Royal Museums Greenwich, London
Looking for a lavish afternoon tea to remember in South East England? Whether your celebrating a birthday, anniversary or just getting together with friends, an afternoon tea is an experience to be remembered and enjoyed.
It is believed that the afternoon tea started back in the 1840's by Anna Maria, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. She would become hungry around 4pm as it was a long time between lunch at noon and dinner at eight. So a tray of tea, bread and butter was served. As time went by, friends where invited and the tea grew into a more lavish affair closer to what we enjoy today.
From hotels, restaurants, cafes and bistros to pubs, museums and stately homes, there really is more to be discovered where afternoon tea is involved. From mouth watering scones, delectable cakes and sweets to accompany a pot of English tea along with the traditional finger sandwiches, often produced by award-winning chefs, afternoon tea is a traditionally English delight to savour.
Step aboard history with Cutty Sark at Royal Museums Greenwich – the world’s last surviving tea clipper, built in 1869 to deliver the freshest teas to London. Today, you can immerse yourself in its remarkable story whilst enjoying a one-of-a-kind afternoon tea. Forget the usual hotels and sightseeing stops — at Cutty Sark, you’ll sip and savour beneath the iconic ship itself.
Step aboard the Bluebell Railway for a classic afternoon tea to remember. Tuck into dainty finger sandwiches, indulgent cakes, and warm scones with jam and clotted cream, all served against the stunning backdrop of the Sussex countryside. Your Wealden Rambler return journey from Sheffield Park to East Grinstead lasts around 1 hour and 45 minutes – the perfect setting for afternoon tea.
Discover Oxford’s literary treasures with a guided 60-minute tour of the Old Bodleian Library, then unwind with a traditional afternoon tea at the Bodleian Café. Savour a tempting selection of savoury bites – from smoked salmon with cream cheese to Wiltshire ham with mustard – paired with indulgent sweet treats including delicious matcha tea and strawberry Battenberg. A vegan menu is also available. Add a glass of prosecco for an extra sparkle.
The Rare Breeds Centre offers afternoon teas in their Granary Restaurant from Tuesdays to Fridays during term time. Expect to see plenty of familiar farmyard faces – pigs, goats, horses, turkeys, chickens, sheep and geese before enjoying a selection of sandwiches, scones, cakes, pastries, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, along with unlimited tea or coffee. The afternoon teas are prepared and served by talented Life Skills students from the Canterbury Oast Trust.
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Enjoy a delectable range of sandwiches prepared with bread from The Roseate Reading's own bakery. With fresh scones served with traditional clotted cream and homemade jams or a selection of sweet treats and savouries served with the finest blends of first-flush teas from around the world - you'd be spoilt for choice. Plus each luxury afternoon tea is topped off with a glass of Moet & Chandon Champagne at The Reading Room Restaurant and Lounge in Berkshire.
Afternoon Tea at Alexander House, in Crawley, West Sussex, is available daily from noon to 4:30pm and is served in the drawing room. Homemade from start to finish by the in-house bytheir pastry chefs where you can choose from a selection of Champagnes as well as teas from Brighton-based company, Hoogly.
Gravetye Manor offers Afternoon Tea for groups throughout the year, priced at £65 per person. Guests are welcomed with a glass of Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine before enjoying a selection of freshly prepared sandwiches, scones, cakes and pastries crafted by the Manor’s skilled pastry chefs. From May to September, groups of 6 to 12 can experience Afternoon Tea in the Oak Gazebo, set within the Little Garden and overlooking the meadows and lake, around a beautifully handcrafted oak table.Afternoon tea is not available for groups of less than 6.
There are some stunning venues offering some of the best afternoon tea in South East England from refreshingly good tea rooms to the indulgence of top quality hotels and even themed events to enjoy.
So why not treat yourself, a friend, a loved one, or a family member to a sumptuous afternoon tea in South East England. So whether you're looking for afternoon tea in Hampshire, Sussex, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey, Dorset, Kent or the Isle of Wight, select 'map view' on the list below for our top recommendations.
