Few traditions capture the elegance of British dining quite like afternoon tea. From grand hotel lounges and historic dining rooms to beautifully designed spaces offering a more contemporary take, Afternoon Tea Week is the perfect excuse to slow the pace and indulge in an experience that feels a little more special.

Expect finely cut sandwiches, warm, freshly baked scones and exquisite patisserie, all served alongside a perfectly brewed pot of tea, or perhaps a glass of Champagne for an added touch of occasion. Whether you favour timeless sophistication or a modern twist on the classic ritual, these are the places to book for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience.

Stock Exchange Hotel, Manchester

Two-Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating brings a refined touch to afternoon tea at Manchester’s elegant Stock Exchange Hotel. Designed to capture the essence of summer, the experience combines seasonal flavours, beautifully crafted patisserie and artisan savouries, all served within one of the city’s most striking boutique hotels.

Guests can expect freshly baked fruit or lavender and vanilla scones with blueberry jam and clotted cream, alongside delicate sandwiches, savoury tarts and sausage rolls. The sweet selection features summer-inspired creations, from strawberry and lime mini trifles to matcha and raspberry macarons, served with expertly blended teas, including the hotel’s exclusive “1906” blend.

For an added sense of occasion, afternoon tea can be paired with a glass of bubbles or one of tender’s signature cocktails. Available from Thursday to Sunday, the experience starts from £35 per person, while Sunday sittings are accompanied by live acoustic music from £40 per person. Selected dates also offer the chance to enjoy afternoon tea alongside live performances from members of the renowned Hallé Orchestra, with upcoming dates available to book in October and December.

Book a table / stockexchangehotel.co.uk.

The Assembly House, Norwich

Set within a beautiful Grade I-listed Georgian building in the heart of Norwich, The Assembly House is renowned for its indulgent and imaginative afternoon teas. Guests can take their seat beneath the grandeur of the Georgian dining room or enjoy the experience outdoors on the lawn during the warmer months.

Running from 1st July to 6th September, the enchanting Cinderella Afternoon Tea takes inspiration from the timeless fairytale, with a playful selection of savouries, freshly baked scones and intricately crafted cakes. Expect everything from pumpkin-inspired treats and elegant glass slipper biscuits to whimsical macarons and a sparkling Fairy Godmother’s Wand.

Priced from £37.50 per person, the experience can be elevated with a glass of locally produced Flint Vineyard sparkling wine. A children’s version is also available, making it a charming choice for a special family occasion.

Book a table / assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk.

Cinnamon Bazaar, London

For those looking to move beyond the traditional afternoon tea, Cinnamon Bazaar’s High Chai offers a vibrant and flavour-led alternative. Inspired by Chef Vivek Singh’s Kolkata roots, the experience brings together British teatime tradition with the bold, aromatic flavours of India.

Served with a pot of Jing Tea, guests can enjoy an enticing selection of chaats and Indian-inspired bites, including traditional pani puri, masala fish finger sandwiches and spiced paneer rolls, followed by a selection of sweet treats. For an added touch of occasion, the experience can be paired with a Chai Bellini. Available at Cinnamon Bazaar in Covent Garden and Richmond, High Chai is priced from £27.50 per person and is available daily 12:00pm – 4:00pm. 

Book a table / cinnamon-bazaar.com.

Sopwell House, Hertfordshire

Set within the elegant surroundings of Sopwell House in Hertfordshire, this quintessentially British afternoon tea offers a refined way to spend a leisurely afternoon. Guests can indulge in a selection of moreish finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones and beautifully crafted patisserie, all served in the hotel’s relaxed yet luxurious setting.

For an added touch of celebration, toast the occasion with a glass of Champagne or a signature gin cocktail. Priced from £39 per person, it is an elegant choice for a special occasion, weekend catch-up or leisurely escape. Available daily between 12:30pm – 4:30pm.

Book a table / sopwellhouse.co.uk.

Hotel Victoria, Yorkshire

Perched on the clifftops above Robin Hood’s Bay, Hotel Victoria offers an afternoon tea experience that pairs spectacular North Yorkshire coastal views with a taste of local heritage. The Bay Explorer Afternoon Tea begins with a leisurely journey aboard a charming Monaco Golf Buggy, transporting guests from the hotel into the heart of the historic fishing village to explore its cobbled streets, maritime history and independent shops.

After an hour of exploring, guests return to the hotel for a classic afternoon tea with a distinctly Yorkshire twist. Alongside freshly prepared finger sandwiches and warm fruit scones with strawberry preserve and Chantilly cream, the menu features local flavours such as Whitby crab, Yorkshire ham and oak-smoked salmon, alongside homemade cakes and imaginative sweet treats.

Priced from £35 per person, the experience includes the complimentary Monaco Golf Buggy journey, making it a memorable choice for those looking to combine coastal sightseeing with a leisurely afternoon of indulgence.

