Britain’s love affair with afternoon tea is a tradition steeped in delicious history. Served everywhere from grand hotels to charming countryside tearooms, this quintessential ritual offers the perfect blend of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and exquisite pastries – all served with the finest teas. Whether you prefer the old-school experience or a modern twist, the UK boasts an array of exceptional afternoon teas. Join us as we explore the very best spots to enjoy this timeless treat.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover Britain's best afternoon tea spots.

Our selections are based on the first-hand experience of our knowledgeable team. They're also regularly checked and updated.

Food lovers from all corners of the world regularly queue down the street to get a taste of the delicate, perfectly made finger sandwiches, elegant cakes and hand-picked teas served at Bettys. Indeed, afternoon tea is treated as a fine art at this legendary Yorkshire tearoom, which was established by a Swiss confectioner back in 1919. Over the years it's grown into a small chain with five branches – but afternoon tea is only sold at its flagship Harrogate and York locations.

With its old-fashioned charm and impeccable bakes, the Bettys afternoon tea is the real deal. You'll be serenaded by a pianist as you enjoy a lavish selection of treats; highlights from the menu include a dainty pea and shallot éclair, strawberry and cream macaroons and Yorkshire salami and mozzarella sandwiches. And put aside any concerns you may have about not feeling full – the welcoming staff will happily bring another pot of tea and a few more sandwiches to make sure you leave feeling content. Don’t come away without grabbing a Fat Rascal (the tea room's signature plump, extra-fruity scone, pictured) to take home.

Afternoon tea at Bettys starts at £44.95 per person.

Serving what might be the most iconic afternoon tea in Britain, if not the world, The Ritz is legendary and more than lives up to the hype. Tea is served in the opulent Palm Court, which is adorned with gilded mirrors, ornate chandeliers and a stunning glass ceiling, while live entertainment is provided by the house pianist or harpist. The afternoon tea features all the quintessential treats – finely cut sandwiches, freshly baked scones and an array of delicate pastries – but with an elegant Ritz twist, so expect stunning details and finishes.

The selection of cakes and pastries changes with the seasons, so you might find delectable rhubarb and custard choux pastry fingers in spring, or cranberry and meringue-topped cakes during winter. The Ritz is one of the few places in London to employ a certified Tea Master, ensuring an exceptional tea experience with 20 premium loose-leaf brews to choose from. A dress code of smart attire maintains the grandeur of the occasion, with gentlemen required to wear a jacket and tie.

Afternoon tea at The Ritz starts at £79 per person.

An afternoon tea is guaranteed to feel even more special, and taste better, after a good walk, and The Cottage in the Wood has one of the UK’s most glorious routes right on its doorstep. Paths up to the Malvern Hills flank the property, and you can be at the top within 15 minutes. The sweeping valley views are reward enough, but settling down to an indulgent tower of treats will be the cherry on the cake (or, rather, cakes – and scones, sandwiches, pastries…) You can choose to take tea in the hotel’s 1919 Restaurant, whose huge windows frame a rolling patchwork of greens, or on the terrace (also overlooking the Severn Valley).

Once tea or coffee (and, if you’ve upgraded, Champagne) has been served, a cake stand appears with layer upon layer of deliciousness. It starts, as usual, with a range of sandwiches, along with a handmade sausage roll (or vegetarian version) wrapped in buttery, flaky pastry. Then there are perfect scones, with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of oh-so-pretty cakes and desserts, from panna cotta with cherry to a delicate rhubarb macaron. Each bite is a delight – and perfectly complemented by those unparalleled views.

The Cottage in the Wood’s afternoon tea is served Wednesday to Sunday, from £28 per person.

Review by Ella Buchan.

Despite its central location, minutes from tourist hotspots including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, St. Ermin’s Hotel is the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of London. This luxury four-star hotel is steeped in tradition, and this is exemplified in its picturesque Tea Lounge. Follow the grandeur steps to the mezzanine level and you’ll be greeted with breathtaking interiors, complete with ornate original Rococo plasterwork that feels like it’s been plucked out of a Jane Austen novel, and a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience.

Guests can expect a beautiful, tiered display of sweet and savoury treats, all inspired by the seasonal ingredients grown on the hotel’s rooftop kitchen garden. Delicate sandwiches brimming with a tempting choice of roast beef, smoked salmon and mature Cheddar await. Plump, freshly baked scones, served with rich clotted cream and fresh jam, complement the array of sweet options, from honey madeleines (made using honey from the hotel’s ‘Bee & Bee’ hives) to fruity cheesecakes. Plant-based, gluten-free and a kid’s option are available on request.

The afternoon tea at St. Ermin’s Hotel starts at £52 per person.

Review by Lottie Woodrow.

There’s nothing dainty about the afternoon teas served at The Running Fox, and that’s just how this bakery's legions of fans like it. Expect hefty slices of freshly made cakes, giant scones smothered in clotted cream and sandwiches absolutely stuffed with your choice of filling. A Northumberland staple for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, The Running Fox has five separate locations across the region in Felton, Longframlington, Shilbottle and Longhoughton. 

