12 Best Spots for Afternoon Tea in Cornwall

It would be criminal to visit Cornwall and not sample a full afternoon tea. Cornwall is synonymous with the cream tea, even if the rivalry over who does it best rages on with neighbouring Devon.

It may be sacrilege to say, but I don’t think it matters whether you put the jam or the cream on first – the only rule is that it must be Cornish clotted cream. It’s a foodstuff with Protected Designation of Origin and a reputation that stretches well beyond the county.

For me, the best afternoon tea in Cornwall comes down to setting as much as food: somewhere decadent or cosy, pampered, and ideally with a view. It’s also one of the best things to do in Cornwall when it rains, whatever the weather.

I’ve used my own experiences trying teas across the county, plus recommendations from locals, to bring you this hand-picked list of the best afternoon tea in Cornwall.

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At a glance: best afternoon tea in Cornwall by vibe

Not every afternoon tea on this list is after the same thing. Here’s how I’d group them if you’re deciding where to start.

Map of the best spots for afternoon tea in Cornwall

Use my map below to see where the best spots for afternoon tea in Cornwall are located.

1. The Scarlet Hotel, Mawgan Porth

Mawgan Porth is home to this luxuriously distinctive eco spa hotel in Cornwall for adults only. Perched on the cliffs above the sandy beach below, it’s perfectly positioned for a framed view of the blue sea beyond.

Afternoon tea at The Scarlet Hotel is served in the bright, airy Scarlet Restaurant, gazing out over Mawgan Porth beach to the Atlantic.

The absolute highlight of this spot is that the view is on full display through magnificent windows, so even on the most blustery days, you can still feel at one with the Cornish coastline.

Trust me when I say the food is exquisite. Expect delicious finger sandwiches and a traditional cream tea. But the patisseries here become the stars of the show – as beautiful to look at as they are to eat.

2. Fowey Hall Hotel, Fowey

From adults-only at the Scarlet to a luxury family resort at Fowey Hall. The Fowey Hall Hotel offers a high-quality afternoon tea even with the little ones in tow, with adults tucking into delicate finger sandwiches, fluffy scones and a tantalising selection of sweet treats.

Children are catered for with their own menu, which is a lovely touch – but it doesn’t stop there. Your furry friends can join in too, with the hotel’s own “Waggy Tails Tea” and “A la Bark” menu for dogs.

I think this really is the best afternoon tea in Cornwall for the whole family, dogs included.

3. Trevallick’s Farm Shop & Tea Room, Liskeard

Unpretentious, and representing everything that’s fabulous about simply stopping by the roadside in Cornwall at a friendly, local farm shop. Afternoon tea at Trevallick’s shouldn’t be missed.

All of their food, think classic cream tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes, is presented on a three-tier Cornish slate cake stand, using their own Cornish produce. 

Tregothnan teas are available, but I’d recommend pushing the boat out with Trevallick’s Gin Taster afternoon tea, where you get to sample four different Cornish gins.

4. The Headland Hotel, Newquay

The Headland Hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Cornwall, and it’s another of the best places for afternoon tea with a view in this list. Afternoon tea is served daily in Restaurant RenMor, from 2pm until 3.30pm, with prices starting from £35 per adult.

I heartily recommend the seasonal afternoon tea, which showcases fresh local flavours and changes throughout the year.

You can also upgrade to a glass of Champagne or an afternoon tea cocktail, making this one of the best spots for afternoon tea in North Cornwall.

The Headland Hotel requires booking in advance, with 24 hours’ notice needed for any dietary requirements.

👉 Read my full review of The Headland Hotel in Newquay.

5. Polurrian Bay Hotel, Helston

If you’ve trekked all the way to nearly Land’s End, there’s a warm welcome waiting for you at the Polurrian Bay Hotel.

Set among 12 acres of landscaped clifftop gardens, you can take tea in the lounge, the snug, or from the Vista section of the restaurant for sea views over Mounts Bay.

You could go for the full afternoon tea experience with sandwiches, scones and cakes, adding a glass of Cornish Prosecco if you wish. Or opt for a lighter Savoury Cream Tea with Cornish cheese and Halzephron Herb Farm chutney. Vegan teas are on offer too.

6. The Alverton Hotel, Truro

At the Alverton Hotel in Truro, you can enjoy a traditional or vegan afternoon tea on a beautiful garden terrace, with vegan options available with 24 hours’ notice. Expect refined finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with lashings of Cornish cream, and a marvellous selection of miniature cakes.

It’s served Monday to Saturday from midday until 5pm, and Sunday from 3pm until 5pm, so you could even make it your lunch given how filling afternoon teas are.

The hotel doesn’t offer a dedicated gluten-free menu, though it can use gluten-free ingredients in some dishes – it’s worth calling ahead if that’s a firm requirement. When you’ve had your fill, take an enjoyable stroll through the peaceful manicured gardens.

