How Cornwall Became Home to England's Tea Plantation: The Tregothnan Story

Most people assume that every cup of tea drunk in Britain begins life on a plantation thousands of miles away in India, Sri Lanka or China. Few realise that some of England's finest tea is actually grown in Cornwall. Hidden within the sheltered valleys of the Tregothnan Estate, near Truro, thousands of tea bushes flourish in a unique microclimate, producing award-winning English tea that has surprised growers around the world. I first met the remarkable Jonathon Jones, the visionary behind the project, some years ago, and his story of determination, innovation and horticultural daring remains one of the most fascinating I've encountered in more than fifty years as a West Country journalist.

Can tea really be grown in England?

I’ve known Jonathon Jones, of Cornwall’s amazing Tregothnan Estate, for many years - and was glad to hear he’d recently been awarded the OBE - which he richly deserves as he is a passionate man who constantly goes the extra mile to promote the fantastic tea they produce from the beautiful gardens high above the River Fal.

In the podcast Jonathon tells me all about Cornish tea - but here’s an article I once wrote about the estate’s amazing rhododendrons which also get a brief mention in our chat…

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Some of the biggest early blooms in Britain have been braving recent storms to show their colours in Cornwall.

How Cornwall became Britain's tea-growing county

Magnolia campbellii has become the signifier for spring in England - and each year during this February weekend six ancient trees located across the county are famed for producing more than 50 open blooms apiece. 

Yesterday staff at Tregothnan Gardens had counted 47 open blooms - each the size of a dinner plate - but they say hundreds more are poised to open on Monday. 

“Tregothnan has been consistently warmer than Darjeeling in India all winter,” commented Jonathon Jones, managing director of trading at Tregothnan. “The famous flouncy pink magnolia tree comes from Darjeeling and often bursts into flower at Tregothnan at exactly the same time as its siblings in India.”

Mr Jones explained: “The magnolia was a confirmation to the botanists at Tregothnan that tea bushes would thrive alongside these trees, just like they do in Darjeeling. So the first tea in the UK was established and is now marketed as the most British tea in history.

“The forecast is for more winter warmth and a typically early spring tea season at the Europe’s largest tea gardens,” he added. 

The tea gardens are open by appointment and attract visitors from across the world, including the official twinning committee from Darjeeling. 

“Tea tourism has become a flourishing business, continuing with a fascination with our national drink,” said Mr Jones. “The charity weekend on 13th April is set to be the biggest yet, raising funds for iSight Cornwall.

“Premium tea sales have risen rapidly since the referendum to leave the EU, a phenomena that we believe is twofold. Tea offers comfort in times of uncertainty and is celebrated by exporters of Britishness to Commonwealth countries and the USA.

“Leaves picked in January are already on sale in top London stores,” said Mr Jones. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cornish Tea

Can tea really be grown in England?

Yes. Although most of the world's tea comes from countries such as India, Sri Lanka and China, tea can also be grown successfully in parts of England with the right climate. Cornwall's mild winters, high rainfall and sheltered valleys create ideal conditions for growing tea plants.

Where is Tregothnan Tea grown?

Tregothnan Tea is grown on the historic Tregothnan Estate near Truro in Cornwall. The estate's unique microclimate allows tea bushes to thrive, making it one of England's best-known tea-growing estates.

Who is Jonathon Jones OBE?

Jonathon Jones OBE is the entrepreneur and horticultural pioneer behind Tregothnan's successful tea-growing venture. His vision helped prove that high-quality tea could be produced commercially in Cornwall, attracting international attention for English-grown tea.

Is Tregothnan the only tea plantation in England?

Tregothnan was the first estate to produce English-grown tea commercially and remains the country's most famous tea producer. A small number of other growers have since established tea gardens elsewhere in England, but Cornwall remains closely associated with the revival of British tea growing.

What makes Cornish tea different?

Cornish tea benefits from Cornwall's unique combination of mild temperatures, plentiful rainfall and fertile soil. The leaves are carefully picked and processed on the estate, producing distinctive teas with delicate flavours and a strong sense of place.

Can you visit the Tregothnan Estate?

The Tregothnan Estate is not generally open to the public in the same way as many country houses and gardens, although special guided tours and events are occasionally organised. Visitors can, however, enjoy Tregothnan tea in selected cafés, hotels and retailers throughout Cornwall and beyond.

What is the difference between Cornish tea and a Cornish cream tea?

They are quite different. Cornish tea refers to tea grown in Cornwall, while a Cornish cream tea is the traditional West Country treat of freshly baked scones served with strawberry jam, Cornish clotted cream and a pot of tea.

Why is the story of Cornish tea so remarkable?

For centuries Britain has been one of the world's great tea-drinking nations, yet almost all of its tea was imported. The success of Tregothnan demonstrated that tea could be grown commercially in England, creating a fascinating new chapter in Cornwall's rich agricultural and horticultural history.