Margaret's Rustic Tea Garden in Cornwall, Isles of Scilly

Super stop off point on the walk back to Bude from Sandymouth. Lovely spot , great coffee and cake, wonderful staff and they even do cocktails!

Delightful find on our coastal walk from Sandymouth to Bude. Friendly service and the cakes were delicious. Good selection of hot and cold drinks. Highly recommend for a refreshing break in the heat. An oasis.

This is now called Sip & Sea and run by a lovely young couple. There are no meals available but the homemade cakes and locally produced snacks, all selected by Emily, provide a decent stop-gap. The coffee is good and I can recommed the rosé wine too! It's a delightful little spot which has an added bonus of live music at the weekends (during the summer months). Plenty of seating available but no parking, so if you drive, park at the top in the car park, just a short walk away...

This is no longer the Rustic Tea Garden. It is now called Sip and Sea. Paper cups and plates, everything disposable, cream teas still sold but bought in just like supermarket versions you can buy yourself. The view and setting is still the same, nothing else.

We walked from Summerleaze beach along the coastline and saw there was a cafe at the end, we couldn’t see it then as we came over the brow of the hill there it was. A sweet little cafe being run from a converted horse box. We have coffee and ice creams but they also sold food (like Buddha bowls) Tara coffees and cocktails, cider and beers (maybe?). Was a lovely little spot, with a small river running through, dog friendly and even had some live acoustic guitar player (not invasive just playing some gentle tunes) Definitely recommend a walk to this cafe for a stop. Took 45 minutes to get there roughly

What a lovely find! Beautiful and friendly outdoor tea/coffee cafe at Northcott Mouth. Emily, the owner, is so warm and friendly and it's a calm and relaxing setting. I ordered a small cream tea and it was delicious. You can reach the cafe by walking from Crooklets, or if driving I recommend the NT car park and walk to the cafe, which is over the little bridge and stream. You won't be disappointed.

Bloody lovely picturesque cafe. Staff were friendly and polite. Dog friendly. My daughter complained that the cake was a thin slice but that because she's a hangry 11 yr old who loves sugar...

We've visited this location several times over the years, but not since the current owners took over. The lovely ladies in the caravan served old school tea and coffee in mismatched crockery compared to the single use disposable paper out of a horsebox, but it's the portions of cake that disappointed. The person serving couldn't even get the slice of cake into the paper bag without it disintegrating, it was so thin it looked like it was cut using a bacon slicer. It should be a treat not a disappointment.

Lovely spot on a little stream and nice afternoon tea. Has been taken over by a new owner. Only negative is disposal cups and plates. Personally feel like it ruins the tea and cake.

A warm welcome always awaits you at this hidden gem. Cakes, teas and cofees, ice creams and a great range of alcoholic beverages make this venue a must visit. Follow on Instagram to find out what is on offer from; live music provided by local talent, food vans offering wide a range of awesome food from vegan treats to tacos, sound baths and plays. A firm favourite with locals and visitors - Sip and Sea is incredible!

We found this as 'Sip and Sea' on Google maps. The route down was challenging but do persevere - it's well worth it. There is parking just past the gardens at the end of the site. They do a wide range of quality drinks, snacks and ice creams. The lemon drizzle was the best I've had for a very long time - beautifully moist and sharp. My husband had the cream tea - scones were excellent. Friendly and helpful service. They also have special events on so watch for announcements. There was a vegan and raw stall the day we visited and the food sounded delicious (I am a carnivore)! The nearby beach is lovely so we went for a wander before returning for a Kelly's ice cream.

Great spot for a break. We were walking from Bude to Sandymouth and this little oasis was perfect for a coffee and cake. Lovely fresh food and proper coffee. Toilets available too. There is a number of outside benches to sit and enjoy your coffee. Car parking 100 meters away and the beach 100 meters way. Toilet on site. All very clean and the young couple running the place were very pleasant. Dog treats available for good doggies!

We knew that this place had changed hands since Margaret passed away, but it is not a patch on what it used to be. The caravan has gone, to be replaced with a small horse box, only serving cake and drinks. No more sandwiches or pasties, homemade by Margarets friend. It would be nice to think it would expand and we shall call again in a few months to see if it has improves. Having said that people who did not know what it was like before may think it is ok, and it is handy if you are on the beach at Northcott

Lovely little hidden gem. Needs more obvious signage from the beach as we only stumbled across this place by accident. Beautiful location. Excellent hostess :)

After a beautiful walk from Crooklets beach, this was exactly what we needed - excellent, homemade BLTs and cakes . All in a beautiful setting.....

