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A blackboard sign  perched on a wooden chair welcoming customers to an Exmoor Tearoom

Follow The Exmoor Cream Tea Trail

An Essential Feature of Exmoor Holidays

Self-catering holidays on Exmoor are complete without at least one visit to a tearoom for a delicious cream tea. Consequently, visitors are spoilt for choice as many tearooms in its moorland towns and villages offer a selection of indoor and outdoor tea gardens. Many are located alongside Exmoor's rivers, such as the Exe and Barle. An Exmoor cream tea is a perfect way to end a day walking on the Moor., but don't leave it too late to find one, as most tearooms close by 4:30 pm.

This article lists our sixteen favourite tea rooms, including their locations, contact details, and opening times (although the latter may occasionally change). If you discover another tearoom while on your Exmoor holiday, do let us know so that we can send out the cream tea detectives to investigate.

 

The Origins of Tearooms

Victorian tearooms were popular gathering places for Victorian England's middle and upper classes, especially during the latter half of the 19th century. They were usually situated in elegant and ornate buildings decorated with luxurious furnishings and adorned with fine china, silverware, and linen.

Victorian tearooms were known for their impeccable service, attention to detail, and adherence to social etiquette. They typically offered a range of tea blends and a variety of light refreshments, such as scones, cakes, sandwiches, and pastries, which were served on tiered cake stands.

The atmosphere in Victorian tearooms was often described as cosy and inviting, with soft lighting, plush seating, and warm colours. They were designed to be elegant and sophisticated yet comfortable and welcoming.

In modern times, many tearooms try to capture the ambience and charm of Victorian tearooms. These tearooms often feature traditional Victorian decor, vintage furnishings, and period-inspired menus, offering visitors a taste of the refined elegance of Victorian England. If you are in North Devon, your cream tea should always be eaten with jam on top. In Somerset, the rule isn't so strictly applied but is always the subject of much debate: Jam or Cream first? You decide!

1. The Combe Martin Bakery and Tea Room

Address:         King St, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0AL

Open:             Mon-Fri: 9:00 - 15:00

                       Sat:10:00 - 15:00

 Sun: Closed

Tel:                 01271 882865

Email:            cmvillagebakery@gmail.com

Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/people/CombeMartinBakeryandTearoom/100057406031388/

The Combe Martin Bakery and Tearoom is a delightful family-run establishment in the picturesque village of Combe Martin in North Devon, England. The bakery has been in operation for over 100 years and is known for its delicious freshly baked bread, cakes, pastries, and pies, all made using traditional methods and locally sourced ingredients.

The tearoom is situated on the first floor of the bakery and provides a warm and cosy atmosphere with vintage furnishings, traditional tea sets, and warm lighting. Visitors can enjoy a range of light lunches, sandwiches, homemade soups, and a variety of hot and cold beverages, including speciality teas and freshly brewed coffee.

One of the specialities of the Combe Martin Bakery and Tearoom is its cream teas, which are served with homemade scones, locally produced clotted cream, and jam. The bakery also offers a range of gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

The tearoom has a charming outdoor seating area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the village's historic buildings. Visitors can enjoy their refreshments in this tranquil setting, surrounded by colourful flower baskets and the soothing sounds of a nearby stream.

Overall, the Combe Martin Bakery and Tearoom is a delightful destination for visitors to North Devon. It offers delicious food, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and a glimpse into the region's rich culinary traditions.

2. Kitnors Tearooms in Bossington

Address:          Kitnors Kitchen, Bossington, Somerset, TA24 8HQ

Open:              All year round / Every day in summer / Friday, Saturday and Sunday in winter.

Tel:                   01643 862643

Email:              kitnors@hotmail.com

Website:          https://www.facebook.com/KitnorsTeaRoomAndGarden/?locale=en_GB

Kitnors Tearooms is a popular and charming tearoom located in the village of Bossington, near Minehead, in Somerset, England. The tearoom is in a picturesque location surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.

The tearoom is known for its cosy and welcoming atmosphere and its delicious homemade cakes, scones, and traditional cream teas. They also serve a variety of sandwiches, light lunches, and hot and cold drinks. Kitnors Tearooms is also known for its friendly and attentive staff, who provide excellent customer service to their guests.

In addition to its food and beverages, Kitnors also offers a range of local products, including jams, chutneys, and other food items, as well as handmade crafts and gifts.

