Top Picks
Our pick of the best Afternoon Tea in Cornwall
We are spoilt for choice when finding the best afternoon tea in Cornwall. From a simple scone in a beach cafe to a sumptuous spread in one of our prestigious hotels, the Duchy has something for everyone. Just remember that all important guideline - jam first!
1. St Michael's Mount, Marazion
No better place to kick off our list than the iconic St Michael’s Mount. Head Chef, Greg Milne, has created a menu inspired by fresh Cornish produce, including some ingredients grown and harvested on the island. This is a great place to treat yourself to a foodie experience, with savouries such as Cornish mackerel, asparagus and prune ketchup crostini or fennel pollen egg mayonnaise sandwiches.
2. Budock Vean, Mawnan Smith
Head to the charming Budock Vean Hotel for afternoon tea on the peaceful Helford River. Choose to take your tea in either the conservatory or outside on the terrace overlooking the beautiful grounds.
3. Tre Pol Pen, Launceston
Pair your visit to the award-winning farm shop and event space with a delicious afternoon tea. Served with Smugglers tea (or upgrade to a glass of fizz) this is a great option in the Tamar Valley.
4. Hotel Meudon, Mawnan Smith
Tucked away in lush greenery near Falmouth Bay, the award-winning Meudon is the ideal setting for a classic afternoon tea. You’ll find homemade cakes, pastries, savoury treats, and a substantial range of traditional and herbal tea served with a sophisticated, modern twist.
5. Rectory Farm Tea Rooms, Morwenstow
Built in the 13th Century the house is filled with character; from the antique furnishings and slate floors, to the open fires and original Oak Beams salvaged from the many ships wrecked along the North Cornwall coastline. The Afternoon Tea continues the olde-worlde theme, served on vintage china with a choice of locally made Strawberry, Bumbleberry, Gooseberry & Elderflower or Rhubarb & Ginger jam.
6. Bedruthan Hotel, Mawgan Porth
A relaxed take on the traditional afternoon tea. Bedruthan’s Afternoon Tea isn’t just for grown-ups, bring along the little ones and they can enjoy a special menu catered to them including a citrus yoghurt cake, jam doughnut and viennese whirl. Yum!
7. The Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth
Tea with a view! Overlook Falmouth harbour whilst tucking into sweet treats, savoury bites and delicate sandwiches. The vegan afternoon tea is particularly good, with gluten free and vegetarian alternatives available on request too.
8. Talland Bay Beach Cafe, Looe
You would be hard-pressed to find a better view in the whole of Cornwall! This cafe sits right on the water’s edge between Looe and Polperro. What better place to enjoy a scone and a pot of tea after a cliff walk or dip in the sea?
9. Headland Hotel, Newquay
A charming, elegant, and frivolous afternoon tea in one of Cornwall’s most iconic hotels. Each year during October Half-Term they offer a terrifying twist with their Witchy Afternoon Tea, inspired by Roald Dahl’s The Witches. Enter if you dare, and feast on wickedly wonderful cakes and tantalising treats!
10. Ugly Butterfly, Carbis Bay
Experience the ultimate afternoon tea at the Carbis Bay Hotel. The menu is hyper-local and is seasonal and focused on nature, reflected in the St. Ives smokehouse salmon savoury and the sweet sea buckthorn tart. Even the tea is grown in Cornwall!
11. By Post!
Want the Afternoon Tea to come to you? Then look no further. The Cornish Company’s new Afternoon Tea Hamper contains all the sweet treats you need to host your own, including the all-important clotted cream!
