comes to places to enjoy Cream Teas in Devon.

Order your Cream Tea, sit back and watch the waves lapping along the shoreline… bliss!

Aune Valley Café

For unbeatable country views, head to Aune Valley Café and enjoy a Devon Cream Tea to remember, whilst gazing across the surrounding countryside. If you would prefer a light lunch or perhaps brunch, this is a fabulous eatery. With an award-winning butcher and deli next door, you can pick up some delicious produce for supper whilst you are there.

Back at home

Whether you are staying in a luxury waterside apartment, a cosy thatched cottage or an elegant country house, you will find that the uninterrupted rest and relaxation you can find in your holiday home second to none. Coast & Country Cottages offers around 400 luxury properties in Dartmouth, Salcombe and the rest of South Devon, with holiday homes suited for every occasion.

Relax in your cosy sitting room, gather around your rustic dining table, lounge in the sunny conservatory or unwind in the beautiful garden – wherever you are holidaying, there is sure to be the perfect spot to enjoy your Devon Cream Tea.

Alternative 1: Chilli Cream Tea

Spice things up with a trip to the South Devon Chilli Farm near Loddiswell, where you can enjoy a savoury Cream Tea with a twist. You’ll see products from this much-loved local brand in most of the region’s delicatessens, but for a full sense of their enormous array of offerings, you simply have to go and take a look in person.

There are as many as nine different varieties of chilli chocolate alone, plus chilli sauces and jams whole chilli plants, chilli-inspired gifts and more. In addition to the gift shop, there’s a colourful café where you can order a tasty savoury tea, served with two scones, cream cheese and a pot of chilli jam.

Afterwards, take a walk down the show tunnel to see how the plants are grown.

Alternative 2: Savoury Cream Tea

The café/bar at Bayard’s Cove Inn is one of the most popular daytime eateries in Dartmouth. You’ll find it almost directly opposite the lower ferry on the edge of Bayard’s Cove, which is one of the most beautiful spots in Dartmouth.

Expect exposed oak beams, chunky rustic furniture and local art adorning the cob walls – a stylish spot to enjoy our second recommendation for a Cream Tea with a difference.

The savoury Cream Teas at Bayard’s Cove Inn include two cheese scones, red onion marmalade, cheddar cheese, apples and grapes – not forgetting the pot of tea, of course.

You can also enjoy a savoury tea at Aune Valley Café, which similarly features freshly prepared cheese scones and homemade chutney.

Wondering when to book your next UK break? Why not time your visit to coincide with the annual Dartmouth Food Festival, taking place between 21st and 23rd October 2016?

Or find out more about the gastronomic delights awaiting you in South Devon, on our food and drink pages.