What an amazing little hidden gem. Awesome location and friendly service. Great cream teas and cakes, as well as the usual ice creams. Remember you are on holiday, as the service is not fast, but that just adds to the character and experience of a visit. Relax and enjoy the garden and it is well worth the wait. We will definitely go back. Thank you

This place is exactly what it says on the tin. I visited with friends who remember the previous owner, Margaret. Cakes were delicious! The new owner was on his own due to a family emergency - but he wasn’t flustered by queues or those who chose to walk away. (Mistake. Big mistake!) This was Cornwall pace! Each customer was an individual- lovely guy working in challenging circumstances with a smile and a grateful heart. His queue of customers came second to administering first aid to a young lad who’d been stung by a weaver fish - he got a bucket of hot water and an ice cream! This is pure gold. If you want pasties order the day before. If you want an immediate cuppa then go elsewhere. If you want a genuine slice of Cornish Kindness alongside delicious cake and a mug of tea this is your stop.

Perfect pitstop when walking the south west coastal walk. Just off Northcott beach. Such a lovely idea to set a tea garden into the fields where the stream cuts through. Scones were nice. Lovely views.

Gone are the fresh scones we enjoyed when Margaret was at the helm. Scones today were clearly not fresh and definitely shop brought. The whole place has gone downhill since Margaret’s passing. Such a shame. We’ve visited a few times since Margaret’s passing to continue our support but will not be returning now. We will keep our memory of Margaret’s.

In a field, in the middle of nowhere with service out of a battered old mobile home and visitors could wish for nowhere better. Follow the road signs from Bude to Northcott Mouth, or check out details in your National Trust guide and set in a field a few yards from the stunning cove on the North Cornwall coast and you will discover a real treat. The Rustic Tea Garden is what it says on the tin - a tea garden in a rustic setting. A couple of times a week you will find me there with a perfectly cooked bacon bap and a delicious cup of tea watching dragonflies and birds flitting around me. Run for years by Margaret who was a local character, she sadly dies a few years ago, but it is now run by a young local couple who have continued the legacy that Margaret started. Nothing grand on the menu but cakes are sourced locally as is most of the other produce.

We stopped by the Rustic Tea Garden half way through a long walk and it exceeded all expectations for our break. The service and seating area were festively decorated for the Jubilee weekend. The menu had an excellent selection of savoury and sweet options. We had lovely mint choc chip ice cream and a selection of cakes. The lemon cake was quite possibly the best lemon cake I have ever eaten! My hubby and friend had the caramel brownie and white chocolate and raspberry cake, which were excellent too. The service was friendly and efficient yet relaxed at the same time - set the tone perfectly for our relax and recovery for the next leg of our walk. I highly recommend the Rustic Tea Garden and will be back on a future trip.

Visited the tea gardens in august, what an absolute gem!! Love love the place, food was amazing and the most accommodating couple you could meet. All these 1 star reviews are clearly people that you will never please, and certainly wouldn’t want to be in...

Travelled here with small children as it was advertised as being open. Disappointed to then find that it was closed. Return home hungry and disappointed.

This cafe receives one star from us as we can’t give it none. Clueless service that caused us to give up. A completely amateur team of two have no idea how to run a cafe and no appreciation of customer service. In spite of the...

I wanted to give this 3.5 stars as its above average but i also wouldnt say very good at the moment. Heres why and only my opinion... As a local i went when it was Margaret's tea rooms. Its had a wonderful charm that came...

We stopped here after a walk from Bude to Northcott Mouth and were really charmed by its tranquil setting! The owners were friendly and the ice cream was delicious. Would recommend to anyone looking for a refreshment stop in the area!

Ideal spot to stop off for tea & coffee Great for lunch & cream team by northcott beach Amazing spot

Lovely people, nice garden and an amazing cream tea!!!!! Definitely worth a visit. Good value for money for delicious fresh food. Covid safe and compliant.

