A Guide to Afternoon Tea in Cumbria

Best known for the Lake District, Cumbria is largely a rural county and is home to some of England’s most captivating landscapes, including the Eden Valley, the North Pennines and even a portion of the Yorkshire Dales.

It's a place of high fells, clear lakes and sleepy villages that look almost untouched by time and many visit the area for the walking trails and scenery. But in between a ramble up Helvellyn or a stroll along Windermere’s shores, there’s another tradition that fits the backdrop of Cumbria perfectly: afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea gained significant popularity in the early 1800s, largely credited to Anna, the 7th Duchess of Bedford, who helped popularise the practice. The Duchess reportedly experienced a “sinking feeling” in the late afternoon, a time when most people typically only ate two main meals, breakfast and a late dinner around 8 p.m. Her remedy was to enjoy a pot of tea accompanied by a light snack that was taken in her private rooms during mid afternoon.

However, afternoon tea in Cumbria isn’t just a plate of scones and sandwiches. Many hotels, country houses and cafés have made it into an experience that is often coupled with lake views, roaring fires in winter and service that makes you want to stay a little longer.

In this guide, we reveal some of the best spots to enjoy this quintessentially British tradition.

afternoon tea cumbria

Gilpin Lake House, Kendal

Tucked away beside the peaceful waters of Knipe Tarn, Gilpin Lake House is a must-visit for an indulgent afternoon tea. The setting is calm and elegant, with views that make you want to take your time.

The menu, known as Posh Scran, offers the classics done well: sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam and a tempting selection of cakes and pastries. Everything is freshly made with quality ingredients and there’s a wide choice of teas to go with it, from the traditional to the more adventurous. For those who are looking to add a celebratory touch, guests can also upgrade the tea with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne.

Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway, Cumbria

For a truly memorable way to soak up the beauty of the Lake District, the Ravenglass and Eskdale Railway hosts a cream tea with a twist. Guests can climb aboard and settle in as the train winds its way through seven miles of breathtaking scenery, from rugged moors and woodland, rivers and tucked-away hamlets.

Along the journey, diners are served a traditional cream tea, alongside a tempting slice of cake and a hot drink. Everything is enjoyed at a leisurely pace as the views roll past your window. The souvenir keep-cup for your tea or coffee is a finishing touch to take a piece of the experience home with you.

Cedar Manor

In the town of Windermere, Cedar Manor’s afternoon tea is served with a sense of occasion. The spread includes traditional finger sandwiches and savouries, warm scones with homemade strawberry jam and clotted cream, alongside an array of desserts and cakes, all accompanied by a choice of loose-leaf teas or freshly brewed coffee.

Every detail is thought out and each element is served on Royal Crown Derby bone china. For an added touch of indulgence, guests can upgrade the experience with a glass of fizz or a bottle of champagne.

The Wild Boar

Set between Bowness and Kendal, The Wild Boar's afternoon tea takes a heartier turn with a rustic and reimagined menu.

Visitors can expect indulgent twists such as miniature fish and chips, roasted red pepper pork scratchings, pigs in blankets and crispy fried chicken, which offers a little more substance than the usual fare. Still, no afternoon tea would be complete without the classics, so freshly baked scones with jam and cream still make an appearance.

G&Tea & Distillery Tour at Shed 1, Ulverston

For an afternoon with a twist, head to Shed 1 Distillery in the Cumbrian town of Ulverston. The award-winning gin and vodka maker has reimagined the classic afternoon tea, giving it a botanical twist inspired by the very ingredients found in their spirits and the menu evolves with the seasons and their latest ‘ginspirations’.

The G&Tea experience begins with a welcome drink before a behind-the-scenes distillery tour, where visitors can discover how Shed 1 creates its spirits and afterwards, settle into their characterful bar to indulge in a playful take on traditional afternoon tea served with vintage teapots, delicate sweet and savoury bites, freshly brewed Pennington’s loose-leaf tea and cafetière coffee, all with the added sparkle of Shed 1’s signature touch.

Storrs Hall Hotel

Perched on the shores of Windermere, Storrs Hall is a Georgian mansion that is surrounded by 17 acres of landscaped gardens. With perfectly manicured lawns and views across the lake to the fells, it’s hard to imagine a more fitting setting for afternoon tea in the Lakes.

Guests can take tea in the elegant drawing room, the restaurant or the study, with each space featuring tall windows that elegantly frame the gardens and water outside. The menu follows a classic format and a wide choice of teas too, from traditional brews to lighter fruit infusions and for those that are looking to mark an occasion, a Champagne afternoon tea is also available.

Lindeth Howe Hotel

Lindeth Howe is a country hotel set in the heart of the Lake District that was once the home of the beloved author Beatrix Potter. Today, it welcomes guests to dine and observe the sweeping views across Lake Windermere.

An assortment of delicate sandwiches, warm scones fresh from the oven and handmade cakes and pastries are served, with the option to enjoy them in the decorated sitting rooms or out in the gardens that come alive with seasonal colour and local wildlife.

Afternoon tea in Cumbria feels perfectly in tune with the county’s slower pace of life and truly provides a chance to pause and savour the moment. Surrounded by dramatic fells, tranquil lakes and timeless villages, each venue adds its own character to this classic British ritual and is an experience that captures the essence of the Lake District.