The Top Ten Places To Enjoy Afternoon Tea - Treasure Houses of England

Afternoon Tea, Duchess' Tea Room
Woburn Abbey

A fittingly fine way to enjoy the quintessentially English custom of afternoon tea, visit the Treasure Houses of England’s consortium of historic homes, palaces and castles to indulge in this traditional pastime in spectacular surrounds and inimitable stately style.

Woburn Abbey – The English tradition of Afternoon Tea is said to have been started around 1840 by Duchess Anna Maria, wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford, who entertained her friends in the Blue Drawing Room at Woburn Abbey. Visitors today can experience Afternoon Tea at Woburn at the Duchess’ Tea Room or at the Estate’s hotel The Inn at Woburn (pre-booking required).
 

Afternoon Tea at Burghley

Burghley House – Have tea in ‘Capability’ Brown’s Orangery restaurant overlooking the topiary in the South Gardens. Homemade scones, jam and clotted cream can be enjoyed in the peaceful and romantic Rose Garden.

Beaulieu – Enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea with a wide selection of cakes and pastries all baked in-house in the Brabazon Coffee Shop and Restaurant.  Some produce comes from Lord Montagu’s own Victorian Kitchen garden; beetroot is transformed into a delicious moist cake and plums made into jam, to eat on scones with lashings of Dorset clotted cream.

Hatfield House – Take tea to new and dizzy heights with Hatfield’s Helicopter Discovery Tour where you can escape on an eight mile helicopter pleasure flight over the estate to snatch spectacular aerial views of the stunning architecture of the house, rounded off by a delicious home made cream tea at the house.

Castle Howard Afternoon Tea

Castle Howard – Enjoy an afternoon treat at Castle Howard in either the bistro style Courtyard Cafe or the more traditional
Fitzroy Room.  On offer are seasonal menus prepared by their incredible chefs that include a generous selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads and heavenly homemade cakes.

Chatsworth – Enjoy a British tradition at Chatsworth with an afternoon tea in the Cavendish Rooms restaurant in the 18th century Stables, designed by the famous architect James Paine.  Afternoon teas, comprising homemade dainty sandwiches, freshly baked cakes and a wide choice of teas are available throughout the day, and are pre-bookable online.

Leeds Castle Afternoon Tea

Leeds Castle – Enjoy an afternoon treat with a cream tea in the 17th Century oak-beamed Fairfax Hall or outside in the sunshine on the Terrace overlooking the castle.  There is an excellent choice of freshly prepared hot and cold dishes on offer, along with cakes and other sweet treats, all of which can be enjoyed in a rustic farmhouse kitchen style setting featuring oak and wrought iron finishes.

Harewood House – Taste the delights of afternoon tea in one of Harewood’s renowned cafés. The Grade 1 listed Courtyard
Café, edged by colonnades, offers superb al fresco and covered facilities perfect for families, while The Terrace Café - voted one of the best places to have afternoon tea by Gardener’s World Magazine readers in 2010 - offers stunning views over the lake and Capability Brown landscape.  Using locally sourced ingredients, much from Harewood’s own Walled Garden, both cafes provide a spectacular setting to relax and unwind.

Holkham Hall – The Holkham Estate has three cafés all offering afternoon tea.  As part of a visit to Holkham Hall, you will discover the Stables Café. The Rose Garden Café is in the Ancient House, the oldest domestic building in Holkham Village. Finally there’s the Beach Café just a stone’s throw from the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea.  Whichever you opt for you can be sure to find plenty of mouth-watering homemade treats to indulge in.

Blenheim Palace - Blenheim Palace is the perfect place to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the elegant surroundings only a palace could provide.  Tea is served in the palace’s Indian Room, or Champagne Bar, overlooking the beautiful fountains on the Water Terraces for a truly inspired setting.  Choose from a delectable selection of menus including a
traditional Blenheim Tea, a Churchill Champagne Tea or a luxury Winston Churchill Premier Tea, inspired by the great leader it includes his favourite tipple Pol Roger Brut Reserve NV.

The Treasure Houses of England are 10 of the most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today.

Members are Beaulieu, Blenheim Palace, Burghley, Castle Howard, Chatsworth, Harewood, Hatfield House, Holkham Hall, Leeds Castle and Woburn Abbey.

For more information please visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk