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At Port Pendennis Boat Charters, we believe in working with the best local suppliers to enhance our guests’ experience. That’s why we’re proud to serve Tregothnan Tea and honey on our Morning and Afternoon Tea Cruises. Known as the first truly English tea, Tregothnan’s incredible story of pioneering tea growing in the UK makes every sip on board even more special.
A Rich History Rooted in Cornwall
Tea lovers will know that tea comes from a Camellia plant – but did you know that the first-ever tea grown in the UK was cultivated right here in Cornwall? The Tregothnan Estate, home to the same family since 1334, has been perfecting the art of growing rare plants for centuries. The estate first introduced Camellia plants to Britain over 200 years ago, and in 1999, they took a bold step forward by planting the first Camellia sinensis bushes, the variety needed to produce tea.
After years of careful research, including visits to tea-growing regions like Darjeeling in India and Japan, the Tregothnan gardeners refined their methods. The first English-grown tea was finally harvested in 2005, making history as the most British tea ever produced.
A Unique Growing Environment
Cornwall’s mild climate and high humidity provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation, and Tregothnan’s estate is home to over 26 miles of thriving tea bushes. Unlike traditional tea plantations, these bushes are grown in a microclimate, seven miles inland, where a deep-sea creek brings regular fog to keep the plants hydrated.
Tregothnan continues to expand, planting 20,000 new bushes every year across carefully selected areas of their 1,000-acre estate. However, only 150 acres meet the exacting standards needed for tea growing, making this a luxury, small-batch tea rather than a mass-produced product.
Tregothnan’s Delicious Cornish Honey
Tregothnan isn’t just famous for its tea – it also produces exceptional Cornish Manuka honey. The estate has grown Manuka bushes since the 1880s, making it the first place outside of New Zealand to successfully cultivate this plant. These thriving bushes help create Tregothnan’s rich, golden honey, which we serve alongside our scones, jam, and clotted cream on our Afternoon Tea Cruise.
The Perfect Tea Experience on the Water
Nothing pairs better with a relaxing boat cruise than a freshly brewed cup of Tregothnan Tea. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Cornish cream tea, sampling our locally sourced cakes and sandwiches, or simply taking in the stunning views, our Morning and Afternoon Tea Cruises bring together the best of Cornwall’s natural beauty and homegrown flavours.
So, next time you join us on board, take a moment to appreciate the true English tea experience – one that started right here in Cornwall with Tregothnan.
Ready to sip the finest Cornish tea while sailing along the beautiful coastline?