We visited Beth and Paul at the tea room today and had a lovely experience. Friendly service and a beautifully fresh cheese scone with a perfect mug of tea in a perfect setting. Thank you, we will be back 🐾

This was the best cream tea by far. . Great location, great staff and very welcoming. These guys are doing a fab job and it’s so nice to be able to sit and relax.

Stopped here for a well deserved cuppa and ice cream whilst walking the coast path. Lovely location, and great ice cream. Cash only and no toilets.

It was lovely to find that The new owners have kept up .Margaret 's high standards. Lovely cream tea,choice of coffee, and great chocolate Ice cream. Well done, will definitely be back next time we are in Bude

We have been going to the rustic tea gardens since moving to the area in 2019. Went today for a cream tea but so disappointing, Firstly the scone tasted as if it had come from the cash and carry along with the jam which was...

Really lovely cafe, cakes are really nice and staff are super friendly. My little boy loved the garden.

Picture perfect setting, lovely creams tea and the best cheese and onion pasty all holiday. Heads up It’s cash only! Will be coming back

Nice location but £5 for a scone with cream and jam and a mug of tea was not worth it,the scone was artificial and cheap jam. The next day we had a lovely cream tea at Boscastle farm shop.

I visited from Shaftesbury, Dorset with a dear friend hoping to introduce her to the wonderful 'Auntie' Margaret only to be told the devastating news....please give to Margaret's memorial fund to raise money for defibrillators in this beautiful area !A wonderful lady.... sadly missed.

Called in here hoping for a light lunch , a bit disappointed that the only hot food they had left at approx 1:30pm was bacon sandwiches and not the full list shown, however had a lovely cuppa and they were very friendly. A nice place to sit with plenty of benches all socially distant from each other.

We visited today and wasn’t disappointed, the food is lovely, reasonable prices and to note it is cash only. Lovely outdoor seating and a pretty little stream. Highly recommend. No toilets available

If you find yourself in Bude and only half a day of sunshine visit Margaret's tea room. cream tea to die for. I'm a Northerner- and I'm fussy about my cup of tea- Absolutely spot-on- no limp handshake here. Enough to keep the kids interested in exploring the rocky landscape - and I had a stroppy teenager. They have doggy ice cream as well, which just about sums up the amount of time and care these ladies put in to keep us all happy. You won't be disappointed.

We often visit this place, and after a day at Sandymouth we decided to walk along the cliff top to Northcott, and then down all the steps to visit Margaret, our first time this year due to winter closure and lockdown. Sadly we learned that Margaret had passed away some months ago. She was a great lady, and we will miss her. She was always friendly, and had time for everyone. It was nice to meet Michelle,r who is helping Margaret's daughter out for the time being, and I do hope they will find some way to keep the garden running. It is such a lovely tranquil place, a hidden gem, serving delicious home made pasties and cakes

After a great day on the beach and walking along the coast we stopped here for a cup of tea and something to eat.....Fantastic cream tea in a beautiful setting (helped being a sunny day)! Friendly welcome and great value for money - thanks!

Great to find this open air cafe during a recent walk on the coastal path. Great to sit and watch the birds swooping along the stream. All drinks freshly made and food heated up to order. There was only person serving, so slow but worth the wait.

The best Cornish cream tea ever, the scones where unbelievably fresh ( melted in your mouth). Lovely friendly people and can’t recommend enough. Use google maps to locate as I nearly turned back as it looked like a dead end but luckily I didn’t.

One of the most idyllic iconic kindest and caring humans beings who makes the most amazing cup a tea coupled with a fulfilling cream tea. Margaret, you will be missed darling sleep tight, our summer jaunts town to Northcott inspecting the beach for pups then over to you for a cuppa will never be the same.

Pros: Lovely seating area in a sun trap garden by a gurgling streamDelicious cake and scones with jam and actually what might be too much cream (said no Cornish person ever!)Service with a smile and a nice bowl of water for the dogcons: no shelter in worse weather!

The sun was shining, lawn area so clean and tidy. Little stream running through with children playing. The ladies in the caravan were lovely. So helpful and friendly. The cream tea was perfect. Cannot wait to return.x

Lovely setting but hugely disappointing quality cream tea. Served from a dirty caravan in which the owner sat smoking. Scones are shop bought, terrible quality & all masked by over generous helpings of cheap jam & cream. Served on ropey crockery. Instant drinks served at barista prices. Really overrated & left feeling utterly ripped off!