3. Horner Tea Gardens

Address:          Horner, Porlock, Somerset, TA24 8HY

Open:              11:00 – 16:00 Monday to Sunday     

Tel:                   01643 862132

Horner Tea Gardens is a historic tea house in the heart of Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tea gardens have been serving visitors since the early 1900s and are set in a beautiful and tranquil location surrounded by woodland and countryside.

Visitors to Horner Tea Gardens can enjoy a range of traditional English refreshments, including cream teas, cakes, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages, all served in a picturesque outdoor setting. In addition, a small shop on-site sells local souvenirs, gifts, and homemade preserves.

The tea gardens are also known for their beautiful gardens, which are open to the public and house a wide range of flowers, plants, and wildlife. In addition, several walking trails start from the tea gardens, including a popular circular walk through the nearby woods and along the River Horner.

Horner Tea Gardens is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its peaceful and idyllic setting makes it a perfect place to relax and unwind in the heart of the beautiful Exmoor countryside.

4. Locks Tearooms

Address:          18 High St, Dunster, Somerset

Open:              10:00 – 16:30 Monday – Friday

                        10:00 – 16:45 Saturday and Sunday  

Tel:                   01643 822001

Email:              Lockstearooms@outlook.com

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/lockstearooms/

Locks Tearooms is a charming and historic tearoom located in the village of Dunster, on the edge of Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tearoom is situated in a beautiful Grade II listed building that dates back to the 17th century, with traditional thatched roofs and an inviting atmosphere. The tearoom is known for its delicious homemade cakes, scones, and traditional cream teas, served on vintage china in a beautiful and tranquil setting. They also do a range of light lunches, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages made with locally sourced ingredients. In addition to its food and beverages, Locks Tearooms also offers a range of unique gifts and souvenirs, including handmade crafts and locally produced preserves and honey. Locks Tearooms also has a lovely outdoor seating area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby river. Visitors can enjoy refreshments while enjoying the beautiful scenery and the river's tranquil sounds. Locks Tearooms is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Its historical setting and warm and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal or refreshment in the heart of Exmoor.

5. Periwinkle Tearooms

Address:          Periwinkle Cottage Tearooms, Selworthy Green, Selworthy, Somerset, TA248TP

Tel:                   01643 829111

Email:              info@periwinkletearooms.co.uk

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/periwinkletearoom/

Open:              Monday – Sunday:      11:00 – 16:00

Periwinkle Tearooms is a delightfully picturesque tearoom located in the village of Selworthy, in the heart of Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tearoom is in a beautiful 18th-century thatched cottage with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The tearoom is known for its delicious homemade cakes, scones, and traditional cream teas, served on vintage china in a beautiful and peaceful setting. They also serve a variety of light lunches, sandwiches, and hot and cold beverages.

Periwinkle Tearooms is also known for its beautiful garden, which provides a tranquil and idyllic setting for visitors to relax and their refreshments. Visitors can explore several walking trails in the surrounding area, including a popular circular walk through the nearby woods and countryside.

Overall, Periwinkle Tearooms is a charming and inviting destination in Exmoor, offering delicious food, a beautiful garden, and a warm and friendly atmosphere.

6. Exford Bridge Tearooms

Address:          Chapel St, Exford, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7PY

Open:              Monday-Friday: 09.00 – 16.00

                        Saturday-Sunday: 9.00 – 17.00

Tel:                  01643 831304

Email:              exfordbridgetearooms@gmail.com

Facebook:      https://www.facebook.com/exfordbridge.tearooms/

Exford Bridge Tearooms is a charming and historic tearoom located in the picturesque village of Exford, in the heart of the Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tearoom is situated in a beautiful 17th-century thatched building, which adds to its quaint and inviting atmosphere.

The menu at Exford Bridge Tearooms features a variety of homemade cakes, scones, pastries, and light lunches, sandwiches, and salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve a selection of speciality teas and freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon tea.

The tearoom features a cosy and inviting interior, with traditional furnishings, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming ambience. Visitors can relax and enjoy their refreshments in a peaceful setting, surrounded by beautiful flower arrangements and charming vintage decor.

One of the highlights of Exford Bridge Tearooms is its outdoor seating area, which overlooks the River Exe and provides stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy their refreshments while taking in the beautiful views and listening to the calming sound of the water.

