The UK's best hotels for afternoon tea
We do love a good UK break here at Travelzoo. Nothing beats a cultural city tour, a bracing walk along a coastal path, or a ramble across open countryside, particularly if you can then retreat to the comfort of a cosy hotel. And if that hotel happens to serve a winning afternoon tea (like the ones listed below), then so much the better...
Laura Ashley Hotel The Belsfield - Bowness-on-Windermere, Lake District
With Laura Ashley prints perfectly paired with ultra-smart furniture, and a beautiful Windermere backdrop, it's no wonder this hotel is a Travelzoo member favourite. You can soak up the serene setting by taking your afternoon tea here in the drawing room, on one of the snug sofas in the library, or out on the garden terrace. The afternoon tea includes unusual offerings such as brioche toast, hummus and bell-pepper jam and popcorn panna cotta.
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Cameron House - Loch Lomond, Scotland
Set on the banks of one of Scotland's most famous expanses of water, the luxurious Cameron House has views for miles of Lomond's midnight-blue waters and distant rolling landscapes. Afternoon tea at Cameron House is a colourful assortment of sweet and savoury offerings from their award-winning chef, and is served in the hotel's cosy Drawing Room.
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The Ickworth - Bury St Edmonds, Suffolk
Who doesn't want to take afternoon tea in a conservatory that looks out on the idyllic Suffolk countryside? At The Ickworth you can do just that. This elegant National Trust property, with a look that was inspired by Italian architecture, is set in 1080 acres of parkland. It prides itself on its family-friendly credentials, so there'll be plenty to keep the little ones occupied before or after you indulge in afternoon tea.
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Fowey Hall - Fowey, Cornwall
Soaring above the Fowey Estuary on the Polperro Heritage Coast in Cornwall, Fowey Hall is a firm favourite among Travelzoo members (and staff). Just like the far-reaching views, the afternoon-tea experience here is a thing of beauty. Made using locally sourced ingredients like Coln Valley Salmon, homemade lemon curd and Rodda's Cornish clotted cream, this is a true taste of Cornwall.
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Lake Vyrnwy Hotel & Spa - Powys, Wales
This Victorian country-house hotel is a treat for the eyes as well as the taste buds - views of Lake Vyrnwy (including its much-photographed Gothic tower) and the surrounding valley will complement your afternoon tea perfectly. The welcoming, cosy atmosphere means you'll be hard pushed to want to leave afterwards.
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Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites & Residences - Mayfair, London
When you think of afternoon tea in London, a few great spots spring to mind, but one often-overlooked venue is the Taj. Their Tea Party in Wonderland (pictured above) features menu items inspired by the characters and themes from Alice in Wonderland (think white chocolate mousse teacups, pocket watch macarons, colourful crockery and tables dressed with playing cards). There's also a Sherlock Holmes-themed afternoon tea for sleuthing enthusiasts.
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King Street Townhouse - Spinningfields, Manchester
Oozing hipster chic, this townhouse hotel has its own afternoon tea rooms, offering both a ladies' and a gentlemen's afternoon tea. The ladies is traditional, while the gentlemen's includes canapé-style bites such as fish-and-chip skewers, prawn dumplings, mini beef burgers and fries, and homemade Scotch egg.
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The Lanesborough - Knightsbridge, London
This Grade-II listed hotel re-opened in 2015 and now showcases opulent splendour at its best. Afternoon tea, which is served in either the Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant or the gold-detailed Withdrawing Room, has won the UK Tea Council’s Award of Excellence several times. The menu includes patisseries by the award-winning pastry chef Nicolas Rouzaud.
Find out more & book your stay at the Lanesborough