Calling all tea lovers! Join us as we explore the best places to indulge in the quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea in Cumbria, our beloved county in the northwest of England that has become a focal point of the ‘foodie’ scene in recent years. Boasting the most Michelin star restaurants in a single county across the UK and countless other award-winning establishments, you are never short of outstanding places to eat in Cumbria and the Lake District.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating your mum or grandmother to Mother’s Day afternoon tea or simply enjoying a break in the stunning Lake District National Park and are looking to treat your tastebuds to something spectacular, afternoon tea in Cumbria is an exquisite choice.
Nestled in some of the most picturesque landscapes in the UK, the charming county of Cumbria is home to a number of luxurious hotels and restaurants serving up scrumptious finger sandwiches, scones with cream and jam and assortments of pastries and cakes accompanied with and array of delicious freshly brewed teas. Come and see what afternoon tea in Cumbria is all about and read on for our recommendations for afternoon tea in the Lake District and Cumbria region.
Situated between the two market towns of Keswick and Cockermouth, Armathwaite Hall afternoon tea combines traditional afternoon tea with a cosmopolitan twist, serving tea from all over the world including Kenya, India, the Himalayas and China. You can expect an array of treats including a choice of scones, lemon drizzle cake, shortbread, miniature quiche, sandwiches, a selection of filled brioche rolls and much more from the widely popular Armathwaite Hall afternoon tea service.
Served daily from 2.00pm-5.00pm in the hall, lounge, conservatory or terrace overlooking the spectacular Bassenthwaite Lake, Armathwaite Hall provides a truly magical setting for afternoon tea in the Lake District that is perfect for celebrations of all kinds or as a special treat. With vegan and coeliac menus available, everyone is welcome to enjoy afternoon tea at Armathwaite Hall.
Located near Windermere, The Wild Boar is a traditional inn with a warm and relaxing atmosphere that is widely popular with locals and visitors to the Lake District alike. The Wild Boar, Windermere, afternoon tea boasts ‘afternoon tea with a difference’ offering alternative treats in the comfort of their cosy country-style lounge and is a flavoursome treat for all foodies.
Afternoon tea at the Wild Boar features delicious pigs in blankets, mini fish and chips and beef sliders as well as some classic afternoon tea favourites such as scones with jam and cream. During the month of December, the Wild Boar, Windermere, afternoon tea menus also offer a Christmas themed 3-tiered selection of festive and seasonal treats that are to die for!
When it comes to enjoying the finer things in life, the Sawrey House Hotel in Ambleside have it covered. The Sawrey House Hotel is the perfect location to enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea and was once a favourite retreat of Beatrix Potter so it’s no wonder we had to include this lovely spot in our list of the best places for afternoon tea in the Lake District and Cumbria.
Afternoon tea is served in the stylish restaurant of this family run hotel in the picturesque Lake District, providing views over Grizedale Forest and the Coniston mountain range. The menu features a selection of truly tempting sandwiches, scones with preserves and a range of sumptuous sweets. Enjoying afternoon tea at the Sawrey House Hotel makes for a wonderful afternoon in the Lakes.
Set in the tranquil Lake District National Park, MacDonald Leeming House provides the perfect oasis to relax and indulge in the great British tradition of Afternoon Tea. This would be the perfect spot for rest and relaxation, and if you’re feeling extra indulgent you can upgrade tea for champagne!
MacDonald Leeming House afternoon tea menu consists of an array of sweet and savoury items. Served in either the Lake View Lounge or the outdoor terrace where guests can enjoy panoramic views of Lake Ullswater and Hallin Fell, MacDonald Leeming House is a delightful place to enjoy afternoon tea in Cumbria, showcasing some of the best landscapes of the Lake District.
Looking for something a little bit different? Shed 1 is a wonderful gin and vodka distillery located in the Cumbrian market town of Ulverston offering an afternoon tea with a twist. Shed 1 are proud to host a unique botanical inspired G&Tea experience using botanicals found in their exquisite range of gins and vodkas. Not only this, but their menus also change with the seasons and ‘ginspiration’, catering for all dietary requirements.
This unique afternoon tea in Ulverston begins with a welcome tipple followed by an intimate distillery tour where you will find out all about how Shed 1 create and produce their palatable spirits. You then can relax in their stylish, quirky bar and enjoy an afternoon tea with vintage teapots and classic afternoon tea treats as well as delicious Pennington’s loose-leaf tea and cafetiere coffee. Shed 1 G&Tea is truly the perfect celebration for any occasion.
There you have it, afternoon tea in Cumbria doesn’t get better than these top spots! And whilst you’re here, why not explore some of Made in Cumbria’s local food and drink suppliers or local coffee and tea suppliers for some of the regions most delicious beverages, the perfect accompaniment for afternoon tea in Cumbria.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce
3rd Floor
Broadacre House
16-20 Lowther Street
Carlisle
CA3 8DA
0845 226 00 40
©Cumbria Chamber of Commerce 2023 | By: We Are Digital
Join our mailing list and get all the latest news and up dates from Made In Cumbria.
