BEDFORDSHIRE BERKSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CAMBRIDGESHIRE CORNWALL DEVON DORSET ESSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE HERTFORDSHIRE ISLE OF WIGHT KENT LEICESTERSHIRE NORFOLK NORTHAMPTONSHIRE OXFORDSHIRE RUTLAND SOMERSET SUFFOLK SURREY SUSSEX WARWICKSHIRE WEST MIDLANDS WILTSHIRE WORCESTERSHIRE

BEDFORDSHIRE

Tea at Anna’s, The Bedford Swan Hotel

This totally gorgeous tea room is just the ticket for a spoily girls’ treat. It’s named after Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford (this indulgent tradition was actually all down to her!). Opt for her namesake tea with smoked haddock tart, salt beef foccaccia and crispy prawns, with lemon cheesecake, choc profiterole and bitter orange trifle (£25), or a more trad version with smoked salmon and egg mayo sarnies, carrot cake and scones (£17.50). Add a glass of Prosecco for £7. Note – it’s not actually available on the day itself but that’s just an excuse to spread out the celebrations, right?!

BERKSHIRE

Cliveden Dining Room, Cliveden House Hotel

Whether you’re taking tea like a duchess or partying like Christine Keeler, afternoon tea at Cliveden House is a bit spesh (from £45pp). This year executive chef Christopher Hannan has created a very special spread to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. So expect a your precision pastries and fingers sarnies to have a patriotic flair. As we are celebrating, we’d recommend popping the cork on a bottle of Laurent Perrier (from £62) and raise a glass to Her Maj.

Fairmont, Windsor Park

Park your tush on the velvet sofa and feeeeeel the luxury. Fairmont Windsor Park is the new kid on the five star block and you can expect fanciness from the minute you arrive. Afternoon tea has its own dedicated dining space in the elegant Orchid Tea Room (from £45). The playground of the pastry chefs, you’ll find a pretty selection of savoury and sweet treats, with vegetarian and vegan menus available too. The best bit? They have 35 Champagnes and sparkling wines to choose from (many by the glass). Chin chin.

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE

The Five Arrows, Waddesdon

Afternoon teapas, Madam? Nope, that’s not a spelling mistake: Five Arrows have reinvented traditional afternoon tea with a totally brilliant tapas spin, solving the (let’s face it!) age-old problem of food waste. There’s always the odd cake and sandwich you’re not interested in, right? Not here! You and your mum can pick and choose from the menu of sweet and savoury bites to build your own completely perfect cake stand of treats, with a fab selection of teas and coffees too. The baked Camembert, honey glazed cocktail sausages, and pistachio financier are HIGH on our list.

Wild Raven Tea Room, near Aylesbury

For a more quintessential, charming countryside experience, it’s hard to beat the Wild Raven tea room. Based alongside its family-run farm shop, the ingredients here are as fresh as you can get, clear from the groaning table of homemade cakes, scones, and savouries. It’s a winner of a family day out, too, thanks to a children’s play area and animals to spot.

CAMBRIDGESHIRE

The Gonville Hotel, Cambridge

One of the city’s classiest hotels naturally serves up a delectable Afternoon Tea with all the trimmings – finger sandwiches, scones served with local jams and clotted cream and some wildly moreish sweet treats, like chocolate and passionfruit macarons, lemon possets and raspberry éclairs – all served in its tranquil garden (or inside if the weather’s predictably unpredictable!). From £26 per person.

The Old Hall Ely, nr Ely

Lemon posset with raspberry gel, caramel macaroons and carrot cake with cream cheese frosting are some of the irresistible bites on offer during Afternoon Tea at this gorgeous Jacobean manor house in countryside a mile outside Ely. And when you’ve had your fill of miniature cakes, you can take a stroll in the grounds which have views over picturesque lakes all the way to Ely cathedral.

