Festive afternoon teas in Cornwall

It’s that time of year when miniature cakes, scones and finger sandwiches are served with a scrumptious seasonal twist. Here’s our pick of some of the best festive afternoon teas in Cornwall

Hotel Meudon, Falmouth

At Hotel Meudon festive afternoon teas are an ode to tradition where you can nibble on seasonal savouries including pigs-in-blanket sausage rolls, turkey and cranberry sandwiches, and sprout and chestnut quiche.

An array of pretty patisserie also offers yuletide flair and includes clementine, orange and almond cake, mini mince pie and white chocolate and coconut bon bon. 

That ever popular afternoon-tea staple, namely the scone, isn’t overlooked and the fresh-from-the-oven bakes are delicious when smothered in Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam. Should you want to make merry, choose to accompany these delightful tidbits with mulled wine or a glass of Champagne.  

The hotel’s fabulous Cornish coastal setting and subtropical gardens mean that any teatime over-indulgence can be offset with a stroll to explore the grounds and a secluded romantic cove.

Festive afternoon tea is available from December 1 to December 22, 2.30pm to 5pm.

From £30 per person.

Polurrian on the Lizard, Helston

Nothing quite gets you in the Christmas spirit like a festive afternoon tea that all the family can enjoy, and delighted children will love feasting on the meringue snowmen, gingerbread men and chocolate cake on offer at Polurrian on the Lizard.

The hotel’s award-winning festive afternoon tea artfully blends playful and elegant, allowing both children and grownups to enjoy this once-a-year ritual. Delicate sandwiches are lined with the likes of smoked salmon and lemon and dill cream cheese while festive fancies include fig and rum cake, spiced rum and cherry slice, and white chocolate and pistachio macron.

Escaping to this coastal retreat and its spectacular Cornish coastal setting provides an ideal pause from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping, allowing all the family to enjoy edible seasonal surprises in tranquil seclusion. An option to upgrade to a bottomless festive tea provides the ultimate indulgence.

Festive afternoon tea is available until Saturday December 23

From £19.50 per person.

The Alverton Hotel, Truro

We’re loving the idea of partaking in a plentiful festive afternoon tea while cosied up next to a roaring fire and sipping a glass of piping hot mulled wine at this historic hotel in Truro.

The Alverton is offering you the chance to replenish on three tiers of Cornish fare, which include seasonal sandwiches, glazed pigs in blankets, and turkey, cranberry and stuffing brioche rolls.  

Winter-spiced sweets include Christmas-pudding truffles, toffee-apple trifle and cafe mocha mousse. The extravagant experience also includes the traditional festive jam and clotted cream atop springy scones.

Despite the hotel’s secluded setting, it isn’t far from the heart of festive cheer in Truro’s town centre so afternoon tea can be combined with an exploration of the city’s shops, markets and lights.

Festive afternoon tea is available until January 1.

 £25 per adult, £12.50 per child.

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Lostwithiel 

An afternoon spent in The Orangery, sipping tea and tucking into delicate pastries and delectable sandwiches sounds like a wonderful winter pastime.

The Duchy of Cornwall’s elegant nursery restaurant offers a classic three-tiered stand for two laden with the likes of stollen slice, chocolate orange delice, cranberry macron and a mulled wine jelly and toasted meringue shot. Classic finger food includes scones, festive finger sandwiches and an ‘Old Cornish’ Duchy scotch egg.

Combine your visit with a spot of seasonal shopping and factor in a bit of extra time to peruse the array of gifts, homewares, children’s toys, clothing and artisan gardening accessories. It’s an opportunity to discover local and sustainable products you won’t find on the high street.

Festive afternoon tea is available until December 31 (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day).

From £30 per person.

Talland Bay Hotel, Looe

This coastal hotel, which is famous for housing quirky artworks in its grounds and garden, is particularly magical at Christmastime. At Talland Bay, stone sculptures are festooned with Santa hats while tables, trees and mantlepieces are bedecked with festive sparkle.   

Visitors keen to see the decorations can pause to savour a taste of Christmas too. Delicate finger sandwiches are elevated with festive flavours while dainty patisserie, such as mini mince pies and yule logs, add seasonal charm. Scones come laden with Rodda’s clotted cream and homemade jam.

The festive afternoon tea can be enjoyed in front of the fire with fizz or a warming glass of mulled cider. For maximum winter enchantment on a crisp day, feasting can be combined with a bracing coastal walk.

Festive afternoon tea is available into the new year.

From £28 per person.

Like 5 of the best festive afternoon teas in Cornwall? Check out 5 of the best New Year’s Eve breaks.

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