7. Rectory Tea Rooms, Morwenstow

Rectory Farm Tea Rooms in Morwenstow, near Bude, is one of the best places for afternoon tea in North Cornwall. Housed in a 13th-century building filled with antique furnishings, slate floors and original oak beams salvaged from ships wrecked along the coastline, it’s everything you’d hope for in quintessential charm.

Jill Savage is the latest family member to run the tea rooms since they opened in the 1950s, and it’s been listed time and again as one of the best tea rooms in the country, in publications ranging from the Telegraph to Country Living.

With a focus on locally sourced food, including hearty Cornish pasties made with the farm’s own beef and lamb, I’d really recommend making time for afternoon tea here.

8. Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Lostwithiel

With exquisite presentation and fresh, locally sourced ingredients, afternoon tea at the Duchy of Cornwall Nursery in Lostwithiel is not to be missed. It’s served daily in the elegant Orangery from 2.30pm, with views out towards Restormel Castle, and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

I love that this afternoon tea is a feast for the eyes, served on individual “Duchy Woodland” hardwood boards. 

Savoury treats include a Cornish garlic, salami and basil pesto palmier and a quail’s scotch egg, followed by the classic Cornish cream tea scone with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Then indulge in sweet treats like a rose macaron and toasted lemon meringue tart.

Add a glass of Prosecco and Cornish Tregothnan teas to round-off the perfect afternoon tea.

9. Greenbank Hotel, Falmouth

When in Falmouth, head to the harbour for afternoon tea at the Greenbank Hotel. It’s served in the award-winning Water’s Edge restaurant overlooking the harbour, Monday to Saturday from midday until 5pm, and Sunday from 3.30pm until 5pm.

You can make it bottomless too, with unlimited Prosecco, and I’d strongly advise that you do. Both meat eaters and vegetarians are well catered for, and so are vegans. With 24 hours’ notice, vegans can enjoy a spread that rivals any classic afternoon tea.

10. Mullion Cove Hotel, Mullion

The Mullion Cove Hotel on the Lizard offers afternoon tea daily from 2pm until 5pm, in one of the decadent lounges, on the terrace, or in the Glenbervie bar. Expect hand-picked quality teas and treats that are wonderfully fresh, from a smoked salmon open sandwich to homemade cakes.

Spoil yourself with the Champagne afternoon tea, complete with a chilled glass of bubbles – count me in!

Both options need 24 hours’ notice to book, so plan ahead if you’re set on visiting.

11. Strawberry Fields, Launceston

Described as afternoon picnics because they’re adorably served on miniature real oak picnic benches, the afternoon teas at Strawberry Fields are a real treat of homemade Cornish delights. The menu is seasonally themed and can be enjoyed with tea, coffee or Prosecco.

This isn’t just any old farm shop – there’s huge variety here, so leave some time for browsing too. If you can, I’d recommend timing your afternoon tea with a pick-your-own session harvesting strawberries.

12. Hotel Meudon, Falmouth

With strikingly beautiful patisseries, I have no doubt that your experience of afternoon tea at Hotel Meudon will be one of the best you’ve ever had. It’s served daily from 12.30pm until 4.30pm, with 24 hours’ notice needed to book.

Keep an eye out for themed teas, from festive fare to Cornish gin-centric offerings.

What’s even more amazing is that you can enjoy it out in the hotel’s 8.5 acres of valley gardens, sweeping down towards its own private beach. You’ll definitely want to burn off some of the calories consumed by exploring afterwards!

FAQs

Do I need to book afternoon tea in Cornwall in advance?

Yes, almost always. Most of these venues need at least 24 hours’ notice, and it’s worth reserving your table well ahead of time, especially in peak summer season.

Which is the best afternoon tea in Cornwall for vegans?

The Greenbank Hotel in Falmouth and the Alverton Hotel in Truro both do vegan afternoon teas that rival the classic version, rather than feeling like an afterthought – both need 24 hours’ notice.

Is afternoon tea in Cornwall expensive?

Prices vary widely, from around £25 per person at a farm shop tea room to £45 or more for a Champagne afternoon tea at a luxury hotel. Farm shops and tea rooms like Trevallick’s and Strawberry Fields tend to offer the best value.

What’s the difference between a cream tea and a full afternoon tea?

A cream tea is simply scones with jam and clotted cream, served with tea. A full afternoon tea adds finger sandwiches and a selection of cakes or pastries, and often the option of Prosecco or Champagne.

Plan your Cornish tea trail

Cornwall – like me – takes its afternoon tea seriously, and the best part is just how different each of these experiences is from the next. You could spend a whole holiday working your way along the coast, from a gin-paired spread at a farm shop near Liskeard to Champagne on a clifftop on the Lizard, and never have the same afternoon twice.

My advice is to pick two or three that appeal to you most rather than trying to fit in more than that in one trip. Book ahead wherever you can, and leave enough time afterwards for a walk, because you’ll need it.

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