7. Boeveys Tearooms

Address:         Simonsbath, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7SH           

Tel:                  01643 831622

Boeveys Tearooms is a lovely tearoom in the charming little hamlet of Simonsbath, situated on the edge of the Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tearoom is named after a former resident of the village, Mr Boevey, who was a keen tea drinker.

The menu at Boeveys Tearooms features a variety of homemade cakes, scones, pastries, light lunches, sandwiches, and salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve a selection of speciality teas and freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon tea.

The tearoom has a cosy and welcoming interior, with traditional furnishings, soft lighting, and a warm and inviting atmosphere. Visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments in a peaceful setting, surrounded by charming vintage decor and beautiful artwork.

One of the highlights of Boeveys Tearooms is its outdoor seating area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy their refreshments while enjoying the beautiful scenery and soaking up the sunshine.

The tearoom also features a small shop that sells a variety of local products, including jams, chutneys, and souvenirs. This makes it a perfect destination for those looking to take a piece of Exmoor home with them.

Overall, Boeveys Tearooms is a delightful cream tea destination. It offers delicious homemade food, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and stunning rural views.

8. Withypool Tearooms

Address:          Withypool, Somerset

Open:              Monday -to Sunday: 09:00 – 16:00     

Tel:                  01643 831279

Email:              tony@withypoolexmoor.co.uk

Facebook:       https://en-gb.facebook.com/withypooltearoom

Withypool Tearooms is a charming tearoom located in the idyllic village of Withypool, situated on the edge of Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tearoom is housed in a beautiful 18th-century building, which adds to its quaint and inviting atmosphere. It is adjacent to the old village garage, now no longer in use, but still sporting a set of retro Shell petrol pumps.

The menu at Withypool Tearooms features a variety of homemade cakes, scones, pastries, and light lunches, sandwiches, and salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve a selection of speciality teas and freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon tea.

The tearoom is beautifully decorated in a traditional style, with wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming ambience. Visitors can relax and enjoy their refreshments in a peaceful setting, surrounded by charming vintage decor and beautiful flower arrangements.

One of the highlights of Withypool Tearooms is its outdoor seating area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the River Barle. Visitors can enjoy their refreshments while enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing in the sunshine.

The tearoom also features a small shop which sells various local products, including jams, chutneys, and souvenirs, making it a perfect destination for those looking to take a piece of Withypool home with them.

9. The Copper Kettle, Dulverton

Address:          21 Fore Street, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9EX

Open:             Tuesday – Saturday, 09:30 – 16:00

Tel:                  01398 323697

Email:              mickorton@btinternet.com

Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/thecopperkettledulverton/

The Copper Kettle is a charming tearoom in Dulverton, situated on the southern edge of Exmoor National Park in Somerset, England. The tearoom is housed in a beautiful historic building, which adds to its cosy and inviting atmosphere.

The Copper Kettle's menu features a variety of homemade cakes, scones, pastries, light lunches, sandwiches, and salads, all made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve a selection of specialty teas and freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon tea.

The tearoom is beautifully decorated in a traditional style, with wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming ambience. Visitors can relax and enjoy their refreshments in a peaceful setting, surrounded by charming vintage decor and beautiful flower arrangements.

One of the highlights of The Copper Kettle is its outdoor seating area, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the River Barle. Visitors can enjoy their refreshments while enjoying the beautiful scenery and relaxing in the sun.

The tearoom also features a small shop which sells various local products, including jams, chutneys, and souvenirs, making it a perfect destination for those looking to take a piece of Dulverton home with them.

Overall, The Copper Kettle is a delightful destination in Dulverton. It offers delicious homemade food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The tearoom is also conveniently located near several popular walking trails, making it a perfect stop for hikers and walkers exploring the area.

10. Watersmeet Tearooms

Address:          Watersmeet, Lynton, Devon

Open:              Monday – Sunday       10:30 – 17:00 

Tel:                  01598 753348

Email:             northdevon@nationaltrust.org.uk

Website:         https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/watersmeet

Watersmeet Tearooms is an idyllic waterside tearoom built in 1832 and located in the heart of the stunning Watersmeet Valley on Exmoor in North Devon. The tearoom is situated in a beautiful National Trust property that was once a fishing lodge. Its idyllic location near Lynmouth on the confluence of the East Lyn River and Hoar Oak Water makes it a popular destination for walkers and hikers exploring the area.