CORNWALL

Duchy of Cornwall Nursery, Nr Lostwithiel

For a more rustic laidback afternoon tea, pre-book at the Duchy of Cornwall nursery and sit back to enjoy pistachio & lime meringue cake, a toasted hazelnut chocolate truffle bar, rose and raspberry macaron, a quail’s Scotch egg, a seasonal savoury quiche tart and grilled focaccia open sandwiches, all served up on individual boards and accompanied by local tea or coffee, served in their signature red striped Cornishware cups. Afternoon tea is served daily from 3pm, Monday – Saturday, and from 2.30pm on Sunday. Our favourite spot is either a sunny nook in the garden looking out over Restormel Castle, or tucked into the greenhouse. £25pp, or £30 with Prosecco.

Hotel Meudon, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth

Hotel Meudon is a real hidden gem, with sub-tropical gardens and even its own beach where you can swim and sunbathe practically undisturbed. The glass fronted restaurant looks out over the beautiful gardens, and the indoor vine brings a Mediterranean vibe to the tiled room. Pick a sunny afternoon and tea can be served outside under the palm trees. Options include the Full Meudon Afternoon Tea and the more indulgent Champagne Afternoon Tea, served from 2.30pm-5pm daily. £17 – 28pp.

DEVON

Lympstone Manor, Lympstone nr Exmouth

Fan of white linen and sympathetically-restored Georgian manors? Pop on a posh frock and hoof it to this luxe five-star hotel on the banks of the Exe Estuary. It nabbed a Michelin star within just six months of opening, thanks no doubt at least in part to these pretty French fancies and freshly made scones with clotted cream and jam – from Devon, naturally. From £49.50pp.

Hotel Endsleigh, Tavistock

Afternoon tea at Olga Polizzi’s 18-bed cottage orné hotel is a genteel affair, served daily in the library, with wood smoke in the air, and freshly picked hedgerow flowers on the mantels. Polish off Scotch quails eggs, whipped truffle goats cheese tarts, and chocolate and hazelnut choux – and more if you can manage – then don the wellies and walk it off among the grottoes and follies of the classic Humphry Repton landscape. £32.50pp or £42.50pp with Champagne.

DORSET

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel, Evershot, near Dorchester

Thomas Hardy lovers: head for this gorgeous Georgian country house hotel, far from the madding crowd, in picturesque Evershot (‘Evershead’ in Hardy’s novels). Renowned for their patisserie, the trad afternoon tea includes delights like mango, vanilla & white chocolate choux bun, hazelnut and & brown butter financier and passion fruit macaron. If that doesn’t tickle the taste buds, try their savoury tea, with cheddar and herb scones, Dorset charcuterie, cheeses, Chesil smoked salmon and more. Enjoy in the drawing room (designed by Hardy, who was an architect), conservatory, whisky lounge or out on the terrace. £40.

The Priory, Wareham

Afternoon tea on the banks of the river Frome, with the Purbeck Hills beyond *sigh*. The French chef at this former monastery turned luxury independent hotel brings together European and English styles in a choice of afternoon teas that range from a Dorset apple cake and clotted cream jobby, to a ritzy ‘Ritzy’ and a savoury tea that include lobster brioche, crab wraps and chicken liver parfait macaroons – with or without prosecco. From £8.25 to £47 (for two, including the booze).

ESSEX

Robyn’s Nest, Writtle

As far as village tea rooms go, this has to be one of the cutest going. Sitting pretty opposite Writtle Green (you might even spot a duck or two from the window), this family-run favourite blends Instagrammable interiors with delicious, homemade food. My favourite afternoon tea tier? The trio of desserts. Yuuuuuuum.

Mad Dogs And Englishmen, Leigh-on-Sea

Don’t be late for a very important date! Boutique interiors shop, Mad Dogs And Englishmen is running an Adventure in Wonderland themed afternoon tea in its Parlour Tearoom until May. Brilliantly bonkers and utterly delicious, expect floating teapots and flamingo-topped cupcakes.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

No. 131, Cheltenham

Pull up a stylish chair amongst perfumed planters on the glorious terrace at super-glam No.131, for a gorgeous platter of treats. Located in the heart of Regency Montpellier, this exquisitely stylish bar, hotel and restaurant is a dreamy place for afternoon tea. Choose from Traditional, a fancy Nyetimber Tea with bubbles, or the Cheeky Cream Tea (our fave, obvs) which includes decadent sarnies, cakes, scones and a special Forest Earl Grey Tea infused gin. Cin cin to that!

