Cornish cream tea
Falmouth and across Cornwall
- Independent UK guide
- Free to use
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- Updated October 2026
What to expect
A Cornish cream tea is a split scone, usually warm, spread with strawberry jam first and clotted cream on top, served with a pot of tea. The order of the jam and cream is the great debate between Cornwall, which puts jam first, and Devon, which puts cream first. You will find it in tea rooms, cafes and gardens all over Cornwall, and it is a perfect treat after a coast walk.
Tips before you go
- Try a scone with local clotted cream for the best result.
- Tea rooms in gardens and on beaches are often the loveliest settings.
- Some places serve cream teas only in the afternoon.
Book or plan it
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Where to base yourself
A maritime town on the third-deepest natural harbour in the world
A weekend in St IvesCornwallGolden beaches, art galleries and a pretty Cornish harbour
What to pack
Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.
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More kit guides: Wet-weather gear
Related activities
Afternoon tea is a Bath tradition, and you can enjoy it in grand Georgian settings, boutique hotels or the Pump Room beside the Roman Baths.
Afternoon tea in YorkYork, North YorkshireYork has a long tradition of tea rooms, and an afternoon tea is a favourite part of a weekend there.
Seafood in PadstowPadstow, CornwallPadstow is one of Cornwall's best-known food towns, centred on a working fishing harbour.
Frequently asked questions
Is it jam or cream first in Cornwall?
Traditionally jam first, then clotted cream on top. In Devon, cream goes on first. It is a friendly regional argument.
Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.