Number of results: 38
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Hotel
Henfield
Set in the South Downs National Park, just 10 minutes from the A23 at Pyecombe and the A27 at Shoreham and located midway between Brighton, Crawley, Worthing & Horsham, situated in a tranquil setting with farmland and hillsides, this venue is know…
Hotel
Reading
Described as 'The UK's Sexiest Townhouse Hotel' by The Evening Standard, The Roseate Reading is also recognised for its artful conception and luxury. The hotel prides itself on it's attention to detail, to the facilities available to make a stay…
Museum
Greenwich, London
The world’s largest maritime museum, filled with inspirational stories of exploration and adventure at sea. Critically acclaimed temporary exhibitions (ticketed). General admission free.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Romsey
The world famous Gardens near Romsey. The Victorian manor house Tea Rooms is nestled in an idyllic setting within the 180 acre Gardens
Theatre
Worthing
Part of Worthing Theatres, the Pavilion Theatre is situated on the promenade at the entrance to Worthing’s pier and hosts a variety of theatre, dance, music and comedy as well as events including craft fairs, children’s workshops and corporate events
Restaurant
Brockenhurst
Whether it's a special occasion or you're simply looking for an excuse to get everyone together, The Terrace Restaurant in Beaulieu is the perfect place to celebrate life's great occasions.
Restaurant
Arundel
Amberley Castle has a long-held reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine.
Our dining, enjoyed on the first floor of the castle in either the magnificent Queen's Room, with its barrel-vaulted ceiling dating back to the 12th century and open fire…
Food
Milton Keynes
Experience a delicious afternoon tea, where every bite celebrates the season's bounty amidst the relaxing ambience of Horwood House, Buckinghamshire.
Hotel
Beaulieu
A charming 17th Century hotel (former coaching inn) in the picturesque village of Beaulieu offering effortlessly intuitive service with inviting comfort and a stunning Michelin Star restaurant.
Restaurant
Basingstoke
Take time out to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea in our 2 AA Rosette Glasshouse Restaurant or on the garden terrace with stunning views over the back lawn.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Brockenhurst
Relish the indulgence of an Afternoon Tea in heart of the New Forest, with delicious finger sandwiches, speciality cakes and freshly baked scones smothered in New Forest Jam and thick clotted cream.
Steam Railway
Uckfield
The Bluebell Railway is a preserved country branch line, lovingly restored and maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers. The railway runs nostalgic steam trains through nine miles of Sussex countryside.
Restaurant
Oxford
Soak up the atmosphere and experience a twist on traditional British and European cuisine within a contemporary setting.
Garden
Haywards Heath
Set within 200 acres of spectacular parkland, the garden is a series of 'rooms' - each with its own particular atmosphere, form and planting design. Glorious heritage and collectors' garden.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Arundel
Visit Amberley Museum & Heritage Centre and immerse yourself in the nostalgia of the South East’s industrial heritage.
Tea Room/Coffee Shop
Portsmouth
Distinctively situated on the water’s edge and with its floor-to-ceiling glass windows and open layout, the Spinnaker Kitchen and Bar offers the best, uninterrupted views out over Portsmouth Harbour. Outside seating on the terrace puts you even…
Cafes & Tea Rooms
Haywards Heath
Whether it is a catch up with friends on the terrace when the sun is shining, Sunday lunch, a romantic dinner, business lunch to impress, wedding or special celebration or event, Jeremy's Restaurant at Borde Hill is the perfect venue.
Hotel
Miloton Keynes
Our recent £6 million renovation was carefully managed to preserve the unique features of the manor house and surrounding courtyard of thatched cottages.
The refurbished hotel, which houses most of our bedrooms, has also been designed with the…
Country House Hotel
Horley
Langshott Manor intertwines period features with home-from-home comfort and luxury touches. The hotel’s location is convenient and the grounds are simply breathtaking.
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