Best Cream Teas in Cornwall

A Cornish delicacy that’s long been one of Britain’s favourite treats, heading to one of these wonderful cafés to enjoy the best cream teas in Cornwall is a must-do on your next staycation!

From beautiful beaches to bustling tourist towns, Cornwall has no shortage of fantastic places to stop off for a delicious bite to eat! So, whether you’re hoping to find somewhere quaint and cosy to enjoy a cream tea after a day on the beach or simply a place to stop off and watch the world go by, there are many places for you and your guests to enjoy this tasty Cornish treat.

Keep scrolling to discover all the top venues to enjoy the best cream teas in Cornwall…

1. Wavecrest, Lizard Peninsula

Found just a stone’s throw away from the southernmost point in Great Britain, Wavecrest first opened back in the 1930s and has continued to serve some of the best cream tea in Cornwall to this day. Renovated in 2017, this historic café also boasts a large outdoor seating area that offers visitors unforgettable views of the sea. Found at the start of the coastal path that leads to the iconic Kynance Cove, it’s a must-visit if you’re planning on visiting this tourist hotspot during your next trip here.

The cream teas on offer are of a generous size with plenty of cream and jam and are freshly made using locally sourced produce. On the other hand, if you are not in the mood for a cream tea, then why not try one of the many other options available including their scrumptious hot chocolates? Not only that, but this wonderful cafe also has plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available on their menu too!

Opening Times: Saturday – Thursday 9:30am – 5pm (Friday 9:30am – 8pm)
Postcode: TR12 7NU
Website: https://wavecrestcornwall.co.uk/

2. Rock Pool Café, Mousehole

Overlooking the Mousehole Rock Pool after which this wonderful café is named, the Rock Pool Café has long been known for serving one of the best cream teas in Cornwall.

Nestled on the edge of this bustling harbour village that’s most famous for its Stargazy Pie, it makes for a wonderful place to unwind, relax and enjoy a delicious cream tea with impeccable views of the sea.

Rock Pool Café 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. Without a doubt, this café is an ideal place to stop and recharge whilst exploring this beautiful part of Cornwall.

Opening Times: Everyday 11am – 5pm
Postcode: TR19 6PT
Website: https://www.facebook.com/p/Rock-Pool-Cafe-Mousehole-100089705446979/

3. Sunset Surf, Gwithian

Found in the quaint village of Gwithian just a stone’s throw away from the North Cornwall coast, Sunset Surf is famous for being the only surfers café on Gwithian Towans Beach. As well as serving one of the best cream teas in Cornwall, it’s also a family-run business and doubles up as a surf school, providing lessons for both the experienced and beginners.

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.

So, whether you’re staying nearby or plan on visiting this lovely café after a day on the beach, you can also bring your pooch inside with you, as they also allow dogs all year round!

Opening Times: Everyday 10am – 4pm
Postcode: TR27 5BT
Website: https://www.sunset-surf.com/

4. The Royal Duchy Hotel, Falmouth

Noted for being one of the best luxury hotels anywhere in the county, The Royal Duchy Hotel is also known for having one of the best cream teas in Cornwall! Situated right on the coast and offering unparalleled views of the sea, their outdoor terrace makes for a wonderful place to stop off for a delicious cream tea on a sunny day.

Created using locally sourced fresh scones and lashings of jam and cream, the afternoon teas are served between 2:30 and 5pm every day of the week. With two different options available, you can choose between either a standard cream tea or a full afternoon tea with optional champagne available.

Opening Times: Afternoon tea is served daily from 2:30pm – 5pm
Postcode: TR11 4NX
Website: https://royalduchy.co.uk/dining

5. Polurrian on the Lizard, Mullion

Nestled on a hilltop on the outskirts of the village of Mullion, Polurrian on the Lizard is a popular 3-star hotel that’s also known for having one of the best cream teas in Cornwall. Originally built in 1890, this historic hotel has had many famous faces pass through its doors, from inventors like Guglielmo Marconi to Hollywood actors like Clark Gable.

With a large and impressive restaurant that offers unforgettable views of the sea, they offer guests a choice between a standard cream tea with either a fruit or plain scone, as well as a savoury option which offers cheese and chutney as an alternative. On the other hand, they also offer a range of homemade cakes and finger sandwiches if you’re feeling a little more peckish!

Opening Times: Afternoon tea is served daily from 12pm – 5pm
Postcode: TR12 7EN
Website: https://www.polurrianhotel.com/food-drink/afternoon-tea

6. The Courtyard Tea Room, St Ives

Set back just a stone’s throw away from the town’s picturesque harbour, The Courtyard Tea Room is a quaint and cosy cafe, popular with both locals and tourists. Noted for its bright pink décor and its namesake courtyard, it’s a place that’s also known for having one of the best cream teas in Cornwall.

