Top Tea Travel Guide, Part one: sites of historical interest

27th February 2013

When it comes to a UK holiday, stopping off for a nice cup of tea somewhere, either en route or after a day's sightseeing, is a must.

So, don’t leave this essential component of a good British holiday to chance. Do some research! The Tea Guild has members up and down the country that serve excellent tea often in the most picturesque locations.

Be it a day trip, or a longer stay, we all need help with holiday planning so to make your job easier, we’ve compiled some inspirational itineraries to make sure you get the best views with the best brews.

Week one: Ideas for those with a thirst for history

Harlech Castle and Cemlyn Tea House, Harlech, Wales

Harlech Castle is surely one of the most impressive of medieval castles in the country. Now a World Heritage Inscribed Site, the 13th century castle - sandwiched between Snowdonia and the sea - towers over the surrounding town of Harlech.

Just up the hill, you’ll find the Cemlyn Tea Shop. This lovely tea room has won the Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence many times of the past decade; it serves single estate loose-leaf tea from across the world.

If the last few years are anything to go by, we could be in for a sunny spring, in which case the terrace at Cemlyn, which overlooks the rugged castle and Snowdonia in the distance is the place to take your tea.

If you fancy exploring the region further, the Cemlyn has a small B&B, too. Open from mid-March.

www.cemlynteashop.co.uk

Sweetheart Abbey and Abbey Cottage Tea Room, Dumfries, Scotland

As romantic stories go, the one about Lady Dervorgilla of Galloway is up there with the best of them. Not content with carrying her beloved late husband’s embalmed heart around with her in an ivory casket, she took it upon herself to erect an abbey in his honour.

Built in the 13th century, the Cistercian Abbey of Dulce Cor, or Sweet Heart was the result, and although this red sandstone building is now just a ruined shell, there’s a poignancy about this rather striking place - and it’s well worth a visit.

Of equal distinction is the aptly named Abbey Cottage Tea Room that sits in the shadow of the once-great Abbey.  Having been awarded the Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence every year since 2003, it is one of the consistently best tea rooms in the country. The tea room serves a good range of tea from Small Leaf Assam to Keemun Tea. There’s a small shop, and Abbey Cottage also serves a good selection of coffee and light lunches.

If the weather is favourable, tea can be taken out in the garden, which is framed by the steadfast remains of Lady Dervorgilla’s grand gesture of love.

www.abbeycottagetearoom.com

Lacock Abbey and King John’s Hunting Lodge, Wiltshire, England

The Wiltshire village of Lacock, famous for its picture-postcard streets is a beautiful place to spend some time in. It is home to the stunning Lacock Abbey, a house of eclectic architectural styles but whose medieval monastic roots still speak loudly to the twenty-first century visitor.

When you’ve finished walking through the lanes and streets, head over to St John’s Hunting Lodge - the oldest house in Lacock (that’s saying something), which received The Tea Guild’s Award of Excellence in both 2011 and 2012. The main part of the lodge dates back to the 13th Century and King John is reputed to have made use of the lodge on his many hunting trips into the nearby forests.

King John’s Hunting Lodge is owned and run by Margaret Vaughan - a champion of traditional British fare. With its roaring fire in winter and blossom-filled gardens in the summer - it’s a truly special place to enjoy a great cup of tea.

www.kingjohnslodge.2day.ws

Look out for upcoming articles about:

• Spa breaks and tea
• City breaks and tea
• Rural walks and tea

Image Credits:
Sweetheart Abbey - Undiscovered Scotland
Lacock Abbey - Frerix, Wikipedia