Queens Hotel, Cheltenham

The ever-elegant Duke’s Tea Room at The Queen’s Hotel tick all the boxes for some superior scoffing. Tuck into an indulgent Tiffin Afternoon Tea combining the freshest homemade savoury and sweet treats served with the finest infusions (or a glass of champers). Served daily from 12.30 to 4.30pm it’s £25 per person and kids can get mini teas for just £7.50. Make sure to try the Rose Petal tea or the Jasmine tea, a scented green tea infusion with real jasmine blossoms.

HAMPSHIRE

New Place, Shirrell Heath, Southampton

Served-up in the light-filled manor house restaurant overlooking the beautifully manicured gardens, afternoon tea at the grand New Place is always a lovely, leisurely affair. And it’s good value too at £21.50 per adult/£9.50 per child. Book to come on Mother’s Day and there’s also a free gift for mum. Pick your way through indulgent sandwiches and sausage rolls, sweet treats and scones. Be a dear and pass the jam…

Balmer Lawn, Brockenhurst, New Forest

Take it in the lounge or – if the weather is kind – enjoy your Mother’s Day afternoon tea on the terrace at the New Forest’s Balmer Lawn (£24.95pp). Always a highlight here, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam are served up with home baked cakes and biscuits, perfect after a spot of pony-spotting and leisurely stomp through the beautiful New Forest countryside.

The Elvetham, Hartley Wintney, Hook

The Elvetham Hotel Afternoon teas Hampshire

A striking English Victorian country mansion, with Grade II listing and 35 acres of glorious North Hants countryside, The Elvetham in Hartley Wintney is always a good bet for a very elegant afternoon tea. On the menu are fresh finger sandwiches, scones and pretty pastries. Between 19 March and 3 April 2022, book ahead for afternoon tea (£29.95) and mum will be treated to a free glass of prosecco. Cheers!

HERTFORDSHIRE

Down Hall, near Bishop’s Stortford

Head to the stunning Italianate Manor House that is Down Hall Hotel and Spa for a stonkingly lovely Afternoon Tea with all the bells and whistles. I mean, it’s the filming home of GBBO so what do you expect? (not a soggy bottom in sight here, and definitely a few showstoppers!) It costs £45pp (£22.50 for kids) which includes a glass of fizz and even a gift for mum!

Pendley Manor, Tring

Head to the light and airy Peacock Lounge overlooking the terrace or the Verney Room, adorned in stained glass, for this traditional afternoon tea, served daily from 1pm until 5.30pm. Expect seasonal sandwiches (with veggie options), warm scones and a selection of cakes. From £29.95 per person (alcoholic drinks extra). You might even spot some of the resident peacocks roaming the grounds.

ISLE OF WIGHT

The Royal Hotel, Ventnor

Give mum the Royal treatment at the Isle of Wight’s top spot for afternoon tea. Located on the south of the Island, it’s been delighting visitors since 1832 (including Queen Victoria, who was reputedly a big fan). Taken in the Brasserie or Geranium Terrace, choose from a Royal Afternoon Tea at £25 per person or upgrade to a Champagne afternoon tea at £33 (no brainer!).

Mottistone Tea Garden, Mottistone, Newport

Just reopened and springing into bloom, the beautiful gardens at Mottistone make for a lovely day out. It might not come served up on a pretty cake stand but a cream tea and a great big slab of Victoria sponge in the tearoom here is just the ticket after leisurely Spring stroll.

KENT

Balfour Winery, Hush Heath Estate

Make this Mother’s Day extra special with a gorgeous Afternoon Tea for 2 at the stunning Balfour Winery (sitting on the picturesque Hush Heath Estate). From expert-led winery tours and tutored wine tastings; to stunning vineyard walks and nature trails within ancient oak woodland, it’s the perfect place for a pretty special day out. Begin with a tasting of their signature Balfour Brut Rosé, followed by a delicious and beautifully presented selection of sandwiches, scones and cakes, alongside their sparkling Balfour Wine. Two sittings available: 12.30pm – 2.30pm or 3pm – 5pm.

