Pinkie fingers poised! Where to enjoy Afternoon Tea in Devon
Pinky fingers poised! From the traditional tower of treats to the indulgence of a proper Devon clotted cream tea … if you love scones, clotted cream, petit fours, cakes, finger sandwiches and, of course, tea then you’re in the right county.
Scroll down for our favourite fabulous places to eat, hampers to order online and a few quirky alternatives.
Boringdon Hall Hotel & Spa
Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth
Wands and Wizards Afternoon Tea
Inspired by the tales and adventures of young wizards and witches, indulge in Boringdon's 'Wands & Wizards' themed afternoon tea this autumn 2024, served in the dramatic surroundings of the quintessentially English Great Hall in Devon.
Whether you're a seasoned tea lover or a curious muggle, this enchanting experience is designed to captivate your senses and transport you to a realm of wizards, wands, and wonder... vegan and gluten free afternoon teas also available. (Pic is of other afternoon tea).
Served 1-4pm from 1st Sept to 14th Nov | £32 per person.
The Bedford Hotel
1 Plymouth Rd, Tavistock
The Bedford Hotel is situated in the centre of Tavistock and offers a relaxing setting where you can enjoy their full afternoon tea service or the simple pleasures of their Devon cream tea. The Duchess of Bedford afternoon tea is served with a selection of sandwiches, home baked scones, strawberry jam, Devon clotted cream, homemade cakes or your choice of hot drink.
From £8.00 for Cream Tea, £23.00 for The Duchess of Bedford Afternoon Tea or £28.50 for Sparkling Afternoon Tea.
Shilstone Cafe
Shilstone Manor, near Modbury
Enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in the cafe or in the courtyard, among planters filled with flowers and herbs.
A selection of finely cut finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, homemade cakes and pastries. Afternoon tea is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 3pm. Please book your table 48 hours in advance.
With acres of gardens, farmland and woodland to explore, why not stay for a little longer and enjoy a walk around their grounds. Dogs are also welcome.
£19 per person | Book here.
The Bakehouse
3 High Street, Cullompton
A pot of tea for one, a choice of sandwiches, scone with clotted cream & jam, and a slice of cake from that day’s selection. Add a 200ml Bottle of Sparkling Prosecco for £7.95. Your four-legged friend is welcome too. Served 9am-4pm.
Cream Tea from £7.50, Cheese Tea from £7.95 or the full Bakehouse Afternoon Tea £17.50. View menus.
Bearslake Inn
Lake, Nr Okehampton
Indulge in a quintessential Pub Classics Afternoon Tea at Bearslake Inn, available daily until 30th September. From 2.45pm to 4pm, delight in a charming selection of favourite pub classics, including delicious homemade cakes, scones, and chef’s unique take on a classic Ploughman’s Lunch as your savoury delight.
Made using the freshest local Devon produce. Enjoy in the large secret garden and bring along your furry friends as they’re dog friendly too. Pre-booking is essential.
£21.95 per person. Book here.
Occombe Farm
Occombe Farm, Preston Down Rd, Paignton
A treat for one or share with friends. Delicious farm-made scones and assorted cakes and sandwiches available in the Occombe Farm Café between 2.30pm – 4pm.
£17.95 / £34.95 or with Prosecco £21.95 / £42.95.
Booking essential. Call 01803 696255.
Or click here to find out more.
Powderham Farm Shop & Bistro
Powderham Estate, Kenton, Exeter
Enjoy an Afternoon Tea with the stunning backdrop of Powderham Castle. Served daily at the Bistro between 3.00pm – 4.30pm. This can be enjoyed with a refreshing tea or fresh filter coffee (£22.95) or add a glass of Prosecco (£29.95) for that special occasion. Special dietary requirements can be catered for – please inform at the time of booking. A non-refundable £10.00 deposit per person is required when booking.
View their Afternoon Tea Menu. Book on the website here.
Darts Farm
Topsham - with two lovely cafes in which to enjoy Afternoon Tea.
Cow & Cacao Café
High Tea – A selection of sandwiches and sweet slices, macarons, homemade truffles, freshly baked scones, clotted cream & strawberry jam. For a special treat, add a glass of Pebblebed Sparkling. £19.50 per person (£25.00 with fizz), minimum of two people, served all day.
Devonshire Cream Tea – Darts Farm scone clotted cream and strawberry jam. Served with Brew or Ace Tea for one. £6.95
The Yard Restaurant
Darts Farm High Tea – £16.50 per person, served from 2:30pm. Minimum of two people. A selection of cakes and sandwiches, a homemade scone, clotted cream & Waterhouse Fayre strawberry jam and a choice of loose leaf tea.
The Salutation Inn
68 Fore Street, Topsham, Exeter
Escape to one of Topsham’s grandest buildings, The Salutation Inn, for a relaxing afternoon enjoying a high tea in their light and airy GlassHouse. Choose between a Devon cream or savoury tea, full afternoon tea or treat yourself to a sparkling Nyetimber tea.
£24.50 for Afternoon Tea or £38 for Nyetimber Afternoon Tea
Greendale Farm Shop and Kitchen
Sidmouth Road, Exeter
Join Greendale Kitchen for afternoon tea. Delicate finger sandwiches, a selection of sweet treats and (of course!) scones with jam and cream await, all served with a pot of tea. £30 Afternoon Tea for Two vouchers are also available as gifts.
