The best places for a Devon cream tea

Many people who visit Devon are keen to try a traditional Devon cream tea, which is a drink of tea served with a freshly baked scone cut in half and topped with clotted cream followed by strawberry jam. The order is vitally important – in Cornwall, they put the jam on first, and the ‘correct’ order is a controversial subject in the West Country!

There are countless tearooms, cafes, restaurants and hotels across Devon that offer a cream tea, or a more filling afternoon tea, which usually includes dainty sandwiches, delicious cakes and sweet pastries as well as scones. Our guide to the best places for a Devon cream tea is divided into regions and based not only on the quality of the cream tea itself but also on the location. Some of the places listed also feature in our round-up of the best restaurants in Devon.

If you love the sound of one of these locations, why not book a holiday cottage nearby? We have a wide range of self-catering accommodation across the county. You can browse the collection by clicking on the button below.

Skip to:

• Best places for a cream tea in North Devon
• Best places for a cream tea in South Devon
• Best places for a cream tea in East Devon
• Best places for a cream tea in Dartmoor
• Map of the best Devon cream tea spots

Best places for a cream tea in North Devon

Discover some of our favourite cream tea spots in North Devon, each offering their own unique experience (of course, alongside delicious scones with clotted cream and jam!) 

Hele Corn Mill and Tea Room, Ilfracombe

Photo credit: Hele Corn Mill

Hele Corn Mill is a 16th-century water mill located near Hele Beach. The mill is still used to grind wholemeal flour for the adjacent tearoom. As well as plain and fruit scones, the tearoom offers Devonshire splits which are little round buns. If you want something a bit different, you could choose a scone with clotted cream and golden syrup, or a cheese scone served with cream cheese and caramelised onion marmalade. Afternoon tea for two, and high tea for a group are also available. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan scones can be pre-ordered. 

Saunton Sands Hotel, Saunton

Saunton Sands Hotel is a four-star hotel and spa that is located on a cliff top overlooking Saunton Sands Beach and Braunton Burrows. Afternoon tea is a hotel speciality, with freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches and homemade cakes and pastries served alongside high-grade teas from around the world. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free versions are available. A festive afternoon tea is available from late November until a few days before Christmas. If you want afternoon tea, it is essential that you book at least one day in advance.

The Cream Tea Cafe, Barnstaple

This hidden gem of a cafe is tucked down a quiet lane just a short walk from the town’s bustling Pannier Market. The Cream Tea Cafe uses only the finest ingredients to offer scones and cakes which have been freshly baked from scratch on the premises. It also sells items such as soup and quiche. The cafe doesn’t have a website, but it does have a Facebook page.

Tea by the Taw, Barnstaple

Tea by the Taw is a fully licensed vintage tearoom right by the River Taw – a lovely place to relax after a walk along the Tarka Trail. Tea by the Taw has been serving cream teas and high teas as well as lunches and homemade cakes since 2014. A decade later, its founders have recently decided to retire and sell the business. The keys have been handed over and the tea room’s loyal customers have expressed their hopes on the Facebook page that the new owner keeps it the wonderful place it has always been.

Best places for a cream tea in South Devon

For an exceptional cream tea in South Devon, these recommended spots won’t disappoint!

The Guardhouse Cafe, Brixham

Photo credit: The Guardhouse Cafe

There has been a tearoom in the guardhouse on this headland for over 100 years, and it’s only a short walk from the car park. Check out the lighthouse and Napoleonic fort, enjoy the panoramic views, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife before you settle down to some locally sourced food and drink at The Guardhouse Cafe. The Devonshire cream tea features a huge scone served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. A savoury cheese tea features a warm cheese scone served with butter, cheddar, and chutney. With both options, you can choose tea, filter coffee, or pay a bit extra for another drink. 

Angels Tea Rooms, Torquay

Ask the residents of Torquay where to go for a cream tea and they are likely to point you in the direction of Angels, located on the Babbacombe Downs from which you can enjoy fantastic sea views or take the cliff railway down to the beach. There are ten different cream teas available, including a crumpet tea if you don’t fancy a scone. Unusual scone choices on offer include cherry, ginger, white chocolate and dark chocolate. You can also choose prosecco instead of tea to drink. 

Boringdon Hall Hotel, Plymouth

Boringdon is a five-star manor house hotel that offers Michelin Star dining. Afternoon tea is served in the dramatic Great Hall. The luxurious champagne afternoon tea menu features items such as the Gruyere and rosemary scone, chicken and sundried tomato sandwich, and goats' cheese and beetroot tart. The tea menu features a range of black teas, green teas, and herbal infusions. A vegan afternoon tea and gluten-free afternoon tea are also available.

