Is every holiday in Devon not made complete by a perfect Devon cream tea? The crumbly scones, the tangy fruity jam and a big dollop of clotted cream with a quintessentially English cup of tea.
National Cream Tea Day
Friday 30th June 2017 is National Cream Tea Day, not only does this bring the perfect opportunity to enjoy some of the West Countries finest ingredients and tradition but also for many, a way to support local charities inspired by this favourite teatime treat.
The exact origin of “cream tea” is disputed, although there is evidence to suggest that the tradition of eating bread with cream and jam already existed at Tavistock Abbey in Devon in the 11th century. The drinking of tea is thought to have begun in Portugal and is said to have reached the UK when Catherine de Braganza married Charles II in 1662, its popularity soon made the drink a respected English custom. It is thanks to the Duchess of Bedford however that the addition of sandwiches and our much loved scones with cream became widely enjoyed as part of a social occasion.
Where can you enjoy a Cream Tea in South Devon?
We’re spoilt for choice here at Welcome Family Holiday Park, surrounded in beautiful local Devon cream tea venues. Just down the road Ryders Bakery offers cream tea, take away style to be enjoyed on the beach, while Powderham Castle is proud to describe how the Earl of Devon played a significant part in the origin of the Devonshire Cream Tea.
Gays Creamery in Dawlish town also serves takeaway cream teas, which can been enjoyed whilst sitting on tables next to the brook. If you want to travel a little further afield, try Angels Tea room in Babbacombe, Torquay. Here you can sit inside or out – opt for outside and you’ll be able to enjoy fantastic views of Lyme Bay. Why not pay a visit to Babbacombe Cliff Railway, Bygones or Babbacome Model Village while you’re there – all these attractions are close to each other and well worth a visit.
Is it Jam or Cream first?
How to compile your cream tea, however, causes great debate. Is it jam then cream like our Cornish neighbours, or cream then jam like a true Devonian? You could even adhere to The Cream Tea Society published etiquette ‘Don’t treat your clotted cream like butter and your scone will be all the better’.
Maybe the solution is to try both styles during your holiday, whilst of course discussing how to order its main component. Is it scone rhymes with cone or my scone has gone? Whatever your dialect, we look forward to welcoming you Devon to celebrate National Cream Tea Day, Devonian style.
Staying at Welcome Family’s self-catering accommodation in South Devon is the recipe for a wonderful family holiday. Simply book online or call us today on 03451 656265.