Frasers of Egerton, Ashford

Located in the beautiful Kent countryside, Frasers is located on a 300-acre eco small private estate and working farm. The Quintessential Afternoon Tea is perfect for Mother’s Day and available at two sittings on Sun, 27 March, at 12noon and 3pm. Enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, homemade sausage roll, fresh goats’ cheese with caramelised onion and thyme tart, chocolate fudge brownie, lemon drizzle cake, Frasers’ award-winning carrot cake, and fruit scone with cream and homemade strawberry jam. Alls served in Frasers’ beautiful Kentish barns with floor to ceiling windows that overlook the stunning surrounding countryside and walks aplenty nearby.

LEICESTERSHIRE

Stapleford Park, Melton Mowbray

What better place to enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea than a luxurious 17th-century countryside pile? Here, afternoon tea takes place in the Drawing Room and comes complete with stunning views and glistening chandeliers. Tuck into finger sandwiches, warm scones served with clotted cream and homemade strawberry preserve accompanied by a selection of dainty, French pastries – it’s the perfect place to spoil mum (or yourself!). From £29.50.

Revive Skin and Spa, Market Harborough

Enjoy afternoon tea after a truly relaxing spa treatment at this new day spa. Treat your mum to a wonderful spa day or treatment and then head upstairs and tuck into a tasty afternoon treat. Enjoy fizz, finger sandwiches, scones, sweet treats all freshly prepared with mum in mind. From £60 and includes a treatment.

NORFOLK

Park Farm Hotel, near Norwich

A traditional three-tier tea and a glass of fizz in the gorgeous surroundings of this country house hotel – what more could a girl/mum/you want? If you want to really push the boat out (don’t we always) you could even combine tea with a trip to Park Farm’s lush spa. Plus, despite the bucolic surroundings, you’re only really a stone’s throw from Norwich – so a spot of shopping could also be on the cards.

Sandringham Estate, Sandringham

If it’s good enough for Queen Liz, it’s more than good enough for us! The Mothering Sunday tea on the glorious grounds of Her Madge’s estate is packed with high end nibbles made with local ingredients. White chocolate and coconut truffle with Sandringham gin, anyone?

There are kids’ options if you’re coming with your little ones, and they can burn off all that sugar going wild on the huge adventure play area.

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE

The Falcon Inn, Castle Ashby

Head Chef at The Falcon, Russel Bateman, has curated a superb afternoon tea menu that includes the Compton Cake, featuring seven layers of rum soaked chocolate torte sponge in tribute to Lord Northampton, the 7th Marquess of Northampton, aka Spencer Compton. We happen to know that Spenny’s into clean eating these days, but that won’t stop us from having a slice or two in his honour and the rest of the menu looks pretty tasty too.

The Three Conies, Thorpe Mandeville

Three Conies thorpe mandeville afternoon tea

The traditional, country inn exterior of this warm and welcoming pub belies a quirky glam treasure trove within. Soak up the brilliantly irreverent vibes at The Three Conies, where nothing can be described as conservative and they certainly don’t hold back when it comes to the food, which is not your run of the mill dainty afternoon tea fare. Think chunky baps and finger sarnies, massive fruit scones, mini doughnuts, iced sponge cakes and fresh strawbs, served on elaborate platters in quirky, eclectic surroundings.

OXFORDSHIRE

Black Goo, Thame

It’d be an oversight to skimp on the laden-down table of treats at this Thame staple. Set in light, stylishly quirky café surroundings, afternoon tea here is a triumph of sandwiches, giant scones with cream and jam, cupcakes, brownies, and as much tea as you can drink for £24.50pp. You can also get a boozy afternoon tea for £45pp, and with a choice between free-flowing Prosecco, gin and tonic, house wine, and craft beer — why not?!

The Ashmolean Café, Oxford

Why not go full fancy and enjoy fabulously presented tiered teas with a view of Oxford’s college spires? The Ashmolean café offers a standard afternoon tea as well as a vegan version, and of course you can top it off with a bit of mother-daughter museum admiring. So highbrow, darling! As for the food, expect tiered parcels of deliciousness including asparagus and parmesan tart, fruit scones, Victoria sandwich, blackcurrant jam and elderflower fresh cream, and assorted macaroons for £25 per person (£5 extra for bubbles).