Took out friends here this Summer, they couldn't believe the fabulous cream tea Margaret served us, homemade scones with delicious strawberry jam and masses of delicious clotted cream. There was even had healthy doggy ice cream to keep our pooch happy. Margaret is a local treasure, she is so warm and welcoming, nothing is too much trouble. The tea room is situated in a lovely hollow set back from Northcott beach a not so hidden gem. A must visit if you want to try the true taste of Cornwall with the jam first and cream on top

This is undoubtedly the best cream tea anywhere, the host Margaret is a lovely chatty lady and her food and drinks the best for miles. It might be a trek down little lanes but it's definitely worth it.

Myself and my girlfriend was on a hike taking in all of Cornwall’s delightful views when we stumbled across this little tea room - and my word is it amazing! Margaret is the nicest lady we’ve ever met and deserves all the credit she has. The tea was amazing, the garden is lovely to sit in and we just can’t put words on how great it was. Coming all the way from Kent really makes it worth it to talk to someone who’s kept a successful business going since 1963 and it’s no surprise. We was even spoilt with extra insight into what to do around the area! A must do for anyone visiting this part of Cornwall!Kind regards,Tom and Natasha. :)

Hidden gem just up from Northcott Beach. If you can’t find it, listen out for the ladies laughing as they serve! If they don’t put a smile on your face then the cream teas certainly will! Cracking tea, cracking location, cracking scones! A must!

Having read glowing reviews for the tea room we were disappointed to discover that the scones and cakes weren't handmade or particularly fresh and whilst yes the gardens are quaint and very pretty we wouldn't recommend it for anything other than a mug of tea.

We walked along from Bude when the tide was at its lowest. It takes about 30 minutes from Summerleaze. Turn right at Northcott (where there are lifeguards), follow the Cornish flag. Margaret’s caravan is perched next to a stream, lots of tables. A mug of tea, a scone halved and loaded with a lot of jam then cream is £5. If the mug was refillable, that would be a good price. Herbal teas available.Margaret is a local character, highly respected in the area, she’s involved with everything, well worth chatting to if she has time and not too busy!The tide was coming in so we walked back to Bude along the coastal path. Mostly easy walking until you near Bude, you can veer off to the left and round if you want to avoid steep shale steps.

This is the 3rd time in a couple of years that we have visited for a cream tea. Sadly this time we were very disappointed.

I’ve heard great things about this place. As I’ve lived in the area for years, I thought I would visit the tea garden. The location was absolutely stunning, it was very relaxing however the food was a let down. I’ve had many cream teas and you would normally get a pot of tea and milk, a scone and jam and cream separately. However the tea was already made up, meaning for me it was far to milky, and the scones were also made up as well. As someone who has served cream teas for a long time this was rather disappointing. I would recommend going to somewhere in bude if your looking for quality as in most places you get a lot of tea and 2 scones. However here they serve you with a cup of tea and a scone. I do feel that they use the lovely scenery to bump up the prices and not worry about the food.

Having read the reviews on here we walked here but I have to say it was fairly disappointing. The seating area outside is nice but could be made more pleasant and to consider if it rains. The creams teas were OK but nothing particularly special. scones were nice. However, both the scones and tea were made for you. I would prefer to put my own jam and cream on and have a pot of tea. It’s usual prices for the area £5 for a cream tea with one scone and one cup of tea.

So quintessentially English, a cream and jam scone washed down with a mug of tea. The setting is stunning, quirky, tranquil, however the main beauty of this tea garden is it’s simplicity. It’s just unique.

This place is amazing. Wonderful lady running it for many years. Great food and wonderful location very good prices and a wide range of food, drinks, cream teas etc to choose from Highly recommend and a great walk to get there from Bude

Visited Margaret’s for the 1st time, and soooo glad we chose this place to have our cream tea. Margaret greeted us with that laugh I’d only read in reviews and every review is perfect, we had the luxury of it raining as we arrived and were invited inside the caravan, this made the whole experience 110 times better, exchanging stories with Margaret and her 2 friends who were already there. It was a fun filled laughter afternoon, was more like visiting a loving family member than just a cream tea. So all I can say is if your in Bude or close to it visit this wonderful place. And maybe you’ll get lucky and it’ll rain lol, although the views outside are stunning.

