Historic market towns, rolling Cotswold hills, grand stately homes, and timeless pretty villages - Gloucestershire is the perfect English setting for one of the nation’s finest institutions: afternoon tea. With its rural beauty, charming cobbled lanes, architectural heritage and rich history, this spellbinding county - right in the heart of the country - lends itself to the unhurried, convivial atmosphere befitting of a classic afternoon tea experience. Long afternoons dining on delicate sandwiches, warm scones, and fine leaf teas are executed to perfection in Gloucestershire, where local produce and outstanding hospitality are highly valued. Afternoon tea is unequivocally about a feeling of ceremony, order and sophistication - all of which is easy to plug into as you socialise and celebrate within the Tudor castles, Georgian manors, elegant country houses and contemporary boutique hotels scattered across the region. Afternoon tea is a memorable and luxurious experience in Gloucestershire - here is our selection of the most distinguished venues.
Burleigh Court Cotswold Hotel, Stroud
This 19th-century manor house, set high above Stroud’s Golden Valley, delivers a stunning setting for a refined and confident rendering of the afternoon tea experience. Guests are served by expertly-attentive waiting staff in either the oak-panelled restaurant or the garden lounge, both of which have panoramic views across the quietly thrilling Cotswold escarpment. Classically trained French pastry chef Gilles Gauvain brings genuine pedigree to the menu, which is firmly rooted in British tradition but enhanced by European technique and artistry. Not only that - the warm, just-baked scones, meticulously composed pâtisserie, and a wide savoury selection that includes seasonal quiches and finger sandwiches - all feature local Gloucestershire produce. Afternoon tea at Burleigh Court is served from Wednesday to Saturday, 1pm to 4pm. Options include traditional, gluten-free, vegan, and Champagne afternoon teas.
Kings Head Hotel, Cirencester
Known as the ‘Capital of the Cotswolds’, Cirencester is an ideal spot for afternoon tea, blending Roman heritage, striking architecture, cultural heft, and a bustling market town ambience. Sitting at the heart of the town, The Kings Head Hotel provides an afternoon tea experience to match the setting - a beautifully restored Grade II-listed hotel that bristles with contemporary comfort and historic character. Amid the vaulted cellars, period features, and exposed stone, afternoon tea is served in either the refined, sprawling lounge or one of the stylish dining areas. Freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a rotation of seasonal cakes and patisserie are in steady supply, while guests can enhance the occasion with a glass of Prosecco or Champagne. Non-alcoholic options are available, while dietary preferences are well catered for. At the Kings Head, Afternoon tea is served daily from 2pm to 5pm.
Thornbury Castle, Thornbury
Five centuries of English history isn't quite written down on the expansive menu at Thornbury - but ultimately that’s on offer should you choose to experience afternoon tea at this extraordinary Tudor castle near Bristol. For those drawn to history and architecture, decadence and ceremony, there is perhaps no better place to visit. Thornbury Castle - once walked by Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn - has been perfectly restored as a luxury hotel, with interiors that showcase the period authenticity of the castle while transforming the building with modern comfort. Afternoon tea here is served in one of the castle’s breathtaking dining rooms, and the stone mullioned windows provide beautiful views over manicured gardens. A fitting setting for special celebrations, the menu is a comprehensive and well-executed selection of delicate sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and preserves, and intricate pastries. A wide selection of teas are available. Served daily, with bookings from 2pm to 4pm.
Kibou, Cheltenham
With its elegant Regency architecture, highbrow arts festivals, and a fast-evolving culinary scene, Cheltenham is one of the most inventive towns in Gloucestershire - with afternoon tea experiences to match. Kibou, located in the stylish Montpellier district, offers afternoon tea with a twist: it's a Japanese restaurant that brings a fresh, creative perspective to a British tradition, delivering an experience that is both sophisticated and unexpected. Traditional finger sandwiches and Victoria sponge cake are not on offer - instead, it’s a selection of prawn tempura California rolls, salmon tataki, miso-seasoned edamame, and delicate dorayaki with strawberry compôte. The culinary aim - as with all afternoon tea experiences - is that sweet meets savoury, and Kibou hits the spot in style. Guests can pair the menu with Japanese teas, or opt for sake or Champagne, while ceremonial matcha is whisked tableside. Served Sunday to Friday, 2.30pm - 4.30pm.
Charingworth Manor, Chipping Campden
Nestled into pretty hills near Chipping Campden - one of the Cotswolds’ most charming, prestigious market towns - Charingworth Manor is a distinguished retreat: the perfect setting for a refined, relaxing afternoon tea experience. Tradition and setting are in rich supply here: this sumptuous 14th-century manor house, constructed from handsome Cotswold stone, is set within 54 acres of wonderfully landscaped grounds, so the sense of space and escape is immediate once you enter the estate. If the weather is good, afternoon tea can be served on the serene terrace, with its sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. If being indoors is preferable, then afternoon tea is taken in the manor’s atmospheric lounge, with its exposed beams, stone mullioned windows, and vast open fireplaces. Both options are a quiet joy. The menu is classically English: finger sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries - all of which reflect seasonality and a genuine commitment to sourcing local ingredients. Afternoon tea is served daily from 2pm to 4pm. Reservations are recommended.
Each offering its own interpretation - whether highly distinctive or with subtle twists - these select venues all deliver a deeply satisfying afternoon tea experience. To enjoy this enduring British ritual, Gloucestershire is one of the finest destinations in the country.