Visitors to Watersmeet Tearooms can enjoy a range of homemade cakes, scones, pastries, light lunches, sandwiches, and salads made with locally sourced ingredients. They also serve a selection of speciality teas and freshly brewed coffee, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing afternoon tea.

The tearoom is beautifully decorated in a traditional style, with wooden furnishings, soft lighting, and a warm and welcoming ambience. A spacious outdoor seating area overlooks the river, offering a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to enjoy their refreshments while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Watersmeet Tearooms is also conveniently located near several popular walking trails, including the South West Coast Path, making it a perfect stop for hikers and walkers exploring the area. The National Trust property also has a visitor centre and gift shop, offering a range of souvenirs and local products.

Overall, Watersmeet Tearooms is a delightful destination in Exmoor. It offers delicious homemade food, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. In addition, its idyllic location in the heart of the Watersmeet Valley makes it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.

11. Bramdowns

Address:             Bramdown House

                           High St, Porlock

                           Minehead

                           TA248PS

Website:             https://bramdowns.co.uk

Open:                 Wednesday  - Saturday: 10:30 – 16:00

Tel                       01843 863400

Bramdowns Tearooms is a local business located on the West Somerset coast in Porlock, a picturesque village in the Exmoor National Park. Bramdowns is a traditional, pet-friendly English tearoom with a local reputation for its home-baked scones. It also serves a variety of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and light meals, along with a selection of teas, coffee, and other beverages. Where possible, all the produce and ingredients are locally sourced. The tearoom (previously Mrs Jackson's Tea Rooms – but still under the same ownership) offers indoor and outdoor seating and has an accompanying gift shop and gallery. It is situated in an old stone building that dates back to the 18th century, which adds to its historic charm. The building has been beautifully restored and retains many original features, including exposed wooden beams and a fireplace. The tearoom is named after a nearby area of heathland known for its stunning scenery and wildlife. Bramdowns Tearooms is a popular spot for visitors to the village of Porlock and locals who appreciate its traditional charm and warm hospitality.

12. Roadwater Community Shop and Café

Address:                     Roadwater, Somerset

Open:                          Monday- Tuesday: 09:30 – 14:00

                                    Wednesday: 10:30 – 15:30

                                    Thursday: 09:30 – 15:30

                                    Friday: Closed

                                    Saturday & Sunday: 09:00 – 14:00

Website:                     https://www.roadwatercommunityshop.co.uk/our-cafe-hub

Tel                               01984 640296

Roadwater Community Shop and Cafe is a local business located in the village of Roadwater in Somerset, England. It is a community-run shop and cafe owned and operated by the village's residents. The shop offers a range of groceries, household items, basic necessities, locally sourced products, and handmade crafts. In 2020, it was voted the best Cycling Cafe in England. The coffee shop allows visitors to eat indoors or outside on the patio. Just take a seat and wait for table service. It also offers a takeaway service for groups who want to enjoy their food on the terrace of their holiday cottages.

The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, cream teas, snacks, and hot and cold beverages. The cafe is a popular gathering place for locals and visitors, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere. In addition to its retail and dining services, Roadwater Community Shop and Cafe is also involved in various community initiatives, such as supporting local charities and hosting events and activities for the community. Overall, it plays a vital role in the village of Roadwater as a hub for socializing, shopping, and supporting the local community. So what better way to help the village than by eating its cream teas?

13. Whortleberry Tearooms

Address:                  High St, Porlock

                                Minehead

                                Somerset

                                TA24 8PY

Opening hours:       Sunday-Monday: Closed

                                Tuesday – Saturday: 10:30 -16:30

Website:                  https://www.whortleberry.co.uk/

Tel:                          01643 862891

E-mail                     info@bramdowns.co.uk

Whortleberry Tearooms is a delightful Exmoor tearoom located in the picturesque village of Porlock in the heart of Exmoor National Park in Somerset. The village tearoom is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike and is known for its delicious homemade cakes, scones, pastries, and its selection of teas and coffees.

The tearoom is housed in a beautiful traditional cottage with a welcoming atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee. The interior has a rustic charm, with wooden tables and chairs, exposed brick walls, and vintage teapots and cups adorning the shelves.

