Afternoon tea is a timeless tradition that is seemingly ingrained in British culture; however, its modern definition has come a long way since its conception in 1840. Originating as a way for the upper class to bridge the gap between lunch and a late dinner, the concept of afternoon tea was formed during the mid-19th century by Anna Russell, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. Given her influence, it didn't take long before other society ladies started hosting tea parties. Thus, afternoon tea as we know it was born, transforming from a light, mid-afternoon snack to the grand ceremony it is today.
Many tea rooms, hotels, and country houses across the UK still offer this indulgent treat. When visiting the Cotswolds, with its picture-perfect villages, rolling hills, and cosy tearooms, there's something about this beautiful region that makes afternoon tea feel like the perfect activity.. From quaint tea rooms in picturesque villages to grand medieval houses, here's our pick of the 10 best places to enjoy afternoon tea in the Cotswolds.
The Lygon Arms, Broadway
Nestled in the heart of Broadway, a town in the Cotswolds, The Lygon Arms is a luxurious hotel offering spa retreats, archery and quad biking.
However, their afternoon tea is an especially decadent affair, served in the elegant drawing room. Guests can indulge in a selection of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and a tempting array of pastries. The Lygon Arms also offers a children's afternoon tea and dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan options. With celebration options, such as house champagne; this establishment knows how to blend the historical classic British pastime with a modern twist.
Huffkins, Multiple Locations
With several locations across the Cotswolds, Huffkins is a popular choice for an afternoon tea experience—named by Country Life Magazine as one of the top afternoon teas in the area. Their afternoon tea menu features a delightful assortment of homemade treats, including finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes. Huffkins is also an excellent spot for a delicious brunch in the Cotswolds, offering a delectable lunch menu at both its Stow-on-the-Wold and Cheltenham locations.
The Painswick, Stroud
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the village named the 'Queen of the Cotswolds', The Painswick is a gorgeous 18th-century boutique hotel in Stroud offering breathtaking views and a delectable afternoon tea. Here, guests can enjoy a modern 'pick and mix' approach with a glass of champagne curled up in front of the fire in one of the cosy lounges or outside on the terrace.
Highgrove Gardens, Tetbury
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Prince Charles's private gardens at Highgrove while enjoying a delightful afternoon tea. Presented on a traditional, tiered stand, refreshments include a selection of sandwiches, sweet treats, freshly baked scones, and a glass of crisp Highgrove Champagne. In the spring and summer, visitors can also take a tour of the royal gardens, led by an experienced guide.
Whatley Manor, Malmesbury
Nestled in the heart of the Cotswolds countryside, visitors can expect a quintessentially British afternoon tea experience in a characterful 18th-century house. With delicate finger sandwiches and excellently hand-crafted treats, Whatley Manor hosts a genuinely remarkable spread. Elegance is the order of the day here, and the surroundings offer a remarkable setting in which to enjoy this classic delicious feast. After tea, make sure you leave time to amble through the 12 acres of Cotswolds gardens steeped in old-world charm.
The Slaughters Country Inn, Cheltenham
Situated in the heart of the Lower Slaughter village in Cheltenham, The Slaughters Country Inn offers a charming and relaxed setting for afternoon tea. Their menu features a delightful assortment of homemade treats, including finger sandwiches, scones, and cakes.
Guests can also enjoy a delightful Wimbledon-themed Afternoon Tea and a glass of Nyetimber's English Sparkling Wine, perfectly timed to celebrate the Championships, all while catching all the tennis action live on the big screen.
The Arden, Stratford-upon-Avon
Sitting right in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon and a stone's throw from the River Avon, The Arden Hotel offers a sophisticated afternoon 'tea-for-two' experience ideal for any occasion. Visitors can expect a selection of sandwiches before moving on to cakes, pastries, sweets, and homemade fruit scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream served on quintessentially British tea sets and cake stands; plus, the hotel is a stone’s throw away from Shakespeare's birthplace making it easy to turn an indulgent afternoon into a fantastic day out.
Ellenborough Park, Cheltenham
Set in a magnificent country house hotel and described as the finest afternoon tea in Cheltenham, Ellenborough Park offers a selection of beautifully crafted treats that look almost too good to eat. With much of its 15th-century charm retained, this luxurious hotel and spa hosts afternoon tea seven days a week, with occasional themed experiences hosted throughout the year. Their menu features a delectable selection of finger sandwiches, plus scones with clotted cream and jam, served up on silver cake stands for an extra touch of refinement. Along with a tempting array of pastries and cakes, this is indulgence at its finest.
The Wood Norton, Evesham
A venue steeped in history, The Wood Norton is a beautiful country house hotel offering a delightful afternoon tea experience to be enjoyed with a view of the beautiful garden and the Vale of Evesham. Their menu features a selection of finger sandwiches and scones served in the elegant Bar and Lounges, which overlook the formal gardens. During December, The Wood Norton offers a Festive Afternoon Tea, featuring seasonal treats accompanied by mulled wine or bucks fizz, which is sure to enhance the holiday spirit.
Tisanes Tea Rooms, Broadway
Tisanes Tea Rooms, nestled in a charming 17th-century stone building in the picturesque village of Broadway, provide a delightful setting for a traditional afternoon tea. A quaint stonewalled garden offers the perfect spot if you fancy dining al fresco. With an impressive selection of 40 loose-leaf teas, this tea room is a haven for tea lovers seeking bold flavours and friendly service. While the atmosphere leans more toward cosy and hearty than formality, the generous portions, delicious flavours, and warm welcome ensure a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
So whether you're sitting in a quaint village tearoom or the elegant lounge of a historic country house, the afternoon tea experience is always sure to be something special. Accompanied by a glass of bubbly or a pot of perfectly brewed tea, it's the ideal way to pause and soak up the beauty of this stunning region. Take the time to enjoy this much-loved ritual—it's an afternoon well spent in every sense.