We come to Bude 3 X a year and always visit Margaret.

This is not just a cream tea - it's an experience! As you approach the tea garden you hear Margaret laughing. She not only serves up the best cream teas she genuinely enjoys meeting each and everyone of her customers. The setting is delightful tucked just slightly back from a beautiful, rugged bay on the coast path. Yes the setting is lovely, the cream tea is legendary but your abiding memory will be of Margaret herself!

Had a Cream Tea and a sausage roll here. Both looked very tasty but the tea was weak and luke warm. The scone had a generous amount of delicious cream but tasted stale and was too soft to eat without a spoon. The sausage roll was also stale, shop bought and tasteless. Lovely location and setting let down by the food, drink and lady who runs it smoking in the caravan! I would avoid in future!

always go to margrets for our cream tea`s when were in bude there just the best and stunning surroundings

I was told that you'd hear Margaret's laugh before you met her;that's when you know that you have found the right place. This is true; Margaret is a barrel of laughs. Her generous laughter is extended to her clotted cream servings. So if you love clotted cream you won't go wrong here.

Visited last week and had the best cream tea ever. Beautiful setting next to the beach in a fab garden. One thing to note is that it’s cash only- we scrabbled together all our change to order some teas between us and it was well worth it. LUSH. Stand up job Margret.

Margaret’s was recommended to us as the place to have Cornish cream tea whilst holidaying in Bude. We made the 2.6 mile walk along the cliffs and arrived suitably in need of refreshment. The staff seemed cheerful and the setting was nice (all outdoor seating around a brook) but unfortunately for me the food was a let down. I prefer homemade warm scones with my cream tea however these were shop bought served cold and tasted bland, they did however have plenty of jam and clotted cream. My daughter had the lemon cake again shop bought and very dry. The tea was good! I myself would look for somewhere where the merchandise is home cooked

Just a little tea garden in the most peaceful of locations ....2km walk from Bude over the beautiful cliffs. Very friendly kind people ...

A great place to walk to from Bude if you want a bit of exercise. The owner is a wonderful lady, a real character. Plentiful tea and cake, cream teas, all of generous proportions. All seating is outside. Quirky and delightful.

Love, love, love this place. The most amazing cream teas in the world! And the ladies in the caravan are awesome. Always a must-visit when we visit Bude 😍

Anyone who marks this place down needs to get some perspective on life. It’s a tea garden at a beach!

Een leuke locatie net achter het strand. Heel gastvrij, en zo lang het droog is een heerlijke tuin met super goede tussendoor tjes en drinken. De tuin is leuk aangekleed en volop bloemen in de zomer.

Fantastic cream teas served up by a pair of fantastic ladies. Well worth the trip off the beaten track. Margaret’s laugh is infectious

A perfect setting if you're looking to soak in the good weather, sights, sounds along with your cream tea. Was disappointed to have seen her grabbing the scones out of a packet (no labels, so wouldn't know the source of the scones), we don't believe it was home baked as we have had a few home baked scones and these definitely were not. Wouldn't say they were the best nor the worst cream teas but a touch expensive for what you are getting. However, that it is run by two very charming ladies is quite a memorable experience. Park at the National Trust car park.

We love going to Margaret’s tea room always an enjoyable authentic experience . She is so friendly and welcoming ❤️❤️❤️

Cream tea was the best ever, lovely setting and lovely people. It is so worth a visit, reminds me of what my grandma used to make.

Having come to Bude, my family and I just had to taste Cornish Teas - so on recommendation from the staff at Edgcumbe Hotel we went to Margaret's Rustic Tea Garden and were not disappointed. It was absolutely lovely and the weather being nice, we sat outside and enjoyed the atmosphere.The welcome we received was fantastic together with the laughter.

Amazing cakes and a good cuppa tea. Always a pleasure to see and chat to the legend that is Maragaret.

Stopped off eventually for tea and scone, after getting lost trying to find her. As others have reviewed this is rustic but very enjoyable. You cannot but smile with Margarets infectious laugh, what a woman (did i forget to mention she has received an MBE).

We've been here a couple of times, the first time was amazing and the second just as. We had a cream tea and to say the portions of jam and cream are generous is a understatement. There are also other snacks/sandwiches that are available, which although I have not tried, look very appetising.

