Berkshire boasts a prominent collection of stately hotels, country houses, cosy tearooms and garden-side terraces – all wonderful settings for afternoon tea. As a British tradition that’s been part of society for centuries, the appeal of enjoying finger food alongside fine tea or a crisp glass of sparkling wine shows no sign of fading.
There doesn’t need to be a special occasion to book afternoon tea. In fact, deciding to go on a whim – with a friend, a relative, or simply for the pleasure of it – is part of what makes it such a cherished part of British culture. It can be grand and opulent, or relaxed and low-key, depending entirely on the mood and the setting. Berkshire happens to be one of the best counties in the country for the tradition, and the following destinations offer something special for every kind of afternoon.
Coworth Park
Coworth Park is one of Berkshire’s most beautiful estates, nestled within rolling hills and bountiful woodland. It’s also home to one of the finest afternoon teas in England. Inside the ornamental manor house, visitors will find The Drawing Room – the centrepoint of the experience – with elegant interiors, fireplaces, and large windows that frame woodland or garden views. It’s perfect for nesting indoors and letting in the light on a cold winter’s day, and in summer, the surrounding gardens and woods burst back into life with colourful blooms.
The tea service is an exquisite accompaniment to proceedings. Delicate finger sandwiches are served with freshly baked scones and pastries, alongside an assortment of cakes all masterfully presented. Tea types are carefully chosen, and for those who wish to mark the occasion with bubbles, there’s a champagne or similarly sparkling upgrade available. For all the excellence of the menu, it’s the quiet grandeur of the Coworth estate that elevates the entire experience.
Cliveden House
As one of the most celebrated private homes in the country, Cliveden House offers afternoon tea in a setting steeped in history, grandeur, and some of the finest dining in Berkshire. The dining room itself perfectly exemplifies this – looking out over the meticulously kept gardens and Parterre, with high ceilings, decorative mouldings, and floral touches that strike a level of opulence that feels refined rather than stuffy.
While it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring the grounds and rooms of Cliveden, the afternoon tea deserves just as much attention. Soothingly warm scones are served with rich clotted cream and ripe jam, alongside fine loose-leaf teas, a surprisingly filling selection of sandwiches, and patisserie that’s all the more irresistible for its detail – think fruit glazes, mousses, and delicate petit-fours. Cliveden holds appeal in almost every way, but its afternoon tea remains a standout for those who take the time to experience it.
Easthampstead Park
A Victorian mansion turned hotel, Easthampstead Park is set within a fairytale-like estate of woodlands and gardens – a grand setting for an afternoon tea that feels both refined and relaxed. Served in the hotel’s elegant drawing rooms, on the terrace, or among the landscaped grounds, the experience has become a firm fixture on Berkshire’s afternoon tea circuit for those with a taste for quality.
On quieter days, it can feel as though you have the run of the manor in this peaceful corner of the county. On busier ones, there’s a pleasant buzz as guests chat over finger sandwiches and towering cake stands. As established as Easthampstead Park is for afternoon tea, it’s the richness of the setting that elevates the experience – offering a depth of character rarely matched by city-based hotels or tearooms.
Cantley House Hotel
Set amid acres of scenic countryside, Cantley House feels a little off the beaten track – but the journey to this grand old country house is more than worth it. With rustic, calming interiors and sweeping views from the main house, it’s easy to lose yourself in the surroundings while indulging in a whimsical afternoon tea in the heart of the English countryside.
The offering stays true to tradition: finger sandwiches, warm scones, cakes, jam, clotted cream, tea or coffee – with the option to add something sparkling, should the occasion call for it. Portions are generous, the ingredients well-sourced, and the quality consistently satisfying, even for the hungriest of guests. Despite its tucked-away setting, advance booking is recommended – particularly on weekends or for larger parties.
De Vere Wokefield Estate
For those drawn to picturesque grounds with a sense of openness, De Vere’s Wokefield Estate is a natural favourite. The grand mansion house sits amid expansive lawns and terraces, ideal for a summertime wander when the weather allows. Indoors, rooms are steeped in history and offer sweeping views of the estate’s manicured landscape, with outdoor seating available during the warmer months.
Menus shift with the seasons, ensuring the experience always feels fresh. Sandwiches balance classic and more adventurous flavours, cakes and pastries are varied, and the scones are reliably well-baked. Loose-leaf teas are joined by champagne or prosecco options for celebratory moments, and generous time slots allow for a relaxed pace – perfect for a full day’s visit to this refined Berkshire retreat.
Stirrups Country House Hotel
Set in a Tudor-style country house, Stirrups Country House Hotel oozes old-world charm. Oak beams, roaring fireplaces, polished interiors, and pristine gardens all contribute to a setting that shifts beautifully with the seasons. In summer, guests can take to the terrace; in winter, they’re drawn indoors toward the glow of the fire. Whatever the time of year, it’s an inviting place to settle in for afternoon tea.
The menu covers the essentials, with classic finger sandwiches and freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, alongside a well-chosen selection of cakes and sweet fancies. It’s not hard to imagine yourself indulging in this ritual of comfort and class much like the aristocracy might have done centuries ago – albeit with better coffee.