Wild Thyme Deli & Kitchen
China Blue, Station Rd, Totnes
Indulge in an array of homemade delights that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Of course, no afternoon tea would be complete without the perfect cuppa or coffee! £20 per person. Want to add a little glamour to your afternoon? You can enjoy Prosecco for an extra £5.00. If the autumn sun’s out then there’s a beautiful terrace to take tea on too! Please note – cakes and sandwiches may differ from the photo.
The Garden Restaurant at RHS Rosemoor
Great Torrington
Enjoy gorgeous garden views while you treat someone special to a delicious range of sweet and savoury, seasonal flavours, accompanied by a glass of Prosecco at RHS Rosemoor’s Garden Restaurant.
Savour crayfish, lemon and dill finger sandwiches; mushroom, Devon Blue and rocket tarts; rose and rhubarb drizzle and Pimm’s and garden mint granitas plus, of course, a traditional Devon cream tea (vegan and vegetarian variations available). You won’t be disappointed – but you will have to book in advance.
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel
Cliff Rd, Salcombe
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel takes a lot of pride in selecting the best local ingredients for its menu which can be enjoyed while watching the boats go by on Salcombe Estuary. Afternoon tea is a tradition here and a real treat. Choose between the traditional, savoury or sparkling versions. ‘Tea for kids’ is also available for those with smaller appetites.
Cream Tea £11.95 | Afternoon Tea £29.95 | Sparkling Afternoon Tea £36.95 | Champagne Afternoon Tea £42.95
The Arundell
Lifton, Devon
In an area of outstanding natural beauty, The Arundell is tucked away on the Cornwall-Devon border and is known to be Devon’s favourite rural hotel for exploring the countryside. Head Chef, Phillip Old, offers a quintessentially British experience when enjoying his afternoon tea or cream tea.
From £9.50 for Cream Tea and £19.50 for Afternoon Tea.
Valley View Cafe
Rake Farm, Loddiswell, Kingsbridge
The names says it all, this is the place to enjoy delicious food and a stunning view across the glorious valley and River Avon. The friendly team are there to welcome you for Afternoon Tea, cream teas and much more.
£30 with tea or £35 with Prosecco for two people. Mon-Sat 12-4pm and Sun 12-3pm. No booking necessary.
Orestone Manor
Rock House Lane, Torquay
Set in the pretty South Devon coastal village of Maidencombe, Orestone Manor has spectacular sea views across Lyme Bay and beyond. Afternoon tea is available in the newly decorated bay restaurant and includes a selection of fingers sandwiches and cakes, homemade scone and Orestone preserve with Devon clotted cream. Served 2.30pm-3.30pm, Wednesday – Saturday.
From £10.00 for Cream Tea, £22.00 for Afternoon Tea or £28.50 with fizz.
The Lime Tree Cafe
Cullompton High Street
Freshly baked scone with Roddas clotted cream and Hogs Bottom Farm jam. Served with a trio of cakes and petit fours to tickle the taste buds. You can choose three different sandwich fillings per person. Savoury Tea also available £8.95.
All served with an English Breakfast tea. £14.95 per person or with a glass of Prosecco £17.85.
Ilsington Country House Hotel
Ilsington Village, Newton Abbot
Located in the pretty village of Ilsington, close to Haytor, this family owned hotel is the perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding. Choose between their traditional Devonshire cream tea, savoury tea, sumptuous Ilsington or savoury afternoon tea. Served 2pm-5pm.
From £11.00 for Cream Tea or £26.00 for Afternoon Tea
Gotland Gin G&Tea
Highampton, Devon.
If you fancy your afternoon tea with a twist look no further than the beautiful countryside of West Devon and a Gotland Gin Afternoon G&Tea.
This 'spirited' take the classic includes sandwiches with fillings from local artisans such as Curworthy Cheese and Blakewell Smoked Fish, followed by locally-made Ginger Scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. There’s also Lingonberry brownies, sheep-shaped shortbreads, a Cloudberry muffin, and a Gotland Gin Blush jelly – all enjoyed with a London Dry Gin and Tonic and a spectacular view. Available until December 7th.
Where to enjoy a traditional Devon Cream Tea
If you just fancy the homemade scones, the very best jam and luxurious clotted cream, here's where to find a few of the best.
Venus Cafés
Teignmouth & Broadsands
There is no better place to enjoy a traditional cream tea than by the sea. So come to the beach and enjoy Venus’ classic cream tea of homemade scones with lashings of clotted cream and Cornish strawberry jam with a pot of tea. Available at Venus Cafes in Teignmouth and Broadsands every day. Not only will you enjoy a delicious cream tea, but also a fantastic sea view.
Bayards Kitchen
Shinners Bridge, Dartington, Totnes
Located at the Cider Press Centre, Bayards Kitchen is a family-run restaurant which serves delicious, home cooked food. After a spot of shopping, you can pop in for a traditional Bayards Cream Teas. If savoury is more your thing, you can also enjoy a homemade cheese scone with local chutney, cream cheese and a hot drink of your choice.
From £7.00 | Find out more
Otterton Mill
Otterton, East Devon
With a freshly baked fruit or plain scone from the Mill’s artisan bakery, award winning Waterhouse Fayre jam and luxurious clotted cream, Otterton Mill’s cream teas are a firm favourite and rightly famous! Enjoy with local tea, coffee or a glass of fizz. A winning combination and a perfect Devon Cream Tea. Gluten free options available too.
Afternoon tea by post?
Enjoy a very special taste of Devon delivered direct to your doorstep, or (even better) to straight someone you love.