Best Places for Afternoon Tea in the North East & Yorkshire

Bradley Gardens, Sled Lane, Wylam NE41 8JH
01661 852176 www.bradley-gardens.co.uk
This popular café is housed in an original 19th century glasshouse – be sure to book in advance for their afternoon teas. You can choose a confectioner’s tea (with homemade scones, jam, cream and pastries), a traditional afternoon tea (which also includes fingers sandwiches), or a sparkling afternoon tea (which – you guessed it – includes a glass of prosecco or a chilled bellini).

Langley-on-Tyne, Hexham NE47 5LU
01434 688 888 www.langleycastle.co.uk
This 14th century castle nestled in the South Tyne valley prides itself of the quality of its food, and their afternoon tea is no exception. Enjoy traditional finger sandwiches of local ham and English mustard, oak-smoked salmon and cream cheese and cucumber, before trying fruit and plain scones with a range of preserves and clotted cream – and why not add a glass of luxurious Drappier Champagne for only £10.25 per person? For those looking for something a little more hearty, the gentleman’s afternoon tea,  includes pork pie with piccalilli, beef bonbon with horseradish and a pork and leek sausage roll.

Riverside, Felton NE65 9EA
01665 660721 www.runningfoxbakery.co.uk
With outposts in Shilbottle and Longframlington, as well as their original Felton base, The Running Fox offers plenty of options – both in terms of location, and in terms of their extensive menu of sandwiches, pies, quiche, melts, platters and soups. Their afternoon tea is deservedly legendary – think sandwiches, pies, quiche, fresh scones and hefty slices of cake, served with endless tea and coffee.

Spanish City Plaza, Whitley Bay NE26 1BG
0191 691 7090 www.spanishcity.co.uk
Head Pastry Chef Kristian Branch is at the helm of the talented team here. Book your afternoon tea with at least 24 hours notice and take a seat underneath the spectacular dome in the Gallery, or dine in the 1910 restaurant with views over the sea. Savour traditional finger sandwiches, quiche, pastries and cakes with the wow-factor, or try the gentleman’s afternoon tea for generously-filled sandwiches, homemade sausage rolls and sticky toffee pudding macaroons.

10 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle NE1 6QG
0191 227 5522 www.tynesidecinema.co.uk
At the Tyneside Bar Café, their afternoon tea is made to order and includes a selection of fresh sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and a range of homemade cakes. Enjoy unlimited tea or coffee, or add a little luxury with a glass of bubbles. Look out for the monthly Afternoon Tea at the Movies events, where you can watch a classic musical alongside your afternoon tea.

Tees Valley TS22 5NF
01740 644811 www.wynyardhall.co.uk
Expect fine china and loose leaf tea at Wynyard Hall. Choose the traditional afternoon tea for dainty cakes and pastries, the gentleman’s afternoon tea for a range of savoury options paired with a glass of Glenfiddich whisky, or let your little ones join in on the fun with the children’s afternoon tea.

Matfen, NE20 0RH
016618 86500 www.matfenhall.com
Matfen Hall’s executive pastry chefs bring you a truly traditional affair. Enjoy a classic combination of delicate sandwiches, freshly-baked scones and homemade sweet pastries, all skilfully prepared. The tea itself isn’t forgotten here – a range of loose leaf teas are sourced from Newcastle-based Ringtons and are designed to complement your food perfectly. A gluten-free version, a gentleman’s afternoon tea and a children’s afternoon tea, featuring ham and cheese toasties and milkshakes, are also available.

Raby Castle, Staindrop DL2 3AH
01833 660202 www.raby.co.uk
With stalls which still bear the name plaques of the horses who were once housed in them, Raby Castle’s Stables Café cleverly retains its equestrian history, without compromising on style, and there’s a large outdoor seating area too. Afternoon tea here comes with a selection of cakes, both fruit and plain scones, local preserves and a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, and you can opt to add a glass of something fizzy.  

Humshaugh, Hexham NE46 4BJ

01434 620 156 www.walwickhall.com

Set in 100 acres of stunning Northumberland countryside on Hadrian’s Wall, Walwick Hall is a unique setting to indulge in a luxury afternoon tea. Choose from a list of classic tea blends and fruit infusions, a glass of prosecco or a refreshing cocktail alongside their traditional afternoon tea, or make like a local and choose their Northumbrian afternoon tea – think mini stotties, northern savouries, warm scones and a selection of jams. Be sure to book your afternoon tea by 4pm on the day before to avoid disappointment.

101 Ocean Road, South Shields NE33 2JL
0191 455 1965 www.theclifton.co.uk
The Clifton Hotel in South Shields is home to a popular coffee shop which is open daily. A delicious afternoon tea here is great value for money (just £9.95 per person). For a real treat, book the stylishly-furnished Library Room for a private teatime event for up to 20 people.

