The Best Places For Afternoon Tea In The Cotswolds

Indulging in a spot of cream tea is a wonderful (and tasty!) way to spend time with family and friends. With an abundance of cafés and hotels now serving the long-standing British tradition, we’ve combed the Cotswolds to bring you the best of the best when it comes to afternoon tea.

1. Lucknam Park Hotel, Wiltshire

Spa Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

An indoor swimming pool with lounge chairs at the Lucknam Park Hotel and Spa in the Cotswolds

With plush surroundings from the get-go (think wrought iron gates as you enter the impressive tree-lined grounds), this is one indulgent afternoon tea. Lucknam Park offers a full English afternoon tea, which includes champagne, a wide selection of teas, finger sandwiches and of course some sweet treats prepared by the hotel’s experienced pastry chef, served in the Library or Drawing Room overlooking the gardens. During the summer months, you can even sit outside on the terrace for an al-fresco experience.

2. Whatley Manor, Malmesbury

Hotel

Nestled within the heart of the Cotswolds, Whatley Manor is a beautifully restored Cotswold manor house hotel and spa that prides itself on providing exceptional service, delivered with a dash of old-English charm. With two afternoon tea options available, Wiltshire cream tea (two freshly baked scones with clotted cream and homemade jam with a choice of tea or coffee), and the traditional afternoon tea (an additional selection of finger sandwiches, and a selection of pastries), this is a great way to spend an afternoon in the South West.

3. Thornbury Castle, Thornbury

Hotel

Once owned by Henry VIII, this historic castle has seen its fair share of dramatic events throughout its time. Surrounded by beautiful, greenery-filled countryside, if you’re not choosing to stay over in one of their grand bedrooms, complete with four-poster bed, then at least stopping by for lunch is a must. Every day, between 12.30pm-4.30pm, you can indulge in afternoon tea with some freshly made scones, pastries and finger sandwiches.

5. Huffkins, Burford, Cheltenham

Hotel Restaurant, Restaurant, British, Vegetarian

The dedicated bakers at this longtime-established, family business work through the night to ensure the freshest bread and pastries are served each day. Exquisitely presented on a classic three-tier stand, Huffkins’ afternoon tea includes rounds of sandwiches, award-winning scones served with lashings of clotted cream and preserves, a selection of pastries and your choice of tea, coffee or hot chocolate, all served up in cosy surroundings.

6. Lords of the Manor, Cheltenham

Hotel Restaurant, European

Located in a pretty, picturesque area of Cheltenham, Lords of the Manor is a luxurious countryside hotel surrounded by eight acres of manicured lawns and gardens. Their offering of afternoon tea has had rave reviews – and with a Michelin-starred kitchen, you’d expect nothing less. Served every day, during the summer months you can enjoy finger sandwiches and cream tea on the lawn after an afternoon stroll, or head indoors to the lounge, and cosy up in front of the fire in colder weather.

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