Loved by locals and visitors alike, the cosy spot is famous for providing a customisable experience that allows diners to curate their own perfect afternoon tea. Simply choose a sandwich (local sausage, Cheddar and red onion chutney is a favourite), a slice of pie or quiche (served hot or cold), a slice of cake and either a fruit or cheese scone and dig in! The bakery also offers a savoury afternoon tea, as well as vegan and gluten-free options.

Afternoon tea at The Running Fox is £25.50.

The Fairmont Hotel in St Andrews is a renowned luxury retreat, celebrated not only for its world-class golf course but also for its breathtaking coastal setting and incredible food offerings. Afternoon tea, served in the bright and airy Atrium Lounge, is a standout experience, offering impeccable service and tasty treats. Guests can indulge in a beautiful selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an array of delicate pastries and cakes, all crafted by the hotel’s expert chefs.

Afternoon tea at the Fairmont is always a treat, but the newly launched Forever Flowing option is definitely a special occasion kind of affair. You’ll enjoy a wide selection of artisan teas (special mention to the vanilla black tea) and up to four glasses of Champagne per person. Sandwiches and savouries are heavily influenced by Fife's local produce, so expect to see local eggs, salmon and beef as the stars of the menu. Service is impeccable, so don’t be surprised when your platters are regularly topped up with more goodies.

The Forever Flowing Afternoon Tea at Fairmont St Andrews is £95.00 per person.

Review by Lois MacKenzie.

A classic afternoon tea perfectly complements the country chic atmosphere of Burleigh Court, a grand but unpretentious manor house hotel in the heart of the Cotswolds. Whether taken in the restaurant, where the huge windows show off the lushly planted gardens, on the terrace or in the cosy lounge, this is a meal to linger over. Book the Champagne Afternoon Tea and you’ll start with a glass of rosé fizz from nearby Woodchester Valley winery, fuzzy as a peach and with delicate strawberry notes.

Every item on the menu, from the freshly made sandwiches and scones (with thick jam and proper clotted cream, of course) to the pretty little cakes, is perfectly made with locally sourced ingredients. Refreshingly, this is one afternoon tea that isn’t a huge struggle to finish – it feels like just enough (though you might want a takeaway box if you had a large lunch or are planning a big evening meal). For those not staying at the hotel, booking an afternoon tea gives you access to the glorious Wellness Garden, with plunge pool, hot tub and sauna. Reserve a timeslot when booking your tea for the ultimate luxury/wellness combo.

Afternoon tea at Burleigh Court Cotswolds starts at £25 per person.

Review by Ella Buchan.

If the idea of a traditional afternoon tea – with its finger sandwiches, scones and cakes – has never really appealed to you, then why not consider an alternative take on this quintessentially British treat? Kibou – a Japanese restaurant with locations in Battersea, Cheltenham, Cambridge, Oxford and Bristol – offers a Japanese-inspired version served with a range of Japanese teas or infusions. It keeps the format of a traditional afternoon tea, while delivering a whole new experience. 

Out go the finger sandwiches and scones and in comes sushi, nigiri and gyoza. Highlights of the sushi selection include the perfect prawn hosomaki and a prawn tempura roll, while the desserts deliver the mouthwatering combo of cinnamon and apple gyoza and a decadent shichimi chocolate tart. A variety of drinks packages are available to take the teatime treat to the next level, too.

Afternoon tea at Kibou starts at £19 per person.

Review by Luke Paton.

Located in the west of Northern Ireland (known as ‘Ireland’s Lake District’) you’ll find the Lough Erne Resort, a custom-built modern manor house that sits on 600 acres of County Fermanagh countryside. Perfect for a sophisticated country break, it features a Nick Faldo–designed golf course and a top-notch Thai Spa, plus beautiful rooms and three unique restaurants. However, it's Lough Erne’s exquisite afternoon tea that attracts the foodies. It comes in a variety of options in the beautiful lakeside dining room, which is almost as pretty as the view.

There could hardly be a grander setting for an afternoon tea than the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales. The five-star resort dominates the landscape amidst a stunning golf course, its unique exterior demanding your attention. The interior is just as impressive, with the welcoming Olive Tree & Garden Room proving the ideal location to indulge in a traditional afternoon tea.

Served on a quaint three-tier tea stand, the Celtic Manor’s afternoon tea is a sight for a sore eyes. Finger sandwiches with traditional fillings – think salmon, cucumber and egg salad – and savouries fill the middle section, but the eye is instantly drawn to the tiers of cakes and pastries. There's so much deliciousness that you’ll need a takeaway box to enjoy the leftovers at home.

Afternoon tea at the Celtic Manor Resort starts at £30 per person

Review by Luke Paton.