Tickton, Beverley HU17 9SH
01964 543 666 www.ticktongrange.co.uk
Afternoon tea at Tickton Grange is a celebration of tradition, with finger sandwiches, miniature savouries and homemade scones served on three tiers of blue and white bone china, made exclusively for the hotel by Royal Crown Derby. Sip a cup of Buckingham Palace loose leaf tea and try a range of delicate patisserie. For a special occasion, pair your food with a glass of fine Champagne, a crisp Crémant or a refreshing G&T.

Hebden, Skipton BD23 5DX
01756 753778 www.theoldschooltearoom.com
Step back in time as you enter The Old School Tearoom, located in the idyllic village of Hebden. This quaint and cosy tearoom offers a wide selection of homemade food, including their special vintage afternoon tea, which must be booked in advance. This includes tea or coffee, a selection of finger sandwiches, savoury pastries, four dainty cakes, and a scone that you can smother in jam and cream – all served on vintage china.

The Great North Road, Wentbridge, Pontefract WF8 3JJ
01977 620444 www.wentbridgehouse.co.uk
Wentbridge House serves a range of afternoon tea menus to suit all tastes in their drawing room or Fleur de Lys Restaurant. Opt for the traditional offering to enjoy sandwiches, homemade pastries and fruit scones served with Cartwright & Butler Yorkshire preserves. Alternatively, for a heartier affair, choose the Yorkshire gentleman’s afternoon tea of Yorkshire beef and onion mini baguettes, Scotch eggs, pork pies and fruit cake served with a slice of Wensleydale cheese. Little ones don’t need to miss out as their children’s afternoon tea is a real delight – expect mini gingerbread men, doughnuts with chocolate dipping sauce and fairy cakes.

Station Rise, York YO1 6GD
01904 891545 www.thegrandyork.co.uk
The Grand’s Hudsons restaurant offers a fine dining approach to this British tradition. Soak up the views across the city walls and York Minster and enjoy an afternoon of luxury and sophistication – expect silver service and to be expertly guided through each course. The menu showcases quality local produce, including honey from The Grand’s rooftop hive. Enjoy the hotel’s own blend of tea and try spiced tomato consommé, smoked sea trout on brioche, and a delicious caramel gold choux bun.

Little Stainforth, Settle BD24 0DP
01729 822200 www.the-knights-table.co.uk
At The Knight’s Table you can enjoy your afternoon tea in modern, stylish surroundings. Their summer afternoon tea is not one to miss. It is served on a wooden board made to look like a knight’s shield, and includes a selection of savoury treats – a lamb samosa, mini chicken and sweet chilli wrap, salmon and prawn fish cake, soup of the day and a Greek salad with olives and feta – alongside brandy snap filled with cheesecake cream, scone with jam and cream, millionaires shortbread and vanilla crème brûlée. This fit-for-a-king afternoon tea can be enjoyed with tea, coffee or prosecco (for just £4 extra).

Ripon HG4 3ET
01765 620070 www.grantleyhall.co.uk
Enjoy a quintessentially British afternoon tea served in one of Grantley Hall’s elegant lounge areas, or on one of the beautiful landscaped terraces. Sample sumptuous scones, delicious homemade cakes and pastries – all served on delicate bespoke crockery, and with tea poured from sterling silver teapots. This afternoon tea promises to be an unforgettable experience.

Masham, Ripon HG4 4JH
01765 680900 www.swintonestate.com
Head to the impressive Swinton Park and choose from a range of dining spaces; take your tea in the bar, drawing room or on the lawn when the summer weather allows. Try ham and mustard, beef and horseradish, and trout pâté sandwiches, followed by freshly-baked scones with clotted cream and artisan preserves. The top tier of this indulgent feast features raspberry macarons, set lemon custard and an amaretti and coffee cup. Little ones can join in the fun too with the kid’s afternoon tea picnic, featuring assorted lollies, a berry milkshake and chocolate brownie.

Scarborough YO11 2EF
01723 376868 www.emmascoffeelounge.co.uk
You’ll find a warm welcome and a decadent afternoon tea prepared with the finest local produce here. Their traditionally English afternoon tea consists of a freshly brewed tea or coffee, an assortment of sandwiches – including smoked salmon with cream cheese and home roast ham – a homemade miniature quiche, scones with Yorkshire strawberry jam and fresh cream, an assortment of miniature handmade cakes including lemon cake, chocolate éclair, fresh cream meringue and carrot cake.

Follifoot, Harrogate HG3 1JH
01423 844822 www.ruddingpark.co.uk
Take an elegant afternoon tea in Rudding Park’s Conservatory – the perfect setting to enjoy views of the gardens whilst tucking into a selection of sandwiches, fruit scones and cakes baked by the restaurant’s pastry chef. Accompany your food with a cup of Taylors of Harrogate loose leaf tea, mint tea (made with mint picked from the Kitchen Garden), or a glass of Taittinger Champagne. If the sun is shining, take your tea al fresco in the exclusive Breeze House hideaway, which seats up to eight guests.