As always Margaret's food is amazing. Great place, wonderful person. All in all just a lovely place to be

We were recommended by locals that this is the best cream tea in the area and we were not disappointed.

Margaret is very friendly and welcoming. We had the cream tea loved the scones just as we used to have them as a child and of course jam on first as we were in Cornwall my only criticism is there was too much cream !!!! Yes too much !!!

You won't find a better cream tea, but remember, you're in Cornwall, so it's jam on first, then cream - pile it high and enjoy. It's a caravan which serves superb tea and cakes etc. Seating is in the garden so not so good if it's raining!

Friendly ladies,Beautiful location fab beautiful garden. Thank you for our coffee after camping xx Will look forward returning for a cream tea

We were advised by more than one person that Margaret's was the place to go for a cream tea. We went and agreed. It is a very quaint, no frills, caravan at Northcott in beautiful surrounds. The Cornish cream tea was the best I have had before and since. There is plenty of room outside but virtually nothing inside so try to go on a fine day. If you are after Betty's (Harrogate) sophistication forget it. But if you after a bit of Cornish life, some great friendliness and a superb cream tea then it's worth it

We enjoyed a lovely cream tea here after a walk along the head land with our dogs.Great spot and a wonderfull little set up serving from a mobile home.Just a small note they are not open on Thursdays we had to visit on our second walk down that way. But was well worth the visit food is great and staff are very nice. Thanks.

Walk north from Bude along the coastal path to Northcott Mouth, admire the views and visit Margaret at the tea garden caravan for coffee and cake. No frills here. If you want a barista and fancy cupcakes in waxed paper go somewhere else; the tea garden is old school. Sit at a picnic table near the stream and watch the birds, warming your hands on your everyday hot drink. Everybody is welcome here, and a holiday in Bude is not complete without a visit to Margaret’s caravan.

“Aunty Margaret’s” as we’ve always known it, is simply wonderful. We have been coming here for my whole life.. I remember playing in the stream running through the garden as a toddler, treating ourselves to a delicious hot pasty after a surf and the cream teas are out of this world. If you like clotted cream that is... Margaret isn’t afraid to go all out with a delicious dollop on each scone! It is a definitely a place to visit if you’re in the area.

We popped by last week towards the end of the day, yes it is rustic, but has lovely views. We had a cream tea between us which was £5.00 and a extra mug of tea. We thought it was lovely. The scones were soft and fresh and there was plenty of clotted cream and jam. Our son had a slice of Chocolate cake which he said was very nice. Margaret and her friend were very welcoming and jovial. We will visit again.

We made a special trip to Margaret's while holidaying in the area, after reading various reviews online. To say we were underwhelmed was an understatement.

Margret is a character cream teas lovely stones throw from Northcott beach with camping with best coastal views in cornwall

This place is amazing. Definitely the best place around for a cream team and Margaret just makes the place. Totally recommend this place to anyone.

Warm welcome by the team of ladies. It was Margaret’s birthday. Had a cup of tea and slice of cake x2 for £8. Bargain. Stunning views ideal location.

What an amazing place for a Tea Garden. The cream tea was delicious, definitely worth a visit or two.

Always sheer joy to come here either off the beach or during a cliff walk. The perfect spot 200 yds from the beach and South West Coastal Path - perfect for path walkers to stop en route to Bude or Welcombe Mouth

Lovely spot here to have a break along the coastal walk! Friendly and polite staff make it all the more quaint and lovely for a little pit stop. The cream tea is a must!

Called here after being recommended to by someone who stays at the area regularly. What a gem of a place and a gem of a lady. Fantastic cream tea in a beautiful location and helping a very worthwhile cause too! Have some scone with your cream tea why not!!! Fabulous!!! ❤

Very nice peaceful garden setting. Margaret serves various things but most famous for the Cream Teas. Very friendly. Interesting to watch some of the customers reversing out of the car park only to end up with spinning wheels as they try unsuccessfully to navigate a dip in the lane.

We drove here from Summerleaze beach. Margaret's is right by the coast near a cliff edge which makes for stunning scenery. Amazing cream tea with lashings of clotted cream for £4.50 which includes a hot or cold drink; sausage rolls and freshly cut sandwiches are also available.