5 top spots for tea and cake around South Somerset and West Dorset

Enjoy the perfect pot of tea in Yeovil and the surrounding areas. Next time you are out with an older relative or friend, why not pop into some of our favourite places.

Pip's Railway Carriage in Lopen

This quirky cafe in Lopen, South Petherton,  serves outstanding coffee, teas and delicious cakes crafted on-site in their brand new bakeshop. The full service restaurant creates exciting & innovative flavours inspired by our organic farm serving breakfast and lunch. All served in the refurbished 1850’s train carriage booths, double-decker bus & marquee, or beautiful garden with a laser focus on local, ethical & sustainability. Everything is made fresh at Pip’s and therefore menus are changed regularly so always an excuse to pop in and try something new.

Four crumble-topped berry bars dusted with powdered sugar, placed next to a pink and white flower on a dark wooden surface. - Home Instead

Old School Gallery, Yetminster

This is a hidden gem, loved by many of our clients – it is perhaps Yetminster’s best kept secret. Old School Gallery is a unique set up that combines a café with a mixed media gallery, set within the confines of an old school. Sofas, art, gifts, and fine food create a special atmosphere that makes us want to return time and again. You can find the best tea and cake in Yetminster here.

Elegant teacup with floral design filled with tea, on a matching saucer with a gold spoon and a yellow cloth napkin. - Home Instead

Buttercross Tearooms, Somerton

This wonderful traditional café has a great location to watch the world pass by on a sunny day. Sit outside in the market square and soak up the atmosphere of a town that was once the ancient capital of the kingdom of Wessex. Somerton takes pride in its independent spirit; and with antique shops, boutiques and galleries, there is plenty to keep a visitor interested. We adore the scones at Buttercross Tearooms; if you do plan a visit, the cream tea is a must.

Close-up of cookies topped with dollops of cream and purple flower petals on a wooden surface with other pastries blurred in the background. - Home Instead

Castle Gardens, Sherborne

Another garden centre that we love and recommend for its commitment to horticultural inspiration within the local communities. Walk through an intriguing range of plants, shrubs, and trees to find the Walled Garden Restaurant tucked away inside an old fruit store. The Walled Garden is the perfect space to unwind with a brew. A great location to catch up with friends or read a newspaper. It is open all year round, with seasonal variations to the menu; the homemade cakes, pastries and puddings get our vote.

Three decorated cupcakes with pastel frosting and berries on a glass stand, next to a blooming pink cyclamen plant. - Home Instead

Haynes Motor Museum, Sparkford

A memorable destination in itself; Haynes Motor Museum houses the classic cars that used to populate our roads. It conjures up the days of a bygone era. The café attached to the museum is known as Café 750, and we’ve nominated it as a spot for the perfect cuppa because of the sense of history within the four walls. The environment creates space and calm, whilst also giving you the chance to enjoy the beauty of historic vehicles in all their glory. It is very conveniently located here just off the A303 at Sparkford.

A cup of coffee with two slices of bread on a plate, garnished with a white orchid on a textured surface. - Home Instead

Whether you are looking for an interlude between other activities or want to make it the main event, nothing beats a good cup of tea. Many of our clients are regular visitors to their local cafes, as it is a great way to feel connected with wider society. Our care professionals often assist with these outings, and this can have a huge impact on an individual’s sense of wellbeing. From the traditional cream tea to middle eastern inspired cakes, there is an afternoon pit-stop destination to suit all tastes in our region. Please let us know what you find, we would love to hear your recommendations.

If you would like to find out more about our home care services in Yeovil, Sherborne and Bridport then please get in touch on 01935 577030.