Top cream teas in Cornwall


A visit to Cornwall wouldn’t be the same without a proper Cornish cream tea. But is it jam or cream first?

Where to go for the best cream teas in Cornwall

An indulgent cream tea can be the perfect end to a glorious day out or and activity in its own right. We’ve searched the county to seek out some of the best places to go for a cream tea in Cornwall. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it…

Think freshly baked scones, sweet strawberry jam (first) and a generous dollop of clotted cream (on top). Mmm…

Charlies, Charlestown
A small, but superb little café in the beautiful village of Charlestown. Charlie’s is just a stone’s throw away from the tall ships, and serves teas, & coffees, as well as delicious cakes and cream teas. Best of all, everything is served with a smile!

The Lost Gardens of Heligan Café, near Mevagissey
A trip to the café is a treat in itself —you don’t have to visit the gardens to enjoy a cream tea here. All the baking is done on the premises, and many of the ingredients used come from the gardens. Great breakfasts served from 9.30am, elevenses, lunches, and afternoon teas.

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery café
Set in a plant nursery, the tearoom specialises in local produce, and serve a wonderful cream tea with large homemade scones, in summer cream teas can be enjoyed on the terrace with the most wonderful views over the valley and th13th Century Restormel Castle. If you are after something a little special The Orangery serves Afternoon Tea. www.duchyofcornwallnursery.co.uk

Melinsey Mill, Veryan
A restored, working medieval watermill in an idyllic location. There is a small museum, craft shop and café. You’ll find willow sculptures dotted around the surrounding area, with a selection of willow craftwork for sale in the shop. If you fancy a stroll, there’s a lovely walk around the lake, and plenty of wildfowl to spot. The café serves morning coffee, light lunches and delicious cream teas, as well as a range of homemade cakes. Fowey Harbour Hotel, Fowey
A stunning setting with wonderful sea views, The Fowey hotel offers a choice of superb afternoon teas, Tradition Cornish cream teas, Full afternoon teas, or for that very special occasion Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Cream teas on the move
If you’re not sure where you’ll end up, or you’re going off the beaten path, you could take a cream tea with you. Fill up a thermos flask, pack some lovely homemade strawberry jam, freshly baked scones and clotted cream, and you can enjoy your own cream tea wherever you desire.

Where’s your favourite spot to stop for a cream tea? Share your recommendations below, post on our Facebook or Instagram. And if you’ve got any photos you’d like to share of you and your family enjoying a cream tea in Cornwall, we’d love to see them – the more unusual the location the better!

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Action Nan and the rest of the team are always busy writing posts that we think you’ll like – from top tips on where to take the kids, to what’s likely to be going on in the local area when you stay – we’ve got it all in our blog!