Occombe Farm Cafe, Paignton

Occombe Farm Cafe has a stunning countryside setting and when you make a purchase, you know that the proceeds are going towards helping Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust care for Torbay’s most treasured places and green spaces. The cafe offers breakfast, lunch, and a salad bar. Afternoon tea features farm-made scones and assorted cakes and sandwiches – and is available with or without prosecco. Once you’ve eaten and browsed the farm shop, you could purchase tickets to meet the farm animals and enjoy the indoor and outdoor play spaces. Alternatively, you could head to the beach or explore the local woodlands. 

Best places for a cream tea in East Devon 

For a superb cream tea in East Devon, be sure to try these delightful spots!

Lympstone Manor, Exmouth

Photo credit: Lympstone Manor

Lympstone Manor is a five-star hotel, restaurant, and vineyard near Exmouth, and it claims to be the most special place to enjoy the full afternoon tea experience in Devon. You can have it in one of the fine dining rooms, by the fire in the cosy lounge, or on the terrace where there are views across the Exe Estuary – which offers one of the most scenic coastal walks in Devon. Expect freshly made sandwiches, scones just out of the oven, thick Devon clotted cream, local jams and preserves, and a selection of cakes and French pastries made in its kitchens. A reservation must be made in advance. Vegetarian and vegan alternatives can be offered if requested in advance.

Darts Farm, Topsham

Photo credit: Darts Farm

Darts Farm is a huge farm shop near Exeter with a wide range of home, lifestyle, gift and outdoor products, several food and drink outlets and even a hair salon and spa. There’s also a play area, animal corner and fishing ponds. The Yard Restaurant offers cake and afternoon tea, as well as high teas which are the ultimate treat and perfect for sharing. 

Otterton Mill, Budleigh Salterton

Otterton Mill, near Budleigh Salterton, is situated beside the River Otter in a beautiful valley. As well as a historic working mill, there’s a cafe-restaurant, a farm shop, an artisan bakery, a gallery and even a live music scene. You can buy gift vouchers for its famous cream teas – choose from the Traditional, Lyme Bay Special (which sees a bottle of Lyme Bay Pinot Noir Rosé replacing the pot of tea), Piccolo for one, and the Sparkling Posh Cream Tea.

Best places for a cream tea in Dartmoor

Enjoy an exquisite cream tea on Dartmoor surrounded by stunning moorland views, what more could you want?

Bovey Castle, North Bovey

If you’re looking for 5-star luxury, Bovey Castle could be for you. Afternoon tea involves freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches and other homemade sweet treats, served with fine teas from all around the world poured into china cups. There’s even a children’s afternoon tea, enabling all ages to enjoy the indulgent experience. Items on the children’s afternoon tea menu may include fresh fruit skewers, chocolate brownies and finger sandwiches.

Primrose Tearooms, Lustleigh

This famous Devon tearoom is situated in a picturesque Dartmoor village with a 13th-century church, thatched cottages, and a 15th-century pub. It doesn’t have a website, but it has a Facebook page where you can check opening times. Primrose Tearooms doesn’t take bookings, so just pop in. A full china service menu is available inside the tearoom, and a takeaway menu can be enjoyed in the garden or elsewhere. The tearoom offers a wide selection of cakes, cream teas and light lunches. 

Two Bridges Hotel, Princetown

Photo credit: Two Bridges

Two Bridges is located in the heart of Dartmoor National Park on the banks of the West Dart River with incredible countryside and delightful walks in every direction. Its Devon cream tea is served in the comfortable lounges or in the lovely gardens. You’ll get a large, warm, homemade scone, made to a tried and trusted recipe, with strawberry jam from Hogs Bottom in Lifton, and Langage Farm clotted cream. You’ll also get your choice of tea or coffee. 

Ilsington Country House Hotel, near Newton Abbot

The family-run Ilsington Country House Hotel has beautiful lounges where you can enjoy a cream tea. Alternatively, you can take your cream tea on the lawn. You can choose from cream tea, a more substantial afternoon tea, or savoury versions. You can also add a glass of fizz if you like. A children’s cream tea is also available, and if you have a very small appetite, you can order a single scone. There are sweeping views up towards Haytor, which is arguably Dartmoor’s most famous landmark, so why not head over to it while you’re in the area?

Map of the best Devon cream tea spots

Please find all the best cream tea spots in Devon mentioned above with the help of our handy map.

Stay with us in Devon

Many places only serve cream teas or afternoon teas at particular times or on particular days, and some require you to book in advance. 

If you’re staying in one of our holiday cottages, you’ll be able to choose exactly where and when you sample this great traditional meal, whether you’re planning a quick boost to keep you going until dinnertime or a luxurious experience to celebrate a special occasion. 

Once you’ve returned home, don’t worry about missing the authentic Devon cream teas – you may be surprised to learn you can order a Devon cream tea by post from the likes of Waterhouse Fayre or Devon Hampers.