CREAM TEA RIVER CRUISE

Cruise along the calm and protected waters of the nationally renowned River Exe, whilst enjoying one of our deliciously Devon Cream Teas, with oodles of cream and lashings of strawberry jam, all served the right way!

The exact origin of the cream tea is uncertain, though historians have found evidence that a tradition of eating bread with cream and jam existed at Tavistock Abbey in Devon in the 11th century. There is a notorious dispute between Devon and Cornwall as to how the cream tea should be taken. The Devon method is to split the scone in two, cover each half with clotted cream, and then add strawberry jam on top and butter should never be included.

In Cornwall, the cream tea was traditionally served with a “Cornish split”, a type of slightly sweet white bread roll, rather than a scone. The warm roll would first be spread with strawberry jam, and finally topped with a spoonful of Cornish clotted cream.

The tradition flourished in the Westcountry during the tourism boom in the 1850s, brought on by the opening of the railway. With so many holidaymakers now heading to the South West to relax and indulge, the hotels and tearooms happily obliged offering delicious afternoon cream teas, made with the finest local ingredients.

And what better place to enjoy this local tradition than on Devon’s longest river, the River Exe. This six-mile cruise travels the peaceful waters up past Powderham Castle and along to where the river ends on Exmouth’s traditional seafront.

The river is nationally celebrated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest as an important habitat for wading and migrating birds. Also, as a selected RAMSAR site, the river is designated to be of international importance for its nature and wildlife. This spectacular stretch of water is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and many people travel to see species such as avocets, curlews, teal, oystercatchers, redshanks, and plovers that visit during the winter months. One of our favourite sights on the water has to be the resident seals, on our cruises we frequently see them enjoying the area for its food and sunbathing hotspots!

Our boats have an outside upper deck with plenty of fresh air and cosy blankets to snuggle under whilst you soak up the scenery. We also have toasty indoor heated lower decks, with huge panoramic windows ideal for viewing the all the sights as we cruise past.

On board you will find a fully licenced bar serving a range of hot and cold refreshments and snacks – just in case you fancy a little something extra after your cream tea! Our boats maintain their traditional features, but are also modern, exceptionally clean and well maintained and toilets are also on board.

During each trip, your Skipper will give you live, informative and enjoyable commentary, ensuring that you get to see everything this beautiful river has to offer.

As circular cruises that depart and arrive back to Exmouth Marina, they are easily accessible for manual wheelchairs. Our crew are always on hand to assist with boarding and are happy to help with any other requirements for the duration of the cruise.

Our Devon Cream Tea Cruises are a great way to take some time out to relax and enjoy this wonderful part of the world!