Afternoon tea is a light meal that consists of sandwiches, scones and cakes. It is generally served at 4 pm, halfway between lunch and dinnertime. Historians credit Duchess Anna for popularizing afternoon tea.
Discover the unique botanical-inspired G&Tea experience at Shed 1 in Ulverston, Cumbria. This bespoke experience includes free-flowing Champagne Bollinger and traditional afternoon tea treats.
Askham Hall
A rambling luxury boutique hotel near Penrith in the Lake District, Askham Hall has an air of gently faded grandeur and buildings dating back to the thirteenth century. Its interior is sumptuous and contemporary with an emphasis on local produce.
Guests staying in the Whitewater Hotel can enjoy a range of luxurious rooms, suites and apartments all with high quality amenities and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Guests can also dine in the hotel’s Michelin star restaurant, Allium. Here, head chef Richard Swale showcases the finest of Cumbrian cuisine. Using the finest locally sourced produce, his menu is inspired by the season. A recent winner of a Taste Cumbria award, dishes such as roasted John Dory, langoustine bun, fennel and lemongrass and Creedy Carver duck with celeriac and elderberry make for memorable dining experiences.
Outside, the hall is surrounded by acres of secluded gardens and pasture with country walks that offer plenty to explore. There are long terraces of colourful herbaceous borders, topiary and ponds as well as wooded areas and meadows. A walk to Lowther Castle or the nearby village church of St Peters is a real treat.
As part of the hotel’s ethos, the estate produces its own meat to be used in the restaurant which offers guests a truly farm-to-fork experience. This is not just for the hotel; the meat is also used at sister establishments such as the Queen’s Head pub Askham and the George and Dragon in Clifton.
Askham Hall is a unique and contemporary stylish place that has been transformed from a stately home into a unique hotel, Michelin-starred restaurant, and wedding barn. It is one of three unique places to eat, sleep and stay on the edge of the Lake District known as the Askham Collection (see also the recently refurbished Queen’s Head pub Askham and the nearby George and Dragon in Clifton).
Its secluded location on the edge of the Lake District makes it a perfect base for relaxation, revelry and adventure. The estate encircled by forests, fields, rivers and fells is the ideal location for a wedding, celebration, corporate event or simply for an overnight stay to savour the beauty of Cumbrian life.
Cartmel
Cartmel, a picturesque village on the southern peninsula of Cumbria, is famous for its world-class food and drink scene. From a double Michelin-starred restaurant to laid back cafes, there is something for everyone. The local cuisine is inspired by the region’s rural and coastal surroundings, with a focus on using seasonal and local produce.
The locals have a long history of hospitality, which has helped shape the region’s culinary landscape. The renowned hoteliers Francis Coulson of Sharrow Bay, Bronwen Nixon of Rothay Manor and John Tovey of Miller Howe were instrumental in putting the region on the tourist map in the 1970s, with their menus celebrating traditional Lake District recipes that are rugged and bold, yet refined to achieve classic status.
Today, the village is home to two Michelin starred restaurants including Simon Rogan’s L’Enclume and the award-winning Cark-in-Cartmel, which both offer a unique take on the English afternoon tea. Aside from these restaurants, there are several cosy country pubs, cafes and bistros where you can enjoy a cream tea with a view.
Despite being on the edge of the Lake District National Park, Cartmel is full of life. Its streets are lined with a delectable range of independent shops and artisan cheese makers, while the village also has a thriving beer scene. One of the highlights is Unsworth’s Yard, a unique shopping area that includes a brewery, wine snug and tea shop.
As Stein continues his journey across Cumbria, he visits the village of Ulverston to pay homage to one of its most famous sons, Stan Laurel. He explores Laurel’s birthplace and shares anecdotes about his life, while highlighting how heritage influences the culture of a region and its culinary traditions.
From the sand dunes at Morecambe Bay to the quaint cottages in Flookburgh, there is so much to see and do in this beautiful part of England. There is plenty of outdoor adventure to be had with hiking trails, boating trips and riding on the steam train from Haverthwaite to Windermere. Soak up the atmosphere and discover a side of Cumbria you’ve never seen before.
Sawrey House Hotel
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, a special anniversary or simply enjoying a weekend away in the gorgeous landscapes of Cumbria, there’s nothing more exquisite than treating yourself to an afternoon tea experience. Enjoy a selection of classic finger sandwiches stuffed with delicious fillings, a choice of freshly baked scones topped with clotted cream and jam and a moreish collection of mini cakes and pastries. A glass of cold fizz will add the perfect finishing touch.
Located in the village of Near Sawrey and next door to Hill Top Farm (the former home of Beatrix Potter), this beautiful country house hotel is a perfect place to indulge in some traditional British cuisine. Rooms are individually styled with elegant decor and feature flat-screen TVs. Many also have views of the gardens and Esthwaite Water.
In addition to their renowned Afternoon Tea, The Wild Boar also offers a range of other culinary delights. Whether you’re in the mood for their signature pigs in blankets, mini fish and chips or beef sliders, there’s something for everyone at The Wild Boar, Windermere. Afterwards, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon with a cup of tea in one of their luxurious lounges or on the terrace overlooking Lake Ullswater and Hallin Fell.
This luxurious property offers a variety of different dining experiences, but their afternoon tea is the most popular with visitors to the area. The menu changes regularly to reflect seasonality and “ginspiration,” and they cater for all dietary needs. Their food is prepared using the finest local ingredients, and their service is impeccable.
Afternoon tea has been a long-standing tradition at The Savoy, with the first servings taking place in 1840. By the 1920s, afternoon tea had become a regular feature on the hotel’s menu. The Savoy’s tea menu is truly iconic, and they have retained the same high standards for their service.
Afternoon tea at the Sawrey House Hotel is priced from £22. The average price per person is £19. KAYAK users have rated the experience as good. Prices can vary depending on the day of the week, but Sunday is usually the cheapest.
MacDonald Leeming House
Built more than 200 years ago, Macdonald Leeming House is one of the Lake District’s most sought-after four-star hotels for getaways inspired by nature and romance. The elegance of this Georgian mansion, the exceptional beauty of its setting – 22 acres of incredibly lovely gardens and direct access to the shores of Ullswater – plus spectacular views, stylish function rooms, and a team that proudly hosts each guest make this hotel the perfect place to get away from it all.
Macdonald Leeming House offers a dazzling selection of accommodation options, including 40 classic rooms with modern conveniences. Each room features a flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi. There is also an in-room safe, a minibar and a hairdryer. The en-suite bathrooms are complete with a bathtub and shower. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s complimentary spa and fitness centre, as well as its AA two-rosette restaurant, which serves a range of fresh, seasonal dishes and drinks.
The hotel is the ideal location for weddings, with toastmaster services available and dedicated staff on hand to ensure every detail of your big day goes exactly as planned. It’s also a popular spot for conferences and corporate events, with full-service event management teams on-hand to handle all the planning and logistics.
MacDonald Leeming House has an in-house restaurant, called the Regency Restaurant, which serves a variety of fresh, seasonal dishes and wines. The menu changes regularly to highlight the best of local produce, and you can indulge in a three-course meal for just £29.
When you stay at MacDonald Leeming House, you’ll be within easy reach of all of the area’s most important attractions. The hotel is a short drive from Ullswater ’Steamers’, and it’s just a 10-minute ride to Aira Force Parkland. Guests can also enjoy spending time at St Martin Church, which is a hard-to-miss divine tourist destination.
Prices at MacDonald Leeming House vary depending on the season and day of the week. The cheapest day to book a room is usually Tuesday, while the most expensive is Friday.
