7 of the Best Pubs in South Devon
What’s better than a hearty meal and refreshing drink after a day exploring the beauty of South Devon? Nestled...
by Justine King / Food Drink
No trip to Devon is complete without participating in an age old quintessential British tradition – afternoon tea and a humble cuppa. To experience the best afternoon tea in Devon, we’ve collated a list of our favourite foodie establishments. Commemorate this traditional treat with an indulgent afternoon of scones, finger sandwiches and sweet treats, to go alongside your daily cup of tea.
Read on for a full list of the best afternoon teas in Devon, or use the links below to find one in a specific location:
Salcombe:
Dartmouth:
Plymouth:
Torquay:
Looking for further inspiration? Check out these places to enjoy afternoon tea in South Devon:
The Salcombe Harbour Hotel is one of the most desirable waterside hotels in the country. It’s also, in our opinion, one of the best places to enjoy afternoon tea in Devon. Soak up the estuary views from the relaxing lounge or out on the terrace.
Choose from a selection of menu variations and indulge in freshly baked scones with strawberry jam and devon clotted cream. Add a glass of champagne or prosecco to make it that little bit extra special.
South Sands Hotel is an independent hotel based in Salcombe. They offer seafront vistas whether you’re dining for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea at South Sands Hotel offers the chance to sample a selection of seasonal sandwiches, tasty cakes, and freshly baked scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Choose from a range of loose leaf teas or freshly brewed coffee, or upgrade to the Deluxe Afternoon Tea which includes a glass of prosecco.
Nestled within a lush green valley just outside of Salcombe, Soar Mill Cove Hotel boasts breathtaking sea views. Here, fine dining meets family-friendly, with well-behaved dogs able to join you, making it the perfect location for everyone.
Their menu offers a wide range of options, from sumptuous patisseries and sandwiches to fresh handmade scones with lashings of Cove jam and clotted cream. You can even buy their home-made Cove Jam to take home with you to enjoy time and time again. When booking, let the team know of any intolerances, as they can prepare gluten free scones for you ahead of your visit.
For those looking for afternoon tea in Dartmouth, nothing is more special than a boat ride down the River Dart whilst enjoying a tasty and indulgent treat. The Fizz Boat is the ultimate way to enjoy afternoon tea.
Their Fizzy Afternoon Tea boasts an ever changing view along with all the essentials. Enjoy a sharing platter of finger sandwiches, indulgent treats, and the all important scones with lashings of clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Want to treat someone special to an afternoon treat in the comfort of your holiday cottage? Read our guide on how to host an afternoon tea in your holiday home. Or why not hire a local catering company to do it for you? Read our blog on the best local catering companies to start planning your foodie break today!
Located right on the harbourfront in Plymouth, Ocean View at The Dome offers an exceptional afternoon tea with a view. Enjoy panoramic views of Plymouth Hoe and the Plymouth Sound whilst spoiling yourself with mouth-watering sandwiches, delectable sweet treats, and a variety of loose-leaf teas.
They also cater to vegetarians and vegans. Bookings for afternoon tea are required a minimum of 48 hours in advance via telephone, and a deposit and pre-order are required for all bookings.
Situated on one of the oldest cobbled lanes in Plymouth, just metres from the historic Mayflower Steps, sits The Tudor Rose Tearooms and Gardens. Complete with a fabulous walled garden, this listed building is the perfect pit stop for resting those tired legs after a morning of exploring.
With award-winning duo Louise O’Keeffe and Gemma Ferguson leading the kitchen, you can expect only the finest afternoon tea menu. Indulge your taste buds with crustless finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and divine slabs of cake. They even have a gluten-free option available meaning everyone is catered for!
Looking for something special? Nothing is more memorable than an afternoon tea at Boringdon Hall. Known by many as ‘The Enchanted Place on the Hill’, Boringdon Hall is a luxurious Elizabethan manor house situated on the edge of Dartmoor, near Plymouth.
Their afternoon tea is served in the English Great Hall and offers an extensive range of options. Choose from a luxurious Lauren-Perrier Champagne Afternoon Tea or a Seasonal Afternoon Tea (from September onwards). They also offer a gluten-free and Vegan afternoon tea as well. Check out their Afternoon Tea Menu for more details.
If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a classic afternoon tea with a contemporary twist, Lincombe Hall is just the place. Located in the idyllic seaside resort town of Torquay, Lincombe Hall has plenty of afternoon tea options.
Indulge yourself with freshly baked scones, a medley of finger sandwiches, and a tempting selection of delicious cakes. All of this can be paired with a selection of loose-leaf tea, freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate. Want something a little stronger? Why not add a glass of champagne, a G&T, or a dram of whiskey?
Located just 4 miles outside Torquay, Orestone Manor Hotel and Restaurant offers a sumptuous afternoon tea you’ll never forget. Awarded two AA rosettes for fine dining, you’ll know you’re in for a treat.
Choose from a traditional afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with strawberry preserve and Devon clotted cream, and delicate sweet treats, or go for a touch of elegance and add a glass of prosecco. Check out their menu for more dining delights.
If you’re looking for a quintessential Victorian experience then look no further than The Grand Hotel in Torquay. Marvel at the striking Victorian architecture, elegant interior, and seafront location whilst dining on fresh and fluffy scones, a delicious selection of cakes, and tasty finger sandwiches.
Angels Tea Room is a small cafe situated at the top of Babbacombe Downs. This popular cafe is an absolute must if you’re looking to experience every choice of scone imaginable. Choose from the traditional plain or fruit scone, or go all out with a choice of cherry, ginger, white chocolate, dark chocolate, or cheese.
This is one of the best afternoon teas in Devon and it’s one that’s not to be missed. Check out their menu for all their afternoon tea options.
Set within 19 acres of stunning gardens, Thurlstone Hotel is both luxurious and family-friendly in equal measure. Indulge in a delightful traditional afternoon tea from their stylish lounge which offers sweeping views towards Thurlestone Rock.
Want to bring your whole family along? Be our guest as they even cater to the little ones with a children’s afternoon tea menu so they can feel grown up like you. Explore their delicious menu on their website.
Hidden away in the picturesque South Hams region of South Devon, the award-winning Calancombe Estate offers an indulgent afternoon tea experience. Sample a selection of finely-cut sandwiches, ham hock terrine, fruit and plain scones, and a variety of sweet treats.
What really sets them apart though is their incredible setting and the option to add on a wine tasting and tour for an extra special afternoon. Discover some of their delicious wines that are made onsite and learn about the workings of a wine distillery.
Located in the market town of Totnes, Wild Thyme Deli offers a unique twist on afternoon tea that seamlessly blends artistry and mouth-watering flavours. All their tempting sweet treats are homemade by their in-house pastry chef to give you ultimate freshness.
Bookings for afternoon tea are required at least 48 hours before arrival. Here, you can spend the morning at China Blue decorating ceramics or participating in an art class before spoiling yourself with a creative afternoon tea.
Devon is the ideal holiday destination for those passionate about delicious food and exquisite coast and countryside. Whether you’re visiting the area for a special occasion or simply want an exceptional foodie experience like no other, Devon has it all.
With over 550 holiday cottages across South Devon, you’re bound to find the ideal property for you. Enjoy a sumptuous afternoon tea in the comfort of your coastal cottage. Take a walk to your nearest eatery from your dog-friendly holiday home, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of your farmyard cottage.
Looking for more foodie inspiration? Check out our food and drink page or read the blogs below:
by Justine King / Food Drink
Hi, I'm Justine. Holidays and travelling have always been a favourite of mine from a young age. Having recently decided to travel...
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