The menu at Whortleberry Tearooms is centred around locally sourced, fresh ingredients and features a range of options to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. From traditional cream teas, which include freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, to light lunches and sandwiches made with homemade bread, there is something for everyone.

One of the standout features of Whortleberry Tearooms is their selection of homemade cakes and pastries, which are baked fresh every day. From classic Victoria sponge and lemon drizzle cakes to more unusual flavours such as courgette and lime cake, there is always something new and exciting to try.

The tearoom also offers a selection of loose-leaf teas, including traditional English breakfast, Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and more unusual blends such as lemon, ginger and rose petal. For coffee lovers, there is a range of freshly brewed coffees, including cappuccinos, lattes, and espressos.

Overall, Whortleberry Tearooms is a must-visit destination for anyone in the area looking for a comfortable spot to enjoy a Somerset cream tea or a delicious homemade treat. With its friendly staff, beautiful surroundings, and mouth-watering menu, it's no wonder this tearoom has become a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike.

14. Ramblers Rest Tearooms

 

Address:                      County Gate, Countisbury, Nr Lynmouth, Devon, 

Open:                          Monday - Sunday: 09:00 – 17:00

Website:                     https://www.facebook.com/TheRamblersRestTeaRoom

Tel:                              07961 738631

Email:                     antonychipperfield@gmail.com

This is a new kid on the block, opening for its first season in April 2023. The stunning location is set high up on the coast road a mile or two beyond the top of Contisbury Hill towards Porlock. It is a single-storey building with a decent car park and has the most stunning Exmoor and sea views. It straddles the border between Devon and Somerset. The strawberry jam comes from Brendon Hill Craft just down the road, while the clotted cream is from Rodders, a very popular Cornish cream which has to suffer the dignity of being applied first (because it is cream-first in Devon, and don’t you forget it.) Arrive by double-decker open-top bus in summer via one of the UK’s most spectacular open-top bus rides. The Exmoor Coaster runs between Lynmouth and Minehead once an hour and stops outside Ramblers Rest.

View the Exmoor Coaster timetable, pricing information, and details about its route. It’s the best way to spend an afternoon travelling between the two towns, enjoying dramatic views and a cream tea stop.

15. The Rocking Horse Cafe

Address:                  Brewers Water Farm, Crocombe, Somerset, TA4 4BH

Opening hours:       Sunday-Tuesday and Thursday-Saturday:  10:00 -17:00

Website:                  https://www.jandjcatering.co.uk/therockinghorse/

Tel:                          07821 315809

E-mail                     charley@jandjcatering.co.uk

The Rocking Horse Cafe is technically a Quantock Hills cafe with gardens on the 'other side of the road' from Exmoor, yet it's a fantastic spot with elegantly presented culinary delights and is well worth including in our Exmoor Cream Tea Trail. The cafe is located in a converted barn on a family farm in Crowcombe, nestling at the foot of the Quantock Hills. It's conveniently accessible via a gentle walk from Stogumber steam train station on the West Somerset Railway or a 25-minute drive from Taunton or Minehead.

The Rocking Horse offers delicious cream teas alongside a traditional and exceptionally scrumptious Somerset menu. While the cream tea part usually consists of English Breakfast, they also provide other choices. Don't hesitate to inquire about their pear and ginger herbal tea!

Table reservations aren't accepted unless five or more hungry people are looking to sit together. With ample seating, guests are encouraged to turn up during opening hours. The cafe is also dog-friendly, welcoming well-behaved dogs on a lead. Its own canine menu features homemade pup cakes and ice cream.

On sunny days, visitors are invited to explore the garden and enjoy alfresco dining outside!

So, there you have it: sixteen tempting Exmoor tearooms to visit all year round. Of course, if you discover and would like to recommend another, please email us (info@mfhc.co.uk) with the relevant information (name, location, and website), and we'll add it to our Exmoor Cream Tea Trail.

 

Please let us know of any corrections that need to be made to any of the information in this article, for which many thanks.

Where to Stay: Our Favourite Exmoor Holiday Cottages

We have an extensive collection of lovely holiday cottages available to rent on Exmoor, from romantic rural boltholes for couples to large country houses that offer accommodation for groups of friends or large families.

 

Image: Withymead Cottage in Withypool. Sleeps 4