Delightful Cream Tea Experiences in Devon

Rich and buttery scones topped with fruit-laden glazy goodness – here are the best spots in the south-west, packed with insider tips.

Date: 30 June 2022

If there’s one topic of conversation guaranteed to set pulses racing in Devon, it’s where to find the best cream tea. The consensus is that a perfect scone is feather-light, warm, crumbly, and served with fruit-laden strawberry jam and clotted cream so thick it sticks to your spoon. In the heart of this tea-time tradition, there are countless venues to choose from, ranging from tiny tearooms to high-end establishments. So where is the best place to indulge in this delightful experience? We’ve traversed the county to bring you our guide to Devon’s finest cream teas. Before you ask, the cream goes on first, then the jam – a crucial detail for purists!

Best Places for Cream Tea in Devon

• Hotel Endsleigh, Tavistock

  This elegant location offers a sumptuous cream tea experience with rich, buttery scones served alongside the finest clotted cream and delightful jams.

  

• RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington

  Enjoy a cream tea while sitting on a picnic rug surrounded by beautiful roses at RHS Rosemoor’s tearoom, where homemade scones and delicious jams await.

  Address: RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington EX38 8PH

• Primrose Tea Rooms, Lustleigh, Dartmoor National Park

  Located in a charming thatched tearoom, the creamy scones served here are made from a cherished family recipe, making it a local favorite.

  Address: Lustleigh, Newton Abbot TQ13 9TJ

• Darts Farm, Topsham

  This large farm shop and café offers hearty country-style scones served with Rodda’s clotted cream and local jams – it’s a must-visit destination for cream tea lovers.

  Address: Dart Farm Village, Topsham, Clyst St George, Exeter EX3 0QH

• Lympstone Manor, Exmouth

  For a Michelin-starred cream tea, Michael Caines’ establishment serves exquisite rich scones with ethically-sourced loose-leaf tea and the finest toppings, all while providing stunning views of the Exe estuary.

  Address: Courtlands Ln, Exmouth EX8 3NZ

• Hele Corn Mill, Ilfracombe

  This historic watermill offers traditional Devon-style cream teas, complete with the original scone style and extensive gluten-free options.

  Address: Hele Corn Mill, Corn Mill Close, Ilfracombe EX34 9QY

• Gastrobus, Bantham Beach

  If the idea of enjoying cream tea by the sea sounds appealing, visit this charming Airstream trailer where freshly made cream teas are served alongside live music on the weekends.

  Address: Gastrobus, Thurlestone, Kingsbridge TQ7 3AN