Book a table / victoriarhb.com.

The White Hart Hotel, Lincolnshire

Steeped in history and located in the heart of historic Uphill Lincoln, The White Hart Hotel offers a distinctive afternoon tea inspired by Lincolnshire’s rich WWII aviation heritage. As the county’s only AA 4-Star Silver Award hotel, the property provides an elegant setting for an experience that celebrates local flavours and time-honoured British traditions.

Served in the Antlers Restaurant by staff dressed in RAF-inspired uniforms, the menu features delicate sandwiches filled with Lincolnshire favourites, alongside homemade sausage meat Scotch eggs, sausage rolls and freshly baked fruit scones with clotted cream and jam. A selection of classic sweet treats completes the experience, each given a subtle nod to the hotel’s aviation theme.

Available throughout Afternoon Tea Week, the experience is priced at £40 for two, or £50 for two including a glass of Prosecco each, offering a special way to enjoy a piece of Lincolnshire history.

Book at table / whitehart-lincoln.co.uk.

Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, Kent

Recently named Best Afternoon Tea in Kent at the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026, Port Lympne offers a quintessentially British experience within the spectacular surroundings of its historic Mansion Hotel. Guests can take tea indoors or, during warmer days, on the beautiful Western Terrace overlooking the reserve.

The elegant selection features freshly prepared finger sandwiches, savoury bites, handcrafted pastries and desserts, alongside traditional scones served with clotted cream and seasonal jams. A choice of premium loose-leaf teas or coffee completes the experience, while those looking to make the occasion feel even more special can upgrade to a Sparkling Afternoon Tea with a glass of Prosecco or award-winning Gusbourne English Sparkling Wine.

Available seven days a week from 12pm to 3pm, Port Lympne’s afternoon tea is an indulgent choice for a leisurely celebration or a memorable day out in the Kent countryside.

Book a table / aspinallfoundation.org/port-lympne.

Belvoir Castle, Leicestershire

Set within the beautiful Vale of Belvoir, Belvoir Castle offers afternoon tea in a setting closely connected to the tradition’s earliest beginnings. It was here, during the early 1840s, that Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, is believed to have requested tea, bread and butter, and cake to bridge the long gap between luncheon and dinner – an afternoon ritual that soon became a fashionable social occasion.

Today, guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant Aviary Tearoom, with freshly baked scones, delicate pastries and seasonal finger sandwiches crafted using ingredients from the Belvoir Estate and local producers. Surrounded by magnificent State Rooms, award-winning gardens and sweeping views across the Vale of Belvoir, the experience offers a memorable taste of British heritage in one of the country’s most historic settings.

Prices for afternoon tea start at £35 per adult and £15 per child.

Book at table / belvoircastle.com.

Fairmont Cheshire The Mere, Cheshire

Set within the light-filled Orangery at Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, this elegant afternoon tea is served against a backdrop of picturesque resort grounds and views across the surrounding countryside. Guests can indulge in homemade finger sandwiches, seasonal savouries, freshly baked scones served with Mrs Darlington’s jam and clotted cream, alongside an exquisite selection of handcrafted pastries and cakes.

The experience is complemented by a carefully curated selection of premium TWG teas, with guests able to choose between the Traditional Afternoon Tea (£75) or the more indulgent Prestige Afternoon Tea (£145), which includes a glass of Prosecco.

Nestled within 157 acres of Cheshire countryside overlooking Mere Lake, just moments from Knutsford, the hotel offers a beautiful setting for celebrations, special occasions or a leisurely afternoon escape.

Book a table / fairmont.com.

The Grand Hotel, Brighton

Overlooking Brighton’s iconic seafront, The Grand Hotel combines timeless elegance with a distinctly modern sense of luxury. Its renowned Afternoon Tea by The Sea is served daily in the opulent Victoria Terrace & Lounge, offering a refined setting for a leisurely afternoon by the coast.

Guests can enjoy three tiers of beautifully presented sweet and savoury treats, accompanied by a choice of tea from the hotel’s bespoke selection and a generous slice of one of The Grand’s signature cakes, served from the trolley. Created by Executive Head Chef Neil, the experience is also available with vegan and gluten-free menus, ensuring there is something for every guest to enjoy.

For an added touch of celebration, upgrade to the Celebration Afternoon Tea, which includes a glass of Pommery Brut Royal Champagne. Afternoon tea is priced from £40 per person.

Book a table / grandbrighton.co.uk.

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From grand country estates and historic castles to elegant city hotels and glamorous coastal settings, Afternoon Tea Week offers countless ways to indulge in one of Britain’s most enduring traditions. Whether enjoyed as a leisurely escape, a celebratory occasion or an excuse to gather with friends, there is an experience to suit every taste and setting. For further inspiration, exclusive offers and details of participating venues, visit the Afternoon Tea website and discover where to take tea in style.

Top photo by Sebastian Coman Photography on Unsplash