On the menu, you’ll find everything from sandwiches to a host of sweet treats, including a range of cakes and scones on display at the front counter. They also offer a variety of teas, coffees and soft drinks, as well as plenty of other homemade goodies. Open every day of the week except for Fridays, it makes for the perfect place to stop off for a delicious bite to eat, especially if you’re looking for some of the town’s best-hidden gems!

Opening Times: Saturday – Thursday 10:30am – 4pm
Postcode: TR26 1HE
Website: https://www.stives-cornwall.co.uk/food_drink/the-courtyard-tea-room/

7. Duke St Café, Newlyn

Found in the South Cornwall coastal town of Newlyn, Duke St Café can be found just a street behind the waterfront and is one of the country’s best-kept secrets when it comes to the best cream teas in Cornwall! Noted for being family-owned, this cosy café boasts a hearty breakfast and lunch menu, with the former being the only menu served on Sundays.

Sourcing all of their produce from the local area, it should come as no surprise to learn that this wonderful café also has one of the best cream teas in Cornwall, providing hungry guests with delicious scones with lashings of fresh jam and cream. For those of you who want to visit with your pooch, you’re in luck, as this café is completely dog-friendly as well!

Opening Times: Monday – Saturday 9am – 4pm (Sunday 9am – 12:45pm)
Postcode: TR18 5JA
Website: https://www.dukestreetcafe.co.uk/

8. Porthcurno Beach Café, Porthcurno

Nestled on the footpath halfway between Porthcurno Beach and the car park, Porthcurno Beach café is a family-run establishment that’s known for having one of the best cream teas in Cornwall.

Boasting a casual, family-friendly atmosphere, this place is known for its bright interior and superb sun terrace that offers visitors impeccable views of the sea. So, if you’re planning on spending the day on this popular beach and hoping to find a place to enjoy a refreshing drink and a bite to eat afterwards, this is the place to go!

Not only does it offer a fantastic cream tea, but this café also serves a host of delicious drinks and bites, including everything from sandwiches to hot and cold drinks, salads and even plenty of local wines, beers and gins. Not only that, but it’s also a great place to stop off for breakfast, perfect for those of you hoping to arrive here early.

Whilst this café is open throughout most of the spring and summer months, it’s worth noting that it often closes temporarily from around September until April each year.

Opening Times: Everyday 10am – 4:30pm
Postcode: TR19 6JX
Website: https://www.porthcurnobeachcafe.co.uk/

9. Porthminster Beach Café, Porthminster

Found just a stone’s throw away from St Ives train station, Porthminster Beach Café sits on the edge of the namesake Porthminster Beach, known for being one of the best (and cleanest) beaches anywhere in the county. Here, you’ll find one of the best cream teas in Cornwall being served by the friendly staff behind the counter, making it an excellent place to stop off and enjoy the stunning ocean views!

Aside from its cream tea, this café offers a totally unique menu, offering a blend of Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. For this, they’ve been rightly awarded two AA rosettes for their food, most of which is locally sourced from both the sea and their seaside garden. So, if you happen to be heading down here to enjoy this Blue Flag Award beach for the day and are feeling a bit peckish afterwards, stopping off here for a tasty bite to eat is a must-do.

Opening Times: Everyday 12pm – 9pm
Postcode: TR26 2EB
Website: https://www.porthminstercafe.co.uk/

10. Cherry Trees Coffee House, Padstow

Found on Padstow’s historic West Quay, Cherry Trees Coffee House makes for an excellent place to stop off and try one of the best cream teas in Cornwall. Offering stunning views of the harbour, this popular café also serves a vast range of other breakfast and brunch items on its menu.

Despite only being a small venue, it makes for a great place to stop off whilst exploring this bustling tourist town. With great parking just a 5-minute walk away, this place is also open right up until 4:30pm – ideal if you plan on stopping off here on a day trip!

Opening Times: Everyday 9am – 4:30pm
Postcode: PL28 8AQ
Website: https://www.porthminstercafe.co.uk/

If you’re looking for even more Cornish delicacies to try whilst visiting this wonderful county, then be sure to check out this guide covering all the best traditional Cornish foods.

Alternatively, if you’re after a place to stop off for a sit-down meal, then this list of the best restaurants in Cornwall certainly won’t disappoint you either! With a host of vegan restaurants in Cornwall to discover too, they make for excellent places to reward yourselves after embarking on one of these fantastic walks in Cornwall.