Cream Tea Day

Cream Tea Day is an annual event that celebrates the quintessentially British tradition of enjoying scones, clotted cream, jam, and tea. The day encourages people to come together, indulge in this delightful treat, and raise funds for charitable causes.

Quick Facts

When is it? The last Friday of June each year (June 27, 2025).
Tagged as: Food, Charity, Tradition.
What’s the hashtag? #NationalCreamTeaDay.
When was it founded? 2014.
Who founded it? Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and Wilkin & Sons Tiptree.

History of Cream Tea Day

Cream tea traces its roots back to the 11th century at Tavistock Abbey in Devon, where monks enjoyed bread with cream and jam. By the 19th century, cream tea became a popular way to break the afternoon fast during long working hours. Over time, it evolved into a social affair and status symbol among Britain’s upper classes. National Cream Tea Day was established in 2014 to honor this tradition and promote charitable activities.

Timeline

11th Century: Cream tea originates at Tavistock Abbey in Devon.
19th Century: Cream tea becomes a popular afternoon snack during the Industrial Revolution.
Early 20th Century: Adopted as a status symbol among the upper classes with elaborate ceremonies.
2014: National Cream Tea Day is officially founded.

Cream Tea Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	June 27	Friday
2026	June 26	Friday
2027	June 25	Friday
2028	June 30	Friday
2029	June 29	Friday
2030	June 28	Friday

Observed: Cream Tea Day

Cream Tea Day is celebrated with gatherings where people enjoy scones topped with clotted cream and jam alongside a cup of tea. Many host events to raise funds for charities supported by the Cream Tea Society. Restaurants and cafes often offer themed afternoon teas, making it a delightful day for food lovers.

The day also serves as an opportunity to explore regional variations in how cream tea is prepared, such as the “Devonshire way” (cream first) or the “Cornish way” (jam first). Social media plays a significant role in spreading awareness and sharing cream tea creations.

Finally, it’s a day to reflect on the history of this tradition while indulging in its simple pleasures with loved ones.

Fun Facts About Cream Tea Day

Clotted cream is preferred over whipped cream for authenticity.
Real clotted cream isn’t available in the U.S. due to pasteurization laws.
There are two methods for eating scones: jam-first or cream-first.
Scones should be prised apart with hands rather than cut with knives.
Brewing tea involves pouring it first, followed by milk and sugar.

Quiz

What is clotted cream made from?
- Answer: Heated raw cow’s milk.
Where did cream tea originate?
- Answer: Tavistock Abbey in Devon.
What is the Cornish method for preparing scones?
- Answer: Jam first, then clotted cream.
When was National Cream Tea Day founded?
- Answer: 2014.
What beverage accompanies cream tea?
- Answer: Tea.

FAQs

What is National Cream Tea Day about?
It celebrates British tradition with scones, clotted cream, jam, and tea while raising funds for charity.

What’s the difference between cream tea and afternoon tea?
Cream tea includes only scones with cream and jam; afternoon tea has multiple courses including sandwiches and pastries.

Who founded National Cream Tea Day?
Rodda’s Cornish Clotted Cream and Wilkin & Sons Tiptree.

When is National Cream Tea Day celebrated?
On the last Friday of June every year.

How do you eat a scone during cream tea?
Split it by hand; apply either jam or cream first based on preference.

Importance of Cream Tea Day

Cream Tea Day preserves an iconic British tradition that connects people through food and culture. It serves as an opportunity to raise money for charitable organizations supported by the Cream Tea Society. Additionally, it promotes social interactions by encouraging gatherings centered around this delightful treat.

The day also highlights regional differences in preparation methods and fosters appreciation for historical culinary practices that have stood the test of time.