There’s nothing more quintessentially English than to partake in a delicious cream tea. What’s more, the best way to celebrate a summer staycation in the New Forest is to devour one outdoors in a beautiful garden surrounded by birdsong.
A ‘good’ cream tea isn’t always that easy to find. By a ‘good’ one, we mean it doesn’t always have to come on huge cakes stands with all the trimmings of obligatory finger sandwiches, cupcakes, and tea lists as long as your arm. They do however need to centre around freshly baked scones – either plain or studded with raisins. The scones must be billowy and light, with quality, fruit-packed sticky jam, and thick, unctuous clotted cream by the bowlful. When on holiday in one of our New Forest cottages, why not treat yourself to a delectable feast of indulgence.
Here’s our round-up of the 5 best cream teas in the New Forest.
The Old Station Tea Rooms, Holmsley
As the name suggests, these tearooms were once a railway station which was last in use back in the 1960’s. The track is now a picturesque gravel walk and cycle track between the villages of Sway and Burley. The Old Station Holmsley Tearooms have been serving satisfied customers with scrumptious cream teas for many years now. Pop in for a quick couple of scones, jam, and cream or, go for the full monty of sandwiches, plain, fruit along with home-made patisseries and cake. Jazz it up further and add some bubbles by the glass or bottle.
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Montagu Arms Hotel, Beaulieu
Go for a more formal affair in the gardens of this plush hotel in Beaulieu – hailed as one of the prettiest villages in the New Forest. The Montagu Arms Hotel tasting journey cream tea is an experience not to be missed. Expect delicate finger sandwiches, moreish Scotch eggs and a selection of home-grown apple sausage rolls and pork pies, in addition to sweet treats, scones, cream, and jam. We love their Dorset cheddar and bacon scones which they serve alongside soft cheese and a fruity home-made chutney.
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Rosie Lea House, near Lymington
The latest addition to the trilogy of Rosie Lea is the perfect setting for a little afternoon indulgence. It’s exceptional inside and out. What was once a country pub is now a shabby chic haven with a gorgeous garden filled with cottage blooms overlooking fields and countryside. From breakfast through to dinner, Rosie Lea House is a destination to while away the hours sipping on local wine and ales. The afternoon tea menu includes all of the usual homemade treats with twists of Pimms, fresh berries, strawberry or tutti-frutti jam and gooey chocolate brownies in very generous portions.
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Cliffhanger Restaurant, Highcliffe
The Cliffhanger has made it to our list more for its location than the cream tea, although it’s still absolutely delicious! The café/restaurant is on the cliff top – close to Highcliffe Castle, and next to a path leading down to the beach. The views are breathtaking and span the whole of Bournemouth Bay overlooking the Isle of Wight across to the ancient Purbeck to the west. The food here is wonderful from breakfast throughout the day. It’s a great spot to watch surfers catch the waves below while wolfing down scones, cream, and jam. If you’re feeling really naughty, add some homemade cake. We love the apple cake, lemon drizzle and giant Viennese swirls.
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Rhinefield House, near Brockenhurst
The iconic Rhinefield House Hotel is slap bang in the middle of the New Forest National Park and surrounded by fairytale woods and forest walks. It’s close to Bolderwood where you can see wild deer gather to feed in the open meadows from a platform viewing station. Afternoon tea at Rhinefield House is the perfect reward after a long walk, especially taken outside overlooking the impressive ornamental pond. Their traditional cream tea is a mix of all the delicious components you’d expect. However, the savoury version include tiers of goodies such as mini beef burgers, mini fish fillets, ricotta, beetroot and red pepper en croute, tarts, pies, and cheese scones – delicious!
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Limewood, near Lyndhurst
Maybe the crème de la crème of the best cream teas in the New Forest, the 5 star Limewood Hotel may be pricey, but it’s worth it. It’s not at all stuffy; the setting is refined country luxury where attentive staff and a relaxed ambience enhance an indulgent afternoon. A tea, coffee, cocktail, gin, wine, champagne list take up most of the menu, with just the offering of a sweet cream tea, there are no savoury options here. Choose from home-smoked salmon, roast beef, or ham sandwiches before moving on to delicate pastries with highlights of damson eclairs and chocolate and fennel flowerpots. Then come buttery scones, slightly crisp on the outside, soft in the centre for you to smother in lashings of cream and New Forest Jam. If you’re looking for luxe vibes and location, go to Limewood.
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