09 Jul Top 5 Cream Teas in Devon
You can’t come to Devon and go home without trying the most renowned West Country treat in all the land! When you do go, make sure you eat it the Devon way – a light fluffy traditional scone with the delicious, rich clotted cream on FIRST, followed by some fruity, sweet jam. A lovely hot pot of tea or coffee on the side to complete the treat. Here we outline Melrose Cottage’s Top 5 Cream Tea destinations.
Victorian Pantry Tearooms, Okehampton (5-10 minutes walk from Melrose Cottage)
Set in a picturesque cobbled courtyard in the centre of Okehampton, this petite, historic Victorian tearoom serves delicious traditional Devonshire cream teas. If you pick a sunny day, there is plentiful outdoor seating in the courtyard to savour your cream teas. The Museum of Dartmoor Life is just across the courtyard if you want to learn something on the way back!
Old School Tearoom, Belstone (10 minutes drive from Melrose Cottage)
This traditional tea room, based in an old school building, serves the most delicious home-made cakes and cream teas. It is located in Belstone, a picturesque, moorland village on the northern edge of Dartmoor. Sit outside on the village green or (COVID permitting), inside in the old school building. There is nothing more quintessentially English than enjoying a cream tea here!
Strawberry Fields Lifton (20 minutes drive from Melrose Cottage)
You will love this farm shop and café. You can work up an appetite picking your own strawberries or browsing in the farm shop before a delicious cream tea. Or if you are feeling hungry why don’t you opt for a traditional afternoon tea served on cute miniature picnic tables?
The Old Forge Cafe, Chagford (25 minutes drive from Melrose Cottage)
The Old Forge is a bright, modern cafe restaurant in the centre of Chagford, Devon. You should not leave Devon without visiting Chagford for a stroll around the historic stannary town and boutique shops. The Old Forge offers an all day menu and daily specials as well as their famous Devonshire cream tea. All their products are fresh and locally sourced.
Tom and Tina’s Tearoom, Holne, Newton Abbot (55 minutes drive from Melrose Cottage)
A little further to drive, but why not take the scenic route and take in the spectacular Dartmoor views on the way? You will love this cosy tea room opened by a young couple, Tom and Tina. I’m sure that you will agree with me that the quality of their cake is second to none! If you’re feeling hungry, they also do a famous Sunday Roast and some of the best sandwiches in Devon. If you’re lucky enough to have good weather, you can sit outside with views across southern Dartmoor.