A Sweet Day Out in Essex: Exploring Tiptree Tea Room, Museum & Jam Factory

If you’re looking for a delightful day trip that blends history, nature and indulgence, Tiptree in Essex is the place to be. Home to the renowned Wilkin & Sons Ltd, Tiptree is famous for its iconic jams and preserves. At the heart of this village lies the Tiptree Tea Room, Museum and Jam Factory, a perfect spot for a leisurely day out. It isn’t all afternoon tea at a Tiptree Tea Room, they have much more to offer:

Farm Tour Adventure

Our adventure kicked off with the highly anticipated farm tour. Every Friday, from late July to late August, visitors can join a 40-minute guided tractor trailer ride through the lush orchards and fields where Tiptree’s famous fruits are grown. These tours offer a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of fresh fruit from vine to jar. It’s a fantastic way to connect with nature and understand the roots of Tiptree’s delicious products. You even get to taste a strawberry fresh from the fields. It was a lovely experience and really interesting.

The Jam Museum

After the farm tour, we explored the Tiptree Jam Museum. This charming museum is a treasure trove of the company’s rich history, showcasing over a century of jam-making heritage. From vintage equipment to nostalgic packaging, it’s a delightful journey through time. Best of all, entry is free, making it an accessible experience for all.

Cream Tea on a Vintage Bus

No visit to Tiptree is complete without indulging in their famous cream tea. We enjoyed our treats aboard a stationary vintage bus, a unique setting that added a touch of whimsy to our experience. The freshly baked scones were accompanied by clotted cream and of course Tiptree’s famous jam. You can also enjoy a treat from their ice cream stand. We had a sharer tray that included Tiptree Strawberries, jam and ice cream and it was the perfect sweet treat on a hot day! Who knew jam on ice cream was the perfect duo!

Lunch in the Secret Garden or the Cosy Tea Room

For lunch, we ventured into Tiptree’s secret garden, a tranquil oasis perfect for a relaxed meal. You can choose from a selection of lovely savoury meals for example, toasties, jacket potatoes or quiche. Or you can of course opt for the traditional afternoon tea. I had the most delicious Scotch Egg and Ham Salad. On every visit, I have to have a cheese scone, these are always so good, moist and cheesy, served with cream cheese and chutney, I would totally recommend them. You can also enjoy your lunch within the tea room, with exposed beams and cosy vibes.

Ice Cream Shed

At the Ice Cream Shed you can expect: Whippy Soft-Serve Ice Cream, Frozen Lollies, Doggie Frozen Yoghurt and the star of the show, the Tiptree Strawberry Whippy Tray, made with Tiptree strawberry jam, Tiptree strawberries and soft-serve whippy ice cream. who knew that jam on ice cream was a thing?! It is…. and it is delicious! Go on… treat yourself!

Sweet Souvenirs at the Jam Shop

Before leaving, we popped into the Tiptree Jam Shop to pick up some sweet souvenirs. The shop offers a wide range of Tiptree products, from jams and marmalades to chutneys and sauces. It’s the perfect place to bring a taste of Tiptree home. They also have some lovely home and gift items.

Plan Your Visit

Location:
Tiptree Tea Room, Jam Shop & Museum
Factory Hill, Tiptree
Essex CO5 0RF

Opening Hours:
Monday–Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

For more information visit the Tiptree Tea Rooms Website.

Note: The Secret Garden is open daily from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, but it’s closed during the winter months.

Make it a break, hotels and stays in Tiptree in Colchester.

Thank you for reading ‘A Sweet Day Out in Essex: Exploring Tiptree Tea Room, Museum & Jam Factory’

Written in collaboration with Tiptree Tea Rooms, but all thoughts and opinions are strictly my own.