Story: Tregothnan Tea Estate
Episode: 5
Presenter: Trevor Cochrane
Air Date: 12th February 2023

Trevor sips on a cuppa at the Tregotnan Tea Estate, the very first commercial tea plantation in the UK!

• The port of Falsmouth is named after the river Fal on which it’s built alongside.
• The town itself is fascinating with Pendennis Castle, a magnificent fortification built by King Henry the 8th a highlight for visitors.
• As a staple of English culture, tea is a must-try, with a wide range of options available, including English breakfast and Earl Grey.
•  With Viking's Privileged Access excursions, guests have the opportunity to visit the Tregothnan Tea Estate, the first commercial tea plantation in the UK, and the only tea producer in England.
• This unique, living and working private estate operates much as it would have nearly 700 years ago, supporting families and communities in a protected environment.
• The tea used at Tregothnan is made from the leaf of the Camellia sinensis plant, one of 112 variants of the species.
• The UK is a significant consumer of tea, with 46.2 billion cups consumed annually, and the Tregothnan estate has been growing Camellias for ornamental purposes for 200 years.
• More recently, they have begun cultivating tea bushes with great success, making it an exciting destination for tea lovers.
• After a difficult start, the tea production at Tregothnan has become more established, with up to 20,000 tea bushes planted every year.
• The unique microclimate, warmer than Darjeeling in India and free from salt winds, is key to the success of the tea gardens.
• Today, only 150 of the 1,000 acres can be used for tea cultivation, but Tregothnan is positioned as a luxury tea brand, offering a truly unique and exclusive tea experience.

For more information:
https://www.vikingcruises.com.au/