RUTLAND

Finch’s Arms, Hambleton

Looking out to Rutland Water, this gorgeous gastropub ticks all the boxes. Their afternoon tea is served every day apart from Sunday and you can expect dainty sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes, freshly brewed tea or coffee although you may well make beeline for the Pimms or Prosecco options. From 16.95 pp.

The Falcon, Uppingham

This stunning boutique hotel is slap bang in the middle of Uppingham and serves afternoon tea over the weekend. Book for Mother’s Day and enjoy a variety of treats including smoked salmon and cream cheese sandwiches, sun-blushed tomato, basil pesto and mozzarella tarts, carrot cake. I’ll take a piece of the strawberry and mint Eton Mess, please! Plus, there’s plenty of fizz options too! Cheers! From £17.50pp.

SOMERSET

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath

Mothers get a box of luxury chocs to take home after polishing off the freshly-baked scones, finger sandwiches, Instagrammable pastries and glass of fizz at the swanky hotel in Bath’s iconic Georgian crescent, surely one of the most spectacular settings in the city. Combine with a spot of shopping or book yourselves into a sesh in their lovely spa for a whole day out. Mother’s Day afternoon tea, £45.

Cross Lane House, Allerford, near Minehead

You can nosh on afternoon teas at the boutique hotel in the Exmoor National Park every Saturday, but their special Mother’s Day edition (Sat 26 & Sun 27 March) sounds particularly delish. We’re loving the sound of the zesty lemon Eton mess, rhubarb & custard eclairs and choc dipped strawberries that accompany the trad finger sarnies, scones and bottomless Miles tea or coffee (or fizz if you’re flush). £30 (add on fizz for £9).

Robun, Bath

Makes a change from a scone: say konnichiwa to a Japanese-inspired afternoon tea at this Bath restaurant. All sorts of delicacies including akami (tuna) sashimi and fried chicken karaage followed by miso cake and mochi ice cream (a trad Japanese sweet rice dough wrapped around ice cream) – and a selection of Japanese teas.

SUFFOLK

The Swan at Lavenham, Lavenham

You’ll need to wear something with an elasticated waist if you’re sitting down to an affy tea at The Swan, because the tower of delicate savoury and sweet treats is impressive. Smoked salmon and lemon cream cheese sandwiches, warm scones and a delicious assortment of cakes including lemon sponge and chocolate and rose water éclairs are all enjoyed with a pot of Newby’s of London tea (or glass of champers) in the historic beamed Gallery Restaurant or idyllic courtyard. From £25 per person.

Ufford Park, near Woodbridge

Ufford, you had us at homemade sausage roll and salted caramel brownies. The menu at this hotel and spa, which lies in 120 acres of parkland just outside Woodbridge, also includes ham and spiced plum chutney sandwiches, fruit scones, white chocolate cheesecake and cherry Bakewell tarts. Switch tea for Prosecco if you’re feeling like fizz and there’s the option of a humble cream tea (scones, jam and clotted cream) if you know you’re not going to be able to demolish a tower of goodies. From £20 per person.

SURREY

Great Fosters, Egham

Nothing says ‘I love you’ quite like cakes, sweet treats and a crisp dry English fizz. At Great Fosters they’re going tea-tastic – with the choice of a Champagne Afternoon Tea or a Family Afternoon Tea served in the Orangery with entertainment by a violinist. The menu includes gorgeous finger sandwiches, freshly made scones and a selection of sweet treats that includes blackberry and violet choux buns, honey and lavender cake and mint chocolate flowerpots, among others. Cost is £55 each for the Champagne tea, which includes a glass of Champers (obvs!); and for the Family Afternoon tea it’s £60 for adults and £25 for children which includes a glass of Champers or elderflower fizz.

Denbies Wine Estate, Dorking

Treat mum to a sparkling afternoon tea in the Vineyard Restaurant at Denbies Wine Estate with a vineyard train tour as well. The tour is relaxed and informative, and the perfect photo op! Cost is £45 for adults.

