Afternoon Tea in Cornwall: The Polurrian Hotel on the Lizard
If you’re looking to have afternoon tea in Cornwall with stunning coastal views, the Polurrian on the Lizard is a fantastic choice. I recently visited with my mum, and we were both pleasantly surprised by how lovely it was.
Coastal Setting
Nestled along the South West Coast Path, the Polurrian enjoys an enviable coastal location with beautiful sea views. The setting alone makes it a great spot for a leisurely afternoon tea, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself.
A Great Birthday Gift
The afternoon tea for two was a thoughtful birthday gift from family. Normally, it would cost £22.50 per person. Considering how generous the portions were, it turned out to be good value. We couldn’t finish everything—and ended up taking over half of it home, which meant the rest of the family got to enjoy it later! If you’re not a big eater, sharing a portion could be a good option.
The Vista Lounge: A Stylish and Light-Filled Space
Afternoon tea is served in the Vista Lounge, a bright and airy space that feels a bit like a huge modern glass conservatory. Overlooking the hotel’s grounds and the ocean beyond, it’s a truly picturesque setting.
What really stood out was the quirky and fun decor—from vintage fairground dodgems to records on the wall and a jukebox, it had so much character. The only downside? It was a beautiful sunny day in January when we visited and, it was quite warm inside. Since it was winter, you wouldn’t really want to open the windows, but I imagine in summer, when the glass roof, windows and doors are open, it would be bright and airy – not to mention absolutely stunning.
What’s included?
We opted for the Classic Afternoon Tea, which included:
- Warm, freshly baked scones with jam and cream
- Three varieties of cake
- A selection of sandwiches
While traditional afternoon tea includes tea, we both opted to swap our drinks, and the staff were more than happy to accommodate us.
I almost made the ultimate Cornish mistake—putting cream on my scone first! My mum corrected me, and of course, I followed the correct jam-first method. (Side note: does anyone else do butter, jam, and cream on a scone? Let me know what you think!)The scones were delicious—warm, soft, and huge—making them one of the highlights.
My mum is a vegetarian and tries to avoid too much dairy, so we needed a few adjustments. The staff were incredibly accommodating, even bringing out extra sandwiches for us, which was a lovely touch.
We Loved..
- The beautiful, light-filled Vista Lounge—a dream wedding venue
- Generous portions (we took half of it home!)
- Friendly and accommodating staff who provided takeaway boxes
- Quirky and fun decor
- Beautiful sea views from our window-side table
- Family-friendly atmosphere, with lots of families enjoying lunch and afternoon tea
Tips for Visiting
- Booking: We visited in winter and booked online at the last minute, but if you’re planning to visit in summer, I’d recommend booking well in advance. You can book via their website here.
- Accessibility: The main reception entrance is flat, but there are steps leading down to the Vista Lounge. However, a lift is available, making access easy for everyone.
- Parking: There’s plenty of free parking on-site.
- Kid-Friendly: The hotel is very family-friendly, with a baby-changing area in the ladies’ toilets and an outdoor play area. I plan to return with my son to check it out!
- This would make a great mothers day gift or birthday present – it did for me! You can buy vouchers online via their website here, and you can also book afternoon tea online!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing spot for afternoon tea, a quick coffee and cake stop, or just somewhere to enjoy unbeatable coastal views, the Polurrian on the Lizard is well worth a visit.
If you fancy a stay at the hotel to take in the whole experience, and want to find out more about what it is like from an honest perspective – then you can find out more here
Have you experienced afternoon tea here? Let me know in the comments!