Afternoon Tea

Looking for a lavish afternoon tea to remember? 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.  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, 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.

Best afternoon teas with a twist

High Tea really lives up to its name at Portsmouth's Spinnaker Tower where you can enjoy sandwiches, pastries, cupcakes, scones and more from a viewing deck at 110 metres.  Great food and great views over the Solent in one.

Enjoy aftertoon tea at the beautifully restored house and gardens of natural history pioneer Gilbert White, Hampshire, that offers a selection of sandwiches, scones and sweet treats, including White’s Trifle, Victoria Sponge and Seasonal Fruit Tart. The price is £18 per head and £22 per head with a glass of Prosecco.

Experience afternoon tea on the water with the Windsor & Maidenhead boat company as you float down the River Thames, passing through locks and under bridges, leaving from Maidenhead Riverside Gardens or Windsor Leisure Centre.

Relax with family and friends in The Savill Garden Kitchen with a delicious afternoon tea. Available on Fridays and Saturdays at 3pm and 3.35pm, with vegetarian, traditional and themed afternoon tea's available against the backdrop of the beautiful gardens. 

Enjoy your afternoon tea on the stunning sun-drenched terrace overlooking the beautiful English countryside and South Downs at Mannings Heath Golf and Wine Estate, Horsham.

Experience uninterrupted sea views and a classic afternoon tea with the Brighton i360 ticket and afternoon tea package. Gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options are available, and you can upgrade to include a glass of award-winning Nytimber Sparkling Wine to enjoy on the pod too.

Indulge in the ultimate afternoon tea at Leonardslee Gardens, West Sussex , brought to you by Head Chef Jean Delport of the Michelin star Restaurant Interlude.  Choose for Classic, Savoury or Sparkling afternoon tea all set in the Italianate styled Leonardslee House, which dates back to 1801.

Enjoy Mother's Day afternoon tea at Balfour Winery, Tonbridge, Kent.  Begin with a tasting of their signature Balfour Brut Rosé, followed by afternoon tea served alongside sparkling Balfour Wine. Available on the 26th/27th March.

Afternoon tea near me

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.