Whether you’re jam first or cream first, there are few things that signal ‘holiday’ more than sitting under a country garden parasol with a warm scone slathered in clotted cream and jam. Here are some of our favourite spots near the motorway where you can pull in for a dose of that holiday feeling.
Hoghton Tower
M6, Junction 31
For a grand cream tea, look no further than Lancashire’s fortified Tudor manor, Hoghton Tower. Knights and their ladies are invited to sample tea and cook’s delicious scones, served up in the medieval-style banqueting hall.
Red House Farm
M6, Junction 21
Homemade scones served up in a countrified old farm building at the edge of the family farm, plus there’s a fantastic play area for kids outside so parents can enjoy theirs in peace.
The Edge
M5, Junction 14
Father and daughter team serve up formidable baking at The Edge in the heart of the pretty Cotswold village of Wotton-under-Edge, and the scones are no exception.
The Almshouse Tea Shop
M5, Junction 22
Neighbouring Cheddar is known for its strawberries as much as for its cheese, which makes for absolutely mouthwatering conserve to pile on The Almshouse’s scones.
Taylors
A38, Ashburton
An adorable tea room filled with period furniture and vintage china at the edge of Dartmoor, Taylors has 22 loose-leaf teas to pair with its scones.
Woods Cafe
A38, Bodmin Bypass
Devon and Cornwall are arguably the motherland of the cream tea, so it’s little surprise that the South West is so well furnished with them. The Woods’ is really special though, served in a Hansel and Gretel-style cottage in the heart of Cardinham Woods. Magical.
Miss Molly’s Tea Room
A38, Tolvadon
Tucked away at the back of a vintage and bric-a-brac shop, Miss Molly’s is a real treasure. Food is all homemade and freshly baked, while the setting in an old mine counting house means you can daydream that you’re on the set of Poldark.
Living Pretty
A303, Horton Cross
People come from miles around to sample Living Pretty’s famous jumbleberry jam cream tea. Join them to see what keeps them coming back for more.
The Tea Cosy
A303, Andover
Recently awarded Muddy Stiletto’s ‘Best Cafe in Hampshire’ award, the Tea Cosy is a gem of a cafe. Owner Jenni is the baking maestro behind their lauded cakes, and her expertise extends easily to scones.
The Orchard Cafe
M4, Junction 32
Everything at the Orchard Cafe is made from scratch, right down to the loaves of bread. Flavours are sensational and the pretty little garden is the perfect spot for an afternoon tea.
Folly Row
M4, Junction 17
Fluffy scones are served on vintage china and accompanied by strawberry jam fresh from the neighbour’s allotment at this wonderful Wiltshire cafe.
Royal Oak Farm
A30, Stockland Hill
Consistently awarded prizes for their cream teas, it’s well worth diverting to Royal Oak Farm to see what makes them so special. Homemade jam is served in glass dishes with fluffy scones to tables dressed with lace tablecloths.
Rosey Lea
M11, Junction 8
With owner Leanne’s affection for tea (15 loose leaf versions), scones are a natural accompaniment. Try the cheese versions if you’re feeling over-sugared.
Tea at Tapps
A1, Junction 9
It’s hard to believe that Louise is a self-taught baker with the magic that she conjures in the kitchen. Everything is made with local ingredients and super flavourful as a result.
The Old Stables Alnwick
A1, Denwick
Enjoy a homemade scone and pot of tea on your way North in the Old Stables’ secluded, suntrap courtyard, from where you can watch the buzzards calling overhead.
Whetstone Pastures
M1, Junction 20
Housed at the edge of a Pick-Your-Own farm (with a large playbarn), Whetstone Pastures’ Strawberry Cottage Tea Room is famous for Sandra’s cream teas, served with her homemade jam. Buy a pot to take home with you.
Back in Time for Tea
M1, Junction 20
The scone recipe at this war-time themed cafe has been honed for decades. Drop in for a unique setting and the ultimate in classic cream teas.