SUSSEX

Cafe Number 4, Market Square, Horsham

Head to this delightful family-orientated cafe for some home-baked goodness, top notch coffee and equally top-notch people-watching in the market town of Horsham. Sitting within Market Square, one of the prettiest and most historic parts of the town, their afternoon tea is a generous selection of sandwiches, tasty warm savouries and home baked scones served with our loose-leaf tea. £25 per person with a glass of sparkling wine, for an extra £6.

Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens, Lower Beeding

The Afternoon Tea offering at Leonardslee House is brought to you by Head Chef Jean Delport of their Michelin star Restaurant Interlude and is a seriously swanky affair. Set within the drawing room of the two-storey Italianate house which dates back to 1801, with impressive views over the gardens and South Downs. Choose from a range of luxury experiences – sparkling Afternoon Tea, Savoury or Classic as well as options for children. To make your trip extra special, head out and explore the gardens either before or after your afternoon tea indulgence. From £50 per person.

WARWICKSHIRE

Coombe Abbey, Coventry

Coombe Abbey Hotel is one of those places you can go with granny, girlfriend or friends and they’ll all be be impressed. There’s the Monks, Knights or Abbott afternoon teas to choose from (and yes of course one with champers – or gin, if that’s more your tipple). It’s served in the elegant, glass-ceilinged Garden Room Restaurant. Once you’ve finished have a stroll around the gorgeous 500 acres of formal gardens and historic woodland.

Mallory Court, Leamington Spa

Enjoy freshly baked scones, delicate sandwiches, homemade cakes and pastries from the top chefs at Muddy-fave Mallory Court. Food is served alongside fine teas poured in china cups and you can take it in the Manor House or if it’s a bit warmer take in the gorgeous views from the Terrace.

WEST MIDLANDS

Browns, Birmingham

Is there anything better than a day shopping which ends with a glass of champagne? I’ll answer that, no. Browns is just next to the Bullring (and just five minutes from the train station) and offers a delicious afternoon tea in its brasserie. Choose from a glass of Moet or a G&T. Cheers to that.

Sky by the Water, Birmingham

Right at the top of Resorts World is this contemporary bar with gorgeous views over the lake. If you fancy making a day of it go shopping first or there’s the Santai Spa onsite too (and an Afternoon Tea Spa Experience for the best of both).

WILTSHIRE

The Old Bell Hotel, Malmesbury

Who says afternoon tea has to be twee? This super chic tea comes courtesy of Muddy Award-winning The Old Bell Hotel in Malmesbury – it may be one of the oldest hotels in the UK, but we can’t imagine anywhere cooler to take mum this March. You can opt for a traditional cream tea (£10.50pp) if you just fancy scones, but we recommend going the whole hog with the Full Afternoon Tea (£25pp) – who could turn down homemade sausage rolls with caramelised onion and cheddar, lemon and bergamot tarts with Italian meringue or pistachio and raspberry Battenberg cake? Not us.

Bowood Hotel, Calne

For the ultimate Mother’s Day treat, escape the hustle and bustle and get thee to Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort. In between manis and massages, sit down in either The Shelburne Restaurant, The Shelburne Bar or The Library to scoff delicate finger sandwiches, home-baked scones with seasonal Bowood jams and adorable cakes and pâtisserie freshly made by the on-site pastry chef. £29.50 per person with all the tea, coffee or hot chocolate you can guzzle, or £35 per person for an accompanying glass of Pommery English sparkling wine.

WORCESTERSHIRE

The Lygon Arms, Broadway

The luxe Lygon Arms is the perfect setting for a posh yet cosy afternoon tea. Aside from the fluffy, freshly baked scones, dainty finger sandwiches and irresistible sweet cakes, you can go all out with a paired glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne. From £29 per person and if you’ve got kids in tow ask for their mini kids afternoon tea for £15 per child. Afterwards attempt to stroll it all off in beautiful Broadway.

The Centenary Lounge, Worcester

This lovely afternoon tea at the Centenary Lounge in the historic centre of Worcester comes in three tempting options; the Classic Afternoon Tea, the Canapé Afternoon Tea and the funky sounding Cheese & Wine Afternoon Tea. Starting from £19, choose your dietary downfall (it’s so worth it) then pimp it up with your choice of desserts and cakes. Vegan & Gluten Free options are available too.

51 brilliant afternoon teas to book now

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