Afternoon Tea

An indulgent afternoon tea is surely a must do when visiting the West Country!

There is evidence to suggest a version of the cream tea existed at Tavistock Abbey in the 11th century, where the monks ate bread with jam and cream. Over the years this developed into the traditional cream tea, which came into its own in the 1850s after the railways led to a booming West Country tourist trade. Local tearooms, hotels and cafes served up cream teas for travellers seeking relaxation and a touch of indulgence.

Weve compiled a list of places to partake in this very British custom, but please, remember to do it the Devonshire way- cream first and jam on top!

Valley View Cafe, Aune Valley, Loddiswell

As the name suggests, the cafe has lovely views over Aune Valley, and has won multiple awards including Taste of the West, Good Food Awards and Visit Devon Tourism Awards, With seating inside or outside on the terrace, this is an ideal spot for families, and even has a childrens play area. Their menu covers  breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea.

Prices from £30

Calancombe Vineyard, Nr Modbury

Wander around the vineyard before stopping for an indulgent afternoon tea,  accompanied by a glass of Calancombe Estate Blanc de Noirs 2018 Sparkling wine. Check their website to book online. Prices from £35

Burgh Island

For a memorable and unique afternoon tea experience head over to the iconic Burgh Island hotel, with its famous 1920s Art Deco interior and gorgeous ocean views. If the tide is out you can walk across the beach from Bigbury-On-Sea, or if tide is in, their sea tractor will carry you over the waters to ensure you arrive for your afternoon in style! Prices from £55 per person

Cream Tea Options:

East Soar Walkers Hut

A home made, rustic afternoon tea, served from the  Walkers’ Hut at the East Soar Outdoor Experience and paid for at the honesty box- so make sure you bring cash.  Situated next to the South West Coast Path, the farm has resident animals for you to meet including sheep and donkeys, as well as a play area for children. Fuel up with scones and cakes before exploring the coastline or heading down to Soar Mill Cove. Check their website to make sure they are open as they during a few weekends in the summer they are closed to host wedding receptions.

The Billy Can, Torcross

The Billy Can is a popular café and retro sweet shop nestled between Slapton Ley and the beach. Serving a delicious range of sandwiches and cakes

The Winking Prawn, Salcombe

Situated beside the beach at North Sands, Salcombe, this lovely beach cafe has an extensive menu of food and drink and indoor and outdoor seating.

Avon Mill Garden Centre

Just the other side of Kingsbridge, Avon Mill is a lovely garden centre with shops, galleries and a wonderful cafe serving delicious cream teas- highly recommended by our guests this Easter!

Stokeley Farm Shop

Why not buy the components of an afternoon tea from the local farmshop and eat back in your cottage or take down to the beach?!

Easter in South Devon

With Easter heralding the start of Spring, we believe Easter is about getting outside with the family and having fun together after those cold winter days indoors!

We will keep updating with local events so watch this space, but read on for our list of things to do this Easter whilst on holiday at Beeson Farm.

Pennywell Farm https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/ will be running their annual Easter Egg-stravaganza from the 1st April to 10th April. Pennywell is always an egg-stra special day out for families who will love feeding the animals, meeting the miniature pigs and going on the rides.   https://www.pennywellfarm.co.uk/easter-eggstravaganza

The Church House Inn at Stokenham (a few minutes drive from Beeson Farm)are hosting a free Sea Shanty Easter Event on the 8th April. With live music, traditional sea shanties, a bouncy castle, face painting, BBQ and pirate themed treasure hunt this sounds like a brilliant day out! Check their facebook page for details. https://www.churchhouseinnstokenham.co.uk/

South Devon Railway are running 3 family fun weekends, offering excellent value for money. Tickets include a ride on the Steam Train along the River Dart, free entry to the Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterfly sanctuaries, free entry to Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, face painting, childrens entertainment, vintage bus rides and of course, an Easter Egg Hunt! https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/visit-us/whats-on/family-fun-weekend/

Totnes Spring Festival on the 13th April is a free day out for the family with live music, street food, childrens entertainment (including bouncy castle and free crafts) and much more. https://www.visittotnes.co.uk/whats-on/totnes-spring-festival/

The Easter Bunny will be visiting Woodlands Theme Park near Dartmouth from Saturday April 1st to Sunday April 9th. Make your way through the rabbit warren into Bunny’s Easter Grotto featuring amazing Easter themed rooms and meet the Easter Bunny then go thrill seeking on their egg-streme rides!! A day ticket will let you explore all the usual rides and soft play, and woodland areas as well. https://www.woodlandspark.com/

 

Pop over the River Dart to Greenway House (Agatha Christies home) and explore their beautiful grounds while taking part in their Easter Egg Hunt. The trail takes place between 24 March – 30 April, from 10.30am to 5pm, with last entry at 3.30pm.  Prices are £3 per trail (usual admission prices apply) which includes an Easter trail sheet, pencil, bunny ears and chocolate egg. There are fun games along the trail including welly wanging and wheelbarrow racing! https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/greenway

Heron Valley Orchards  are hosting an Easter Egg Hunt in their beautiful grounds.  Grab a sheet from the bar and lead your little ones on an adventure through the orchard to win a chocolatey prize. The hunt can be done anytime between 9am and 5pm and can be taken at your own pace. The cafe will be open serving delicious lunches. https://www.heronvalley.co.uk/products/easter-egg-hunt

We have special offers and reduced rates available in the The Stables, Linhay or Trap House with weekly stays from just £480 per week. Check out our ‘Cottages’ page or contact us to book.