Wellness and indulgence go hand in hand at Carden Park, a luxurious estate nestled in the picturesque Cheshire countryside. This four-star hotel blends natural beauty with modern elegance, set within a sprawling 1,000-acre landscape featuring two championship golf courses, a state-of-the-art spa and even its very own vineyard. As you’d expect, the dining options are exquisite, with numerous afternoon tea options across the estate’s various restaurants, including the opulent Goldie’s Lounge or the more relaxed Morgan’s Bar. 

You could also opt to take your tea in the Elements Restaurant, housed within Carden Park’s award-winning spa, offering magnificent views of the pretty Spa Garden and surrounding Cheshire countryside. For a special occasion, try the Sparkling Afternoon Tea which includes a glass of bubby from the hotel’s own vineyard, paired with an assortment of freshly prepared finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a variety of scrumptious cakes and pastries.

The Sparkling Afternoon Tea at Carden Park is £44 per person.

Review by Natasha Lovell-Smith.

There are few settings more cosy and welcoming than Bodysgallen Hall, a unique 17th century hotel nestled within 200 acres of North Wales parkland. This grand National Trust property boasts sublime views of Snowdonia National Park and offers the full country house experience – including a traditional Welsh afternoon tea served in front of a roaring fire. Tea is taken in the grand oak-panelled hall, library or dark-wood drawing room during the winter months, but if it’s warm you can enjoy it out on the sunny terrace.

Bodysgallen’s Welsh Afternoon Tea is a thoroughly traditional affair and the unique setting makes it ideal for a special occasion. The finger sandwiches are surprisingly substantial, featuring perfectly fresh and fluffy bread stuffed with fillings such as Caerphilly cheese with apple chutney, roast chicken breast with chive mayo and smoked salmon with peppery cream cheese. A selection of expertly made cakes, pastries and bara brith follow, but the real star of the show is the perfectly light and fluffy fruit scones, served with clotted cream and jam. After your feast, we recommend strolling around the landscaped gardens or relaxing in the hotel’s lovely spa.

Afternoon tea at Bodysgallen Hall starts at £35 per person.

Review by Natasha Lovell-Smith

Eckington Manor is tucked away on the edge of the Cotswolds in the picturesque village of Eckington. The manor houses a cookery school, accommodation and dining rooms and is based in the heart of a 60-acre working farm. Guests can explore the splendid grounds at their leisure and ingredients for the cookery school are often sourced directly from the farm and gardens. You can enjoy the views of nearby Bredon Hill and the surrounding landscape while you settle down to its pleasingly old-school afternoon tea.

The menu for the afternoon tea changes with the seasons, but expect to enjoy a three-tier array of finger sandwiches, savouries, scones and sweet desserts. The scones arrive still warm from the oven, their crispy exteriors giving way to fluffy, steaming insides – the perfect vehicle for jam and clotted cream. Other highlights include a creamy, dreamy custard slice and a sensational sausage roll.

 Afternoon tea at Eckington Manor starts at £26 per person

Review by Luke Paton.

For afternoon tea with an extremely enviable view, head to Ugly Butterfly in pretty Carbis Bay. With floor-to-ceiling windows that offer panoramic views of the Cornish coastline, this fine dining hotspot showcases chef Adam Handling's passion for converting locally sourced, sustainable ingredients into stunning dishes. The all-day restaurant only opened in 2021, but has already gained a dedicated following for its Cornish-inspired afternoon tea, which comes with your choice of brews from nearby Tregothnan Tea or English bubbly from the chef’s own label.

The menu is ever-changing but expect savoury dishes such as St. Ives smokehouse salmon with cream cheese on rye bread, Cornish crab tarts and black garlic sausage rolls. As you’d expect, the scones are served warm with Rodda's legendary Cornish clotted cream and locally made seasonal preserves. The chefs at Ugly Butterfly get particularly creative when it comes to cakes and pastries – previous offerings include a sea buckthorn tart, chocolate coffee Battenberg and a burnt honey mousse (pictured) with rosemary cream.

Afternoon tea at Ugly Butterfly starts at £45 per person.

The Spence is the sister hotel of the famous Gleneagles estate in the Highlands – so expect pure opulence with a Scottish twist. This jewel in its crown is the stunning pastel-hued restaurant. Housed inside a former bank, complete with granite columns, ornate marbling and a glass domed ceiling that allows natural light to flood in, it's the perfect spot for a really special afternoon tea. Curated by head pastry chef Renato Blinder, the menu is a far cry from your usual scones and finger sandwiches.

The selection changes by the season, but you might expect to find savouries such as crab crumpets, wild game pithivier with blackberry jam, and smoked salmon croissants with crème fraîche and herring caviar. Sweet lovers will adore perfectly presented treats such as mini lemon meringue tarts, bitter chocolate and apricot gateaux, and malt chocolate choux buns. All of this (and more) comes paired with loose-leaf tea, coffee or Champagne, if you like.