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Cornish cream teas are a hugely popular delicacy in cafes and restaurants in the Duchy. Locals and tourists alike cannot resist the offering of jam and cream on a scone paired with a pot of tea- or coffee for some.

Most eateries in Cornwall offer cream teas on their menu. But where should you go? Our guest writer Milly has compiled a list of 5 of her favourite places in West Cornwall to help you find those hidden gems. No matter what you’re looking for, there is a cream tea offering for you!


Wavecrest, The Lizard

A fabulous cream tea at Wavecrest. Photo credit to Wavecrest

Wavecrest is found on the edge of the Lizard, not far from the old lifeboat station with outstanding sea views. It was established in the 1930’s  and has been serving food and drink to holidaymakers ever since. Outdoor seating provides excellent panoramic views for you to enjoy whilst you snack on one of their scrumptious cream teas and enjoy a refreshing pot of tea.

Wavecrest has been busy making changes to ensure guest safety during the pandemic restrictions. With so much outside space they can provide tables all respecting social distancing rules.

The cream teas on offer are of a generous size with plenty of cream and jam. They are freshly made using locally sourced produce. If you are not in the mood for a cream tea, why not try one of the many other options available including scrummy hot chocolates! There are even vegan and gluten free meal options available. 

It’s a great place to sit and watch the glistening sea on a clear and sunny day, especially after a long walk along the coast path. This is the start of the coastal path leading to Kynance Cove. I would definitely recommend a trip to this café!


Image courtesy of Rock Pool Café

Rock Pool Café, Mousehole

The Rock Pool Cafe is perched on the rocks tucked away on the edge of the harbour of Mousehole overlooking the sea. The quiet harbour village (famous for Star Gazey pie)  just outside of Penzance is the prettiest Cornish fishing village with lovely little fishermans cottages and an amazing harbour protecting the village from the storms. 

Rock Pool Cafe  is a cosy little tea house where the staff are very welcoming, and they make you feel right at home. They also accept dogs and the views are outstanding from both the windows inside and from the outdoor benches. 

They offer a classic cream tea with delicious homemade scones that go down just a treat. An ideal place to stop and recharge whilst exploring this beautiful part of Cornwall.

Cream tea at Rock Pool Café.

The scenic fishing village of Mousehole.

 

 

 

 

 


Sunset Surf. Image courtesy of Sunset Surf.

Sunset Surf, Gwithian

This award winning family run café in Gwithian Towans, near Hayle. Is a fantastic place to come for something to eat or just to relax with a drink and a snack after surfing, lying on the beach or even walking the dog along the sand on a winter’s day.

Made using local suppliers such as Rodda’s famous clotted cream and soft, fluffy scones from Baker Tom’s. You can pair your cream tea with a refreshing iced coffee in the summer or opt for a hot chocolate. For those with dietary requirements including vegans, gluten and dairy, there are other options available.

Gwithian Towans is located at the front of the café, perfect for a walk after you’ve treated yourself to a cream tea at Sunset Surf.

Gwithian Towans looking towards Godrevy lighthouse.


The Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth

Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth

A very popular hotel in Falmouth with a beautiful terrace overlooking the sea. Their terrace lounge is perfect if you just fancy a light bite and a drink after exploring the various shops or as a get together with friends and family. 

Created using locally sourced fresh scones and lashings of jam and cream. The afternoon teas are served between 2pm and 5pm. You can choose either a standard cream tea or a full afternoon tea with optional champagne available.

 


Image courtesy of The Polurrian on the Lizard.

Polurrian on the Lizard

This beautiful hotel is located on the edge of Mullion, a town located on the Lizard Peninsula, overlooking the sea.

The Polurrian hotel boasts a wide variety of options for your cream tea. They have the standard cream tea (cream and jam) with either a fruit or a plain scone, as well as a savoury option which comes with cheese and chutney instead. Or if you are feeling more peckish you can order one of their amazing afternoon teas which comes complete with finger sandwiches and a delightful selection of homemade cakes.

 

Afternoon tea at Polurrian on the Lizard. Image courtesy of The Polurrian on the Lizard.

 


This is a small collection of Milly’s favourite places to grab a cream tea in West Cornwall. There are so many wonderful places to indulge, meaning you’re never more than a couple of minutes away from